What is Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is an ancient holistic wellness practice that utilizes plant extracts derived from nature to foster health and healing, of both the body and mind. Essential oils are a popular form of aromatherapy, offering advantages beyond just their sweet scent. Whether you’re fighting a case of the winter blues, or fighting a full-blown migraine, you could likely benefit from the use of essential oils as a self-care practice. If you’re new to aromatherapy, don’t despair. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to get the most out of your aromatherapy routine.
What is aromatherapy used for?
If you’ve ever had a full-body massage, or a relaxing facial, you’ve likely encountered aromatherapy. The use of aromatherapy enhances these experiences, stimulating your senses, and calming your stresses. Aromatherapy has even proven beneficial for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, as these types of treatments are known to alter one’s sense of smell.
10 benefits of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is believed to possess a multitude of benefits for your mind, body, and soul. Though we can’t list them all here, the following are 10 of the most widely cited benefits of aromatherapy:
Reduces stress & anxiety
Soothes headaches & migraines
Boosts immunity
Relieves sore muscles & joints
Improves sleep
Aids digestion
Helps keep sinuses clear
Alleviates nausea
Increases alertness
Enhances mood
Types of aromatherapy products
There’s no shortage of selection when it comes to aromatherapy products. Some prefer to activate their sense of smell with aromatherapy in their homes, while others like to use essential oils directly on the skin. Regardless of your preference, here are a handful of aromatherapy products that you can choose from:
● Bath bombs, salts, and bubble bath liquids
● Essential oil diffusers
● Room sprays
● Body or face oils & serums
● Face masks
● Essential oil candles
Aromatherapy and your mood
Extracting organic plant oils for the purpose of aromatherapy is probably best known for being able to alter one’s mood and cognitive well-being. The natural and pure scent of essential oils can have a great effect on how you’re feeling, supporting ultimate stress relief and relaxation. It’s important to note that you must be using essential oils, and NOT fragrance oils, to garner the true benefits of aromatherapy. Fragrance oils possess no natural aroma, and instead are scented with artificial ingredients that offer no benefits whatsoever.
The advantages of aromatherapy vary by scent. You can even mix and match fragrances to maximize the benefits. Each variation of fragrance blend can enhance your mood in different ways. The following is a run down on some of our favorite scents for when you’re feeling a bit blue.
Chamomile - Chamomile offers a diverse range of benefits, including digestive relief, soothing of the skin, and even anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus - Scents like tangerine and lemon are known for being uplifting and invigorating. Kick-off your day, or indulge in an afternoon pick-me-up with energizing citrus aromatherapy. As an added bonus, the Vitamin-C in citrus can lift your skin in addition to your mood.
Lavender - Lavender is one of the best known scents for stress relief and relaxation. Not only can lavender quiet anxiety, it’s also great for treating nausea, menstrual pain, and insomnia.
Eucalyptus - A popular ingredient in common cold medicines, eucalyptus can be used to treat a number of different ailments. If you’ve ever used Vicks VapoRub, you’ve surely experienced the natural healing qualities of eucalyptus. Commonly used to clear congestion, open your airways, and relieve coughs, eucalyptus is a must-have in your aromatherapy arsenal.
Ginger - Ginger root is great for more than just flavoring your food or drinks. Ginger is well-known for fighting nausea, but its uses extend far beyond just that. It’s also an equally effective anti-inflammatory, and is also believed to promote healthy hair growth.
Peppermint - Like ginger, the pros of peppermint oil are well-established. Peppermint oil can be used to rid surfaces of germs, sooth itchy and irritated skin, boost blood circulation, and even ease gas.
Expert Tip: For safety, it's important that you do proper research on how to properly use aromatherapy. It’s recommended that you dilute specific oils, either with water or another carrier oil. We suggest no more than 2% of essential oils in a recipe, but always advise that you check your supplier’s dilution and safety specifications.
Discover aromatherapy products you’ll love
In search of the ultimate aromatherapy items to introduce into your routine? Moody Sisters offers a variety of indulgent body care products scented with your favorite natural fragrances.
Choose from rich, whipped soaps scented with ingredients like sage, sandalwood, and tangerine. Or shop our selection of shampoos and conditioners with all-natural aromas such as tea tree, peppermint, and rosehip oils. Moody Sisters even offers feminine care products formulated with pH balanced ingredients that are both safe and effective at keeping things clean down there. Our Sensitive Body Dusting Powder helps you stay cool and dry with light, discreet fragrances like lavender, lemongrass, and vanilla.