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How to enjoy the effects
of aromatherapy!
The amazing effects of aromatherapy can vary quite a bit, depending on which of the delicious essential oils you use. From helping you feel more alert, to relieving digestive problems, aromatherapy can do it all! But as this site is dedicated to helping you sleep better at night, we'll concentrate on those that aid relaxation, reduce anxiety, calm restlessness, and promote healthy sleep.
Benefiting from aromatherapy
There are several ways that you can reap the benefits of the effects of aromatherapy. You can add essential aromatherapy oils to your bath, or foot bath, mix them with a carrier oil and massage them into your skin (or have someone do it for you!), or simply inhale the aroma provided by a diffuser, candle, oil burner, scented pillow, room/linen spray etc.Although there are at least 40 essential aromatherapy oils, there are certain ones that are more commonly used, easy to find, and generally well tolerated. You can use the guide below to help you find the scent that is best suited to your needs/situation. - Oils that produce the relaxing effects of aromatherapy
include - Lavendar, Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Basil
- Oils that produce anxiety reducing effects
include - Lemon Balm (Melissa), Cedarwood, Rose, Sweet Marjoram
- Essential oils which promote sound sleep
include - Lavendar, Chamomile, Marjoram, Neroli, Sandalwood, Clary Sage
When using any of the above essential oils in your bathwater, you can simply add 4 - 6 drops directly into the water and use your hands to mix well. If you're using an aromatherapy essential oil (or a blend of several) applied to the skin as in a massage, the oil needs to be mixed with a 'carrier oil' first, as the majority of essential oils are too powerful to come in direct contact with your skin. Vegetable-based or nut-based oils such as Almond or Sunflower Oils are popular. As a general rule, you can add 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml or carrier oil and shake to blend. Find out how aromatherapy works, and why it has such a beneficial effect on your body on my How Does Aromatherapy Work? page.
Other benefits of using essential oils
In addition to helping you to relax and sleep well, there are other effects that aromatherapy essential oils can have on your mind/body.- Breathing or chest problems
Jasmine, Rosemary, Cypress, Peppermint, Eucalyptus
- To rejuvenate or uplift
Lemon, Lemongrass, Spearmint, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Bergamont, Cedarwood
- Healing and anti-bacterial
Tea tree, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Sweet Marjoram, Peppermint, Patchouli
- Aphrodisiac/romance
Jasmine, Rose
If you want to wind down after a crazy day at work, or simply want to feel less anxious, improve your mood, or get a good night's sleep, the effects of aromatherapy could be the answer you've been looking for!
Page/Article Links:
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy Guide
Sleep Hygiene
Insomnia Tips
Sleep Disorders
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