What is it? The science of scents and their impact on our brain chemistry and overall health is called aromatherapy. Using natural scents to calm, invigorate, balance, or focus throughout the day is a beautiful way to bring wellness into your routine.
Essential oils feel and work differently than vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are pressed from the seeds of plants and feel slippery and greasy to the touch. Essential oils are distilled from plants and are highly concentrated extracts from all the plant parts; flower, tree, root and shrub. They are light to the touch and evaporate rapidly. Because they are so concentrated, a little goes a long way.
Some starting points:
Relaxing and Calming : Lavender, Chamomile
Invigorating : Peppermint, Sandalwood, Lemon, Orange
Balancing : Cinnamon, Basil, Parsley
Uplifting : Rose, Bergamot, Geranium
Focus : Cedarwood, Frankincense
There are many ways to engage your sense of smell and benefit from the healing powers of specific scents in nature. Here are just a handful to get you started.
1. If you are using an essential oil, start with just a drop or two in your palms, cup your hands over your nose and breathe in for a few seconds.
2. Dab some essential oils on your neck or wrist as a natural perfume. Sometimes I even run a bit through my hair — there is something romantic about perfumed hair.
3. Freshen a whole room by using a diffuser or add a drop or two of an essential oil on a tissue and place in a vent of the room. The forced air will circulate the smell throughout the room.
4. Add scents to your daily routine with children. Before nap or bedtime, bring out a calming or relaxing aroma. Before homework time, bring out a scent that helps with focus. Children tend to respond well to natural scents used in moderation, but always be sure not to overwhelm them with aromas that are too strong.
Explore the impact that different natural scents have on your moods and emotions. It is a simple, enjoyable, elegant way to enhance your day.
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