What is Aromatherapy?

Our ability to see, touch, taste, hear, and smell effect our everyday being and how we interpret things. Smelling a freshly baked apple pie coming out of the oven can trigger happiness, warmth (and hunger!) – but did you know that your sense of smell can be therapeutic for your body? Such practice is called aromatherapy.

According to NAHA.org, Aromatherapy “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.  It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process.”

Aromatherapy can provide many health benefits, such as can help alleviate stress, claim the fight-or-flight response, promote alertness, induce sleep, and increase appetite.[1] Essentially, it is a healing practice that can be performed at home or in the spa through the use of essential oils.

At home you can add them to your shower routine. A blend of Lavender, Ylang Ylang & Tangerine oils found in our Purifying & Calming Essential Oils, help to soothe, calm and heal, and can be added to the bottom of your shower. Simply turn on your shower and let the aroma dispense. You can even mix this blend of essential oils with a body lotion, such as our Seaweed Body Cream, for an aromatherapy massage to soothe muscle aches and tensions. If you prefer to unwind in your tub, Essential Oil of Peppermint is wonderful add as a bath oil, especially in the fall and winter months, and provides stimulating and rejuvenating benefits.  Another way to benefit from aromatherapy is for sleeping. Add a couple drops of a blend of essential oils to your bed sheets before bed to help ease the mind and sleep better.

What are your favorite scents? Tell us in the comments below!