Healing Scents

Aromatherapy helps revitalize and relax and mind, body and spirit

 

            For many, certain scents and smells give an immediate deep connection to something special in our lives. It may be the comfort smell of bread baking, the favorite perfume of your mother or the aftershave of an old boyfriend. So it’s no wonder that even in ancient times the scent of concentrated plant extracts, or essential oils, were used to soothe the body, mind and emotions. Today, the use of essential oils (called aromatherapy) strengthens the healing process, enhances health and improves quality of life.

            Essential oils are concentrated pure plant extracts that provide a range of relief from antiseptic to relaxation. Massage therapist, Rochelle Gildar, LMTM, of the White Orchid Spa in Flagler Beach, studied aromatherapy from a reflexologist in the United Kingdom. “I just love scents,” says Gildar. “They are very evocative and research says that scent affects the most prehistoric part of the brain. Essential oils and aromatherapy are very personal. They are empowering and something you can do for yourself.”

            While there are many good companies that sell essential oils, The White Orchid uses essential oils from Aroma Land. Before buying your own, read up, visit stores that carry essential oils and do some trial and error experimentation.

           

Here are some basic oils and their uses:

• Lavender – Lavender helps relaxation. Gildar says that it is also good for burns and bug bites – just apply a drop or two on the area. If you are traveling, or at home, add some drops of lavender to your pillow. “Take oils on trips,” suggests Gildar. Since they come in small bottles, oils are easy to transport and will help soothe and comfort you while traveling.
• Peppermint – Put a drop on your head to help relieve headaches. Peppermint oil also helps with congestion and hot flashes. Add drops of oil to a small spray bottle of distilled water and spritz it on.
• Tea Tree – Tea tree oil is a disinfectant. One use Gildar suggests is to gargle with a drop or two of tea tree oil in warm salt water to help a sore throat.
• Eucalyptus – Use drops in the bathroom to clean sinks, tubs and toilets instead of chemicals.
• Rosemary – Rosemary is good for the memory. One suggestion for rosemary is to put a drop on your head while you are studying; when you take the test, again put a drop of rosemary to help you during the test.

 

            Guidelines for novice aromatherapists:

• Different people are attracted to different scents. If you don’t like the scent, don’t use it. “Go with what your body tells you,” says Gildar.
• When using essential oils, less is better. “Using too much oil can have the opposite effect of what you want,” she says.
• When using essential oils in the bathtub, Gildar suggests adding a few drops of the oil to a “carrier” such as milk or cream to insure that the oil is dispersed in the water instead of sitting on top of the water.
• Soak a cotton ball in oil that you love and then place it in a room. A warm location in a room is even better.
• Or soak a cotton ball and put it in drawers. Put a couple of drops on a tissue or hankie and tuck into your bra or pocket. Gildar even likes to use a drop or two of Patchouli for perfume.
• Make your own scented lotion by adding a few drops of your favorite oil or blend of oils to scentless lotion. Gildar also suggests using almond oil or any good quality scentless oil or lotion. “Use jojoba oil, which never goes bad, and add some wheat germ, which is an antioxidant to your lotion blend,” suggests Gildar.

 

Aromatherapy opens a world of healing, revitalizing and relaxing scents to your body and your world. It is a great way to enhance your environment as well as your feeling of well-being.