Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

For example Lavender oil is still used in some of the burns units in French hospitals for treating burns and healing scars. Black pepper oil as another example is excellent for irritable bowl syndrome and any digestive disorders. (Hence why we use it in our dinner!!)

Essential oils are blended to specifically treat ailments of the body. The blend can be used on the skin, in the bath or in an oil burner. Even for headache sufferers a few drops of basil oil on a hanky to smell can help with the headache symptoms.

The inhaled aroma from these essential oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.

There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties. Here is a brief summary of some of the main essential oils available.

MARJORAM
Got a child that can’t seem to relax? Try adding a few drops of Marjoram to his or her bath or vaporizer. One of this essential oil’s therapeutic properties is to calm hyperactivity and relieve anxiety. Marjoram was a popular plant used by the Greeks in medicines and also helps with digestion issues such as constipation and cramps.

PATCHOULI
A widely known essential oil, Patchouli is often associated with mood-lifting properties. This essential oil actually has powerful skincare properties which helps combat skin infections and facilitates healing of wounds.

ROSE
Women should always keep Rose oil handy as it’s a powerful aromatherapy treatment for issues targeted mainly at females. Roses are some of the first plants to be distilled for their essential oil, this oil helps with a number of illnesses and conditions, such as depression, anxiety and digestion issues. It is also helps with circulation, heart problems and respiratory conditions like asthma. It is a protector of the heart and is also good for your skin.

TEA TREE
If you have but just one essential oil in your possession, it should be Tea Tree oil. Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular and effective essential oils for aromatherapy use. It is widely known to boost the immune system and fight infections.

YLANG-YLANG
Ylang-Ylang is recognisable because of its strong fragrance. This essential oils has a sweet aroma is excellent for reducing stress and acts as an aphrodisiac!

BERGAMOT
Bergamot is a citrus-scented essential oil. It is a popular aromatherapy oil and widely used in perfumes and colognes. Bergamot is used to treat stress, depression, anxiety, anorexia, and a number of infections including skin infections like psoriasis and eczema.

JASMINE
Sweet-smelling Jasmine, this is an essential oil that has powerful healing properties, it aids with everything from depression to childbirth. It is known most for its relaxing properties.

LEMON
It comes as no surprise that lemon is a favourite essential oil. Lemon is widely appreciated for its “clean” smell,” but has numerous therapeutic qualities as well. It improves concentration, aids in digestion and eases symptoms of acne and arthritis.

Also remember that Almond Oil is a carrier oil which means that it is an oil you can use to blend the essential oils into to use in massage or in an oil burner.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.