WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy uses extracts from plants called essential oils, by either breathing them through your nose or putting them on your skin.  Essential oils are made from flower, herb, and tree parts, like bark, roots, peels and petals.  The cells that give a plant its fragrant smell are its "essence."  When an essence is extracted from a plant, it becomes an essential oil.  They're made using a specific process that does't change the chemistry of the plant.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY USED FOR?

Some studies have shown that aromatherapy might have health benefits, including:

• Relief from anxiety and depression
• Improved quality of life, particularly for people with chronic health conditions
• Improved sleep
• Boost feelings of relaxation

Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages throught the nervous system to the limbic system - the part of the brain that controls emotions.  They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.   

IS IT SAFE?

Aromatherapy is generally safe.  Essential oils can cause side effects though.  Some can irritate your eyes, skin or mucous membranes in your nose.

I use doTERRA essential oils that are 100% pure therapeutic grade.  Some favorites:

Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllata) A stimulating and energizing essential oil that can be used as a warming massage oil.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) Studies have shown that Eucalyptus is effective in helping lessen tension.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and ease feelings of tension.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) May help sooth tension headaches, muscle pain, nerve pain and joint conditions.

For more information about doTERRA essential oils visit doTERRA Essential Oils