Aromatherapy

From Lowering Stress Naturally

I have been making my own soap, lotion bars, and salt scrubs for several years now and have enjoyed both the health benefits to my skin and also the wonderful scents of essential oils. As I experiment with various combinations I find that the moods produced by different scents enhance the final product, and I am learning to consciously use those scents around the house.

Relaxing fragrances like vanilla, lavender, rose, chamomile, and ylang-ylang make good scents for on bed linens, eye pillows, and in bubble baths. Body lotions and sprays in these scents promote a feeling of calm and serenity.

Energizing scents such as lemongrass, rosemary, grapefruit, and peppermint are good for hand and foot lotions, salt scrubs, and soaps.

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids, so should not be applied directly to bare skin. They are generally combined with other substances and diluted for use. Someone trained in aromatherapy can use them to treat physical and emotional health with some precision, but anyone can use scents in general ways to affect their mood and increase enjoyment of every day life.