The Health Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been around for 6000 thousands years or more and dates all the way back to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils that are obtained from all types of plants. The plants can be flowers, leaves, tree bark and other types of plants found from all over the world.

The essential oils, once extracted from the plant, can be used in different ways to help promote physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Essential oils are usually transparent and vary in color depending on the plant it was extracted from. They usually have a shelf life of approximately 6 years.

The sent of essential oils travels directly to the gustatory center in a matter of seconds. Our olfactory receives the sent and carries it to the limbic system which targets memory center for emotional reactions. The way essential oils help our body is that they carry oxygenating molecules, which contain nutrients that are then transported to the cells of our body to help maintain good health.

Aromatherapy can also be used in the form of lotions or creams for massages, baths, and scented candles. Some of the benefits of aromatherapy are reducing stress and depression, stimulated awareness and pain relief.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the effects of essential oils is through a diffuser. A simple homemade diffuser is a pot of boiling water with a few drops of essential oil place in the water. The water vapors are then inhaled. Or you can purchase a nebulizer which ionizes and suspends very fine oil molecules in the air to optimize the effect.

Essential oils are usually more expensive than scented candles .Since essential oils are concentrated; you only need a few drops. Scented candles offer a great alternative to essential oils and come in a variety of different scents. Below I have listed a few scents along with their therapeutic use.

Lavender helps people to relax and relieves stress.

Eucalyptus is another popular scent and it helps breathing and boosts your immune system.

Jasmine is used as an aphrodisiac

Geranium is used in aromatherapy and helps woman balance their hormones.

Peppermint is used to relieve aches and pains and also helps digest food.

Ylang Ylang is popular oil used as an antidepressant.

Rosemary lifts your mood

Sage and Chamomile are used to help you sleep.

There are aromatherapy candles for every mood. You just need to know how to use them to get the maximum benefit for yourself. Below I have provided some useful links on aromatherapy products.

Awakening Spirit - Aromatherapy and Herbal products

Holistic Health News - Explains the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils

SpaZone - Scented candles, essential oils and much more