Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy. What is it exactly and how can it help?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment. It uses aromatic essential oils from natural plant extracts to medicinally improve the health of the body, mind and spirit. It can have very positive effects for both the physical and mental health.

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years…. ancient cultures in India, China and Egypt used aromatic plants in resins, balms and oils. The Persians in the 10th century are the first culture to have distilled essential oils, though it may have been used for a long time prior to this. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption. You can use products such as diffusers, spritzers, creams, inhalers, steamers, hot and cold compresses, facial and body masks and bathing salts to name a few. There are nearly one hundred different types of essential oils available, but it’s important to buy essential oils that are 100% natural and don’t have additives or synthetic ingredients. Oils are not regulated by the FDA so it’s important to buy from a reputable producer.

The benefits of Aromatherapy:

• manage pain
• improve sleep
• reduce stress and anxiety
• soothe sore joints
• treat headaches and migraines
• fight bacteria, viruses or fungus
• improve digestion
• boost immunity
• general well being

You can use essential oils a number of ways. For example, add them to body lotions or face cream, shampoos, liquid soaps. Add them to bath water or spritz them around a room. You can also enhance your toothpaste for a fresher mouth or mouthwash. Most essential oils are safe to use, but there are some potential side effects. Be careful not to apply essential oils directly to your skin. They should be diluted in a carrying oil such as grape seed oil. You can do a skin patch test being using it to see if you’re sensitive to that particular oil. Some citrus oils can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be careful if you’re exposed to sunlight.

Some side effects may include:

• rashes
• asthma attacks
• headaches
• allergic reactions
• skin irritation
• nausea
  

There is lots of information out there about essential oils and their benefits. I’ve been using oils for anxiety, feelings of depression and sadness. Anti-viral oils lately get me through this trying COVID 19 time. doTERRA is my go-to company for oils. They have blog posts and videos on their website that go into greater details of the various oils, different products and proprietary blends you can use for whatever reason you want.

Here are a few of my favourite links:

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-doterra-on-guard-protective-blend
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-doterra-on-guard-study

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For an immunity boost and protective blend:

https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/p/on-guard-o

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For a calming blend:

https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/p/adaptiv-oil

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-science-behind-adaptive-calming-blend

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For calming and grounding:

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-doterra-balance-grounding-blend

https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/p/balance-oil

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For calming and anxiety:

https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/p/doterra-serenity-oil

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-doterra-serenity-restful-blend

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For anxiety:

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/copaiba-oil

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/product-spotlight-using-copaiba

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Other oils that are anti-viral include:

• Helichrysum
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Eucalyptus
• Oregano
  

I hope this helps a little bit and gives you some ideas for using essential oils in your everyday life! It’s hard to put into words how essential oils lift my spirits and helps get me through my most trying days… but it seems to clear the cobwebs of my mind and helps me focus on being in the present moment. I wish everyone the very best. Keep healthy and strong.

Lindsay

To Read about Lindsay click HERE