Relaxing Through Aromatherapy: How Essential Oils Can Treat Your Ailments and Enhance Your Emotional and Physical Well Being

For thousands of years, people have been using essential oils to heal, as well as relax through the practice of Aromatherapy. Not only do essential oils treat common ailments, they can be used to enhance emotional or physical well being.

Essential oils are usually taken from plant sources, such as petals, leaves or seeds and can provide the fragrance in many perfumes. The most common way to use essential oils is through massage or in the bath. These oils are most effective during massage, since the skin absorbs it quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

You can use your essential oils in a variety of ways, depending on reason for usage. Inhaling steam infused with oil can be very beneficial in treating respiratory problems, such as colds or chest congestion. A steam treatment can also be a great step in home facials, for a deep cleansing.

Massage is most often used with essential oils, and can benefit the body in a number of ways. Aromas can help with calming the emotions, as well as stimulating blood flow throughout the body. Essential oils are added through drops to base oil that spread on the skin during a massage and can allow the essential oil to absorb faster into the skin.

Diffusers or vaporizers are a great way to use essential oils to fill a room with natural fragrance. Depending on the style, most diffusers or pots are heated to warm the oil, which release the aroma. The amount of oil used, depends on the size of the room, six drops being sufficient for larger rooms.

Blending oils together can take time and practice. Make sure the oils being mixed don't overpower each other, and blending three oils is a good way not to overdo any one fragrance. Base oils are used to apply essential oil to the skin, as well as dilute highly concentrated fragrances. Mix oils together in a glass or porcelain bottle, and store in a cool, dark location.

Storage is important to avoid spilling, which may have a harsh smell to young children and animals. When using essential oils, it's important to remember that less is more!

Some common essential oils include:

Eucalyptus: These green-blue leaves have a cool, clean smell, and are the easiest to use in Aromatherapy. Eucalyptus oil is used for asthma, bronchitis, flu, and has also been known to reduce fever. Since this oil has a cooling effect on skin, it is most often used in baths and massages, and also inhalation.

Lavender: This plants oil is great for both the nervous and emotional systems. It is used to calm and sedate, and can also be used for skin conditions and infections.Lavender is used in a multitude of ways like bathing, massage, room spray, and inhalation. Cold compresses or steam inhalation can relieve headaches or migraines.

Sage: The Egyptians and Chinese have been using this oil for many centuries. Sage has a fresh and spicy smell, with a hint of camphor. This essential oil has been shown to relieve arthritis, bacterial infections and water retention. Using this oil in a bath or massage can relieve stress or muscle aches.

Since there are a large variety of oils to choose from, it is always important to read carefully how to mix them, and to know which oils they can be mixed with. Choose oils depending on your mood, or if you would like a natural relief for common aliments.