It’s been said that our sense of smell is the sense most strongly connected with our memory and thus can influence our recall of past experiences. Oddly, our sense of smell is also the least understood of our senses too. Regardless, we’ve known for centuries that what we smell enhance or affect our moods and dispositions.

Aromatherapy is the use of the most potent and concentrated extracts of various parts of flowers, plants, fruits, leaves,
spices, roots, and trees to create pure essential oils. These oils can be used in a variety of ways to relax, energize, soothe, reduce stress and comfort you when needed. In fact, we use aromatherapy pretty frequently. Whenever we put on our favorite perfume, bring fragrant cut flowers into our homes or light the scented candle in our bedrooms to set the mood we are utilizing this most easy and effective therapy. I use the oils often during massage sessions to aid in relaxation or to invigorate a client after a lengthy appointment. Below you’ll find a list of commonly found essential oils and their uses. You can usually find these oils at your local health or natural foods store in the personal care or toiletries section. Essential oils fall into three categories: top, middle and base notes. Top notes are very strongly scented and the most stimulating. They can last from 3-24 hours. Middle notes are less potent than top notes but can last from two to three days. These oils are best for affecting metabolic and body functions. Lastly, base note oils are usually sweeter, soothing and calming and can take up to a week to evaporate. When making your own aromatherapy blend it’s best to combine all three notes for effect.

Be aware of these precautions when using essential oils: never ingest essential oils, always read the labels of the oils as some can cause skin irritations (even when diluted which is the only way to apply these many of oils to bare skin) and do not use essential oils on infants.

For Anxiety
Bergamot (top note)
Cedarwood (base note)
Lavender (middle note)

For Depression
Jasmine (base note)
Lavender (middle note)
Neroli (top note)

For Mental Fatigue and Stress
Chamomile (middle note)
Lavender (middle note)
Peppermint (top note)
Rosemary (middle note)
Sandlewood (base note)

Be creative when deciding on application of your essential oil. Put a few drops in your bath, hairbrush and pillow. Place a few more in your liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner or lotion dispenser. You can also place the oils in a home diffuser, an unscented candle or place a few drops on a tissue to inhale before sleeping or meditation. To calm your nerves invest in an auto diffuser and uses your favorite stress-relieving scent while you drive. Consider keeping your favorite work-related blend on your desk to dab on a tissue to be inhaled when needed. More information on the creative art of aromatherapy can be found here.


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