Aromatherapy treatments use different aromas and essential oils to treat many types of ailments and diseases. During any type of aromatherapy, much of the essential organic oils are inhaled and absorbed through the mouth and nose stimulating the production of relaxing, sedative euphoric or sedative neuro-chemical, providing beneficial mental and emotional effects. Benefits are achieved through smelling the essence of the many essential oils.

Here are some of the more popular aromatherapy scents used for stress relief, and their effects, with suggestions on how to make the most of them so you can match the right scent with your aromatherapy needs. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of physical conditions including: health, hygiene, mental and beauty.

Rosemary
Rosemary is associated with feelings of contentment. It's been shown to have positive affects on performance and mood. Rosemary has also demonstrated the ability to reduce cortisol levels. Rosemary essential oil is used to help relieve headaches, muscle aches and pains, and skin infections. It has an energizing effect and combats mental fatigue.

Precautions:Do not use during pregnancy or suffering from epilepsy. Rosemary essential oil may cause skin irritation. Use with caution or not at all if you have high blood pressure.

Lavender
Lavender is associated with feelings contentment, improved cognitive performance (some measures) and mood as well, and has also shown other mild sedative and calming effects. It's also been shown to reduce cortisol levels. It can soothe babies and new mothers alike, promote positive mother-infant interactions, promote sleep in infants, and promote deep sleep in men and women, as well. This can be a great choice for anyone trying to relax for sleep or feel more calm and relaxed during the day.

Peppermint
Peppermint aromatherapy has been found to increase memory and alertness, which can provide a great pick-me-up for too-tired, too-busy people, stressed students, and the overworked. As a massage oil, peppermint relaxes muscles, relieves cramping and pain caused by arthritis. It's also used to stimulate oil production in dry skin.

Peppermint is used to kill bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It relieves lung and sinus congestion when inhaled.

Precautions: Can cause skin irritation. Do not use if during pregnancy.

Ylang-Ylang
While ylang-ylang has actually been found to decrease alertness, slightly lengthen processing speed and impair memory. It's also been found to promote calmness and reduce stress, making it a good option for unwinding and de-stressing at the end of a long day.

Lemon
Some research has shown that lemon oil may possess anti-depressant-type effects, making it a good choice for stress relief and mood enhancement as well. Lemon is an astringent and antiseptic oil. It is used to relieve fevers, sore throat, coughs and indigestion. It's usually used in a steam bath or massage oil to help relieve congestion from infection. Lemon is also used to relax stiff muscles.

Precautions: Lemon is photosensitizing (sun sensitive) to some people. Do not use on the skin for at least 12 hours prior to sun exposure.

Chamomile
Roman Chamomile essential oil can be used to treat headache, insomnia, acne, menstrual problems, dermatitis and inflammation. This essential oil is relaxing and will calm nerves.

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is highly antiseptic. It's used as a massage oil to alleviate sore muscles, and as an inhalant to relieve lung and sinus congestion and is one of the strongest essential oils to help fight viral infections such as the flu.

Frankincense
Frankincense can be used to rejuvenate aging skin, fade old scars, and reduce inflammation. It can be used to treat acne, fevers, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis and nervous conditions. Frankincense can be used to treat infection of the lungs, reproductive organs and the urinary tract. It boosts the body's immune system.

Frankincense is a comforting oil that soothes, warms, relaxes the mind and aids in meditation.

Myrrh
Myrrh essential oil is a strong antiseptic and is used to treat wounds, fight viral and fungal infections, eczema, athlete's foot and diarrhea. It's good for coughs, colds and flu. Myrrh essential oil is also an aphrodisiac.

Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy.

Clary Sage
Clary sage soothes and relaxes and is used to ease pain and muscle tension. It also helps to relieve depression and encourages sleep. Clary sage can also be used to reduce wrinkles and skin inflammation. It is a muscle relaxant and aphrodisiac.

Precautions: Clary sage increases the effect of drinking alcohol. Do not drink alcohol or drive after use. Do not use during pregnancy.

Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated and should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. When applied to the skin essential oils are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. But not all scents are created equal, nor do they affect human physiology and behavior in the same ways.

Please inquire about a specific oil for your aromatherapy prior to appointment, as we carry various oils and blends. Lavender is our most popular and is safe for all ages.

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