Mental Wellness - Exploring Essential Oils

Mental Wellness – Exploring Essential Oils

Mental wellness and healthy living can be the use of combining a number of different tools that we find work really well for us. Aromatherapy defined by the World English Dictionary  - n. the use of fragrant essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment in complementary medicine to relieve tension and cure certain minor ailments. As we all know, what works for one person may not work for another. Keeping that in mind, today we are going to do some exploring into the benefits that can be derived by using aromatherapy.

A little history – It is believed that in 1937 Rene-Maurice Gattefosse of French decent invented the word aromatherapy. During WWII it is also said that surgeon Jean Valnet used essential oils to help heal soldiers’ wounds. Because of these experiences many individuals believe that the medical benefits of aromatherapy were proven as healing agents to the body. There however still remains debate surrounding the earlier history of how essential oils were originated. The Egyptians were known for one of the first distillation machines used to extract oils from certain plants; which in turn was utilized during the embalming process. China roots are credited for using aromatherapy for mood enhancers. Again, because of different debates some individuals believe that the Greeks had their own role in the development of using essential oils as fragrances and for various healing properties.

Present day – Aromatherapy is referred to by many as a holistic medicinal practice. It is also used in different cultures around the world still for promoting healing and mental wellness. Personally, I find the use of aromatherapy to be very relaxing, calming, and not to mention cheap and easy!

How to use:

• Baths – A simple way to use essential oils and gain great benefit is from adding simply a few drops to a nice relaxing bath. Add the drops to the bath water as you are running it and blend it with the water before getting in.
• Vapor Inhalation – You may choose a diffuser or simply add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to a boiling pot of water on the stove. Both will fill the room with the aromatic presence you are looking for and give you the aromatherapy for your short break. *Be sure to make certain that you keep an eye on both ways you choose so that you stay safe.* I find that using a small crock pot is a safe alternative and it provides the same results.
• Lotions/Creams – You can purchase unscented lotions or creams of your choice and add a few drops, mixing well and use on your hands or as a body cream to carry your scent on you if you prefer.
• Green – If you have or are planning to go green with making your own cleaning products you can also add a few drops of essential oils during the mixing process and the aroma will fill the house as you clean. I personally like adding a few drops of lemongrass to my homemade shaker containing baking soda to freshen my carpets.

There are many different ways to apply aromatherapy to your daily routine to provide the relaxing effects of aromatherapy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and research different oils to find what works great for you.

Aromatherapy – Essential Oils

• Jasmine – Often used to accompany other medicinal therapies to help with depression. The strong but sweet fragrance supplies a pleasing and uplifting effect on the mind that many believe helps to fight depression.
• Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon, Vanilla and more – These aromas used for aromatherapy are generally used for stress relief. Many of us could use a little bit and sometimes a lot of stress relief in our day!
• Rosemary, Grapefruit, Clary Sage, Ginger and more – These are just a few that help to reduce that feeling of fatigue.
• Cypress, Jasmine, Bergamont and more – Need a self esteem boost? Then you might want to try this in your aromatherapy routine.

There are many different essential oils, and I would strongly encourage you to research them and the benefits that each of them carry before making your choice.

Along with your Worry Free 10-Minute Break during the day you can easily add aromatherapy to help you relax or give you a nice pick-me-up!

If you decide to try aromatherapy I hope you find it useful and enjoyable. The least you will come away with is a beautiful smelling you and home!