March 13, 2019

Aromatherapy - What is it?

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What is it?

Aromatherapy also referred to as “essential oil therapy”. It can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind, and spirit.

The science and art of aromatherapy is based on the various treatments by which essential oils can be used effectively and safely.

History

The art of aromatherapy has been practiced for thousands of years. Some of the first evidence comes from an ancient Chinese emperor who wrote a book describing the aromatic and healing properties of plants.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to use essential oils. They invented a distilling process to extract essential oils. Several kinds, such as frankincense, were used in the process that preserved the bodies of the ancient kings and queens before they were embalmed and mummified.

Ways to Use Aromatherapy

1. Apply to the skin

Never directly, of course. Very few essential oils can be used directly on your skin. When using essential oils topically you definitely want to make sure that you dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to your skin. Essential oils are fat-soluble, meaning they are immediately absorbed into the skin. Our whipped shea butter contains certified organic essential oils and is already blended with carrier oils. So there’s no need to dilute. You can find them here.

Some other carrier oils that are good to mix and dilute with are sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil just to name a few. Popular areas of applying essential oils to your skin are on your wrists, your temples, your feet, or behind your ears.

Stop and smell the roses - Nailah's Shea

2. Inhale

Open up a bottle of essential oil and bring it near your nose and simply breathe in deeply then out through your mouth or you can place 2-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue or a pillow while sleeping, this can be helpful to reduce coughing at night and to encourage sleep. Steam inhalations can also be helpful for coughs, colds, chest infections, and even skin cleansing.

3. Use in a bath

After the hustle and bustle of the workday, don’t you just want to relax and unwind? Well, taking a quick 20-minute Epsom salt bath with your favorite blend of essential oils will definitely calm your senses. Simply mix a few drops to Epsom salt or light carrier oil, then add to your warm bath water, and enjoy!

These are just a few ideas on how to utilize aromatherapy on a daily basis.

Conclusion

We often take our sense of smell for granted, but studies show that scents are closely linked to memory and can even affect moods and emotions. Depending on the season and your location there are ways in which you can enjoy some “smell therapy”. Visiting a botanical garden, floral shop, farmers market, perfume shop, or even enjoying essential oils, which are derived from the oils of many of your favorite flowers.

What are some of your favorite floral scents? Here’s to the nose!
Share your comments below.

References

https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/history-basics
https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-is-aromatherapy

Disclaimer

I (Nailah’s Shea) am not a doctor, and I am not here to give you direct medical advice. I may explain health and well-being benefits in blog post topics or individual email inquiries on occasion. None of these health benefits have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. They should not be used in place of personal judgment or medical treatment, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat disease.