Have you ever caught a sniff of lavender and felt instantly relaxed? Or maybe the scent of peppermint has perked you right up? Well, guess what – that is aromatherapy in action, and it is way more than just nice smells!
So, what is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses the power of plants to boost our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. At the heart of aromatherapy are these amazing things called essential oils. They're like the essence of a plant, squeezed into tiny bottles. These oils are extracted from plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers and the rind of fruit.
A word of warning - not all essential oils are created equal. With their rising popularity, there are a lot of imposters on the market, passing themselves off as the real thing. So, when you're shopping, look for labels that include the plant's fancy botanical name the cost of the oil is a good indication as to the quality of it. Do not be afraid to spend a little more for quality.
There are two main ways to use these magical oils:
Breathe them in: When you diffuse these oils, the scent travels up your nose and chats with your brain, which is why some smells can bring back memories or change your mood.
Rub them on: You can also put oils directly on your skin (mixed with a carrier oil, of course - safety first!). Your skin soaks them up, and then they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream.
So how do they work on bringing balance to the Mind, Body & Soul?
I know it is probably hard to believe that essential oils can bring balance to the mind, body and soul, but read on, because I have some examples below.
The physical stuff: Got aches and pains? Inflammation? There is an oil for that. German chamomile and turmeric are inflammation-fighting heroes, while peppermint is great for pain.
The mental and emotional stuff: Need to focus? Feeling down? Oils can help here too. Try rosemary for concentration or lavender for calming everything down.
The spiritual stuff: If you are into meditation or energy healing, oils like frankincense and sandalwood can take your practice to a whole new level.
Aromatherapy is not one-size-fits-all, because we are all unique and different. The oils that work for your bestie, might not necessarily be the right oil for you.
So next time you smell something amazing, remember - there might be more going on than just a nice scent. Aromatherapy is this incredible, natural way to support our health and happiness.
Much love
Carmen x
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