Soothing & Stimulating with Aromatherapy

I love Aromatherapy.  For those of you who don’t know, Aromatherapy is the art of using pure essential oils, derived from certain flowers and plants, to enhance overall well-being.  Aromatherapists base their belief system on the ideology that essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, have medicinal benefits – including antidepressant and antibacterial properties – to relax, soothe, stimulate, and arouse the mind and body.
How to use it? Just a few drops of an essential oil added to lotion or good quality natural oil can nourish the skin, enrich the senses, and soothe the soul.  Different oils evoke different feelings and moods, and certain essential oils can trigger physical or emotional effects on their own. For instance, lavender is a widely known calming agent, whereas peppermint is a mood lifter. Other oils can be blended to achieve a specific physiological or psychological effect.

Aromatherapy Suggestions:  Here are a few popular essential oils and blends.  Experiment by adding a few drops to a natural carrier oil (such as almond or grapeseed), or add some directly into a bath, diffuser, or even a boiling pot of water, for a “scentual” experience.  Have fun and add more or less of whichever scent strikes your fancy.

*Do not apply drops directly to your skin; always blend with carrier oils or lotions if you want to apply it to the skin.

Stress Relief

Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

Anxiety/Fear

Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood

Sadness/Grief

Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue

Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Agitation

Chamomile (Roman), Lavendar, Mandarin, Sandalwood

Memory Boosters

Basil, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary

Sensual/Aphrodisiac

Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang