The Season is once again upon us. So much to do, and so
many people to take care of. Through all the chaos, we'd
like to always to a little something special to bring extra
cheer to our gatherings of friends and family...but how?
Ever tried 'real' aromatherapy? Not just a potpourri in the
bathroom, or lemon-scented detergent. Real aromatherapy
with pure essential oils. It can make a difference,
creating a warm, friendly, familial atmosphere inspiring a
smile on everyone's faces. There may even be some health
supporting side effects as well, just from smelling
something good...
Folks have used essential oils and natural aromatics to
brighten their surroundings and lift their moods for many,
many years. And over the last decade, scientific studies
have shown the simple inhalation of essential oils to have
measurable positive effects on our health. Like you'd
expect from the happy and calm feelings they can bring
about, essential oils have been noted to lower blood
pressure, decrease stress hormone levels and improve the
quality of rest. The use of essential oils as
anti-depressants is on the rise, as more people are using
nature's pure perfumes to bring smiles to their faces. What
better time of year to surround yourself and your family
with theses natural wonders.
Getting started with aromatherapy is a very simple process
- you'll need just a bottle of essential oil (single or
blended - we'll get to some suggestions in a moment) and a
means to diffuse the aroma into your living space. Many
great 'seasonal' essential oils are available at local
health food stores or over the internet. Essential oil
diffusers are often found at the same stores, with a wide
selection of prices and style to suit your needs.
Diffusing essential oils, which really means evaporating
them from their oil state into the air around you, can be
done in a number of ways. The least complex of all might be
making your own potpourri, adding several drops of oils to
the bowl or basket. Other folks add a few drops of oil to
pinecones and place them about the house. Using this
diffusion method, you may want to mix a small amount of a
vegetable oil with the essential oil, as to slow the oil's
evaporation rate, and lengthen the time you'll be enjoying
the aromas. As for the more modern devices, there are
warming diffusers which just plug into an outlet and
evaporate the oil from a cotton pad. There are 'fan' models
which blow air over a similar, but often larger pad. Then
there are the high-end units of nebulizing diffusers which
make a mist of the essential oils to get higher
concentrations into larger areas. ANY of these will work
for making your home smell lovely for the holidays; if you
think you may want to pursue aromatherapy in the future,
you may consider investing in a nebulizer-style diffuser,
as they generally have a more broad range of therapeutic
possibilities.
And now for the fun part - the essential oils. There are SO
many to choose from, and you may start by just browsing
sites on the internet which will often have listings of
over a hundred oils available. Here we'll have a look at
just a few of the favorites for this time of year. Perhaps
the most popular are the 'needle' oils, distilled from the
needles and twigs of evergreen trees. Balsam Fir is
especially nice, with a lightly complex aroma of both high
and middle notes. Black Spruce is another favorite, much
for the same reason - their sweetness is quite uplifting,
and their complexity keeps us interested. Juniper berry,
while not strictly a 'needle' oil is also wonderfully
bright and uplifting. While some find it a bit strong on
its own, it blends very well with other essential oils
distilled from evergreens.
If you're wishing to bring a little more exotic scents into
your home, the oils of Frankincense, Myrrh and Sandalwood
are perfect choices - aromas that have been used
extensively for both their psychological and physiological
health benefits for ages. These are grounding oils, one's
that are known for bringing peace and stillness.
Frankincense is both bright and earthy at the same time,
with its citrus and woody notes. Myrrh is more hypnotic and
mysterious, useful in small amounts. Sandalwood is a
classic favorite with both sweet and woody notes, with
lovely varieties coming from India, Australia and the South
Pacific. These oils can be blended together, or added in
small amounts to one or more of the evergreen oils for a
pleasant combination.
If you really want to get creative, there are many
brilliant aromatics from which to choose. Lavender is
well-known for its calming scent; citrus oils like
Bergamot, Orange and Grapefruit are lively can easily
brighten your space. Spice oils can be added to blends or
used on their own in small amounts (they can be potent, and
should be used cautiously)...these include Cinnamon, Clove,
Peppermint, Cardamom and the like. If you're not familiar
with blending, try using these oils singly, or in
combinations of two or three at most. Or get enough to make
small batches to test your formula, then a just as your
nose desires.
Just a little essential oil can bring a new kind of cheer
to you and your family this season. One small bottle is
often enough to scent your home for several days - more
potent oils will last even longer. As you become familiar
with the array of aromas available, you'll be able to pick
and choose oils particularly suited to your needs. The
effects of aromatherapy may surprise you; maybe enough to
get you hooked and keep you smiling through the rest of the
winter.
----------------------------------------------------
The author, Misty Rae Cech, ND, is a degreed naturopath
with a professional practice in Boulder, Colorado. More
information on using essential oils is available through
her website at
http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html
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