What is Aromatherapy and it’s Benefits During This Holiday Season?

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Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to help make a person feel better by either smelling the oil or massaging it into the skin.  It is thought that aromatherapy helps relieve pain, improve one’s mood and helps boost relaxation.  Experts believe that the fragrance in essentials oils stimulate the nerves in the nose.  They believe the impulses created in the nose send signals to the part of the brain that control emotion and results in a feeling of relaxation and well-being.  Essential oils are also believed to have healing qualities for minor irritations.  Which essential oil you want to use will depend on what your ultimate goal is. A question frequently asked is, “What are Essential Oils?”.  Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of a plant.  Each oil has its own unique mix of active ingredients and depending on what the mix is will determine what the essential oil is good for. Examples of Essential Oils are:

There are many ways you can use an essential oil in aromatherapy.  Two very common methods are to put the oil in a diffuser and enjoy the smell given off or to mix it with a carrier oil for massage.  Carrier oils are oils that come from the fatty part of a plant.  These oils help maintain the scent of the essential oil and dilute it for a safe application to the skin. Oils commonly used as carrier oils are:

The holidays are a time of happiness and enjoyment but many of us get stressed during this season and miss out on the enjoyment it brings.  If you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious during this holiday season think about using aromatherapy as a way to help yourself relax, unwind and enjoy.  A relaxed you will enjoy the holiday much more than a stressed you!