Herbal Aromatherapy |

by Linda Wight

When I last visited the store, it seemed as though everywhere I turned there were many different products promising results, which were simply based on the fact that they contained a specific aromatherapy scent, which would include candles, oils, and shampoos. But, there was one key question that kept popping up in my head: are all these aromatherapy treatments just fluff, which are aimed at selling more products to consumers or could they be linked to some actual research?

Aromatherapy has been around for many centuries and dates back to when the Egyptians were walking the planet. But, as individuals we are experiencing this phenomenon in our everyday lives, and are all not aware of it. There are probably a good deal of times that you have walked down the street or gone into a room and suddenly smelt something that brought back wonderful memories, or simply made you feel great and energized. Each time that this happens to you, you are experiencing aromatherapy; something that occurs passively in your daily life.

You will find that in the end, aromatherapy is structured around science, which will reflect the interactions between an individual’s psychological, neurology and immune system. Additionally, there have been a number of different researches which have recognised a strong correlation between both the positive and negative experiences of using aromatherapy, and something which positively affects our immune system and psyche. More so, it was found that the old adage of mind over body has been understood and recognized by science, as well as the modern medical field. But, you will need to also consider that you are able to boost your mood by creating a more positive outlook and using aromatherapy, and by doing this you will be able to strengthen your overall body, mind and spirit.

Also, you should recognise that aromatherapy works because it utilizes your own sense of smell - the strongest sense in your body. And, because this sense, dislike any other, has a path that directly leads to your brain it has more influence on your overall feeling and mood. Also, you will find that there have been a number of different scientific and medical researches that have proven this entry portal will affect your own conscious thought and reactions. This is because your own limbic system is in charge of your memories (both short and long term), learned responses, and emotions and feelings you experience and feel.

It has been scientifically and medically proven that through this direct portal, aromas are able to directly affect conscious thought and your reactions, because the limbic system is responsible for our memories (from short to long term), learned responses, and our emotions and feelings.

You will find that although aromatherapy does utilize a person’s sense of smell, by triggering some specific areas of the brain, it will also work by directly absorbing some essential oil molecules into the body. It will do this whether through the bronchial tract (if using steam distillation) or through massaging or soaking the skin with the oil.

For instance, peppermint as an oil has been known for its ability to calm a person’s digestive problems and will work best for this specific instance when it is inhaled, yet others work best when they are massaged into an individual’s skin.

It is important also to recognize that although certain essential oils have specific benefits they do not work equally for each individual. For instance Lavender is considered to be very effective in calming the mind, body and spirit however if you do not like the fragrance of Lavender it will not have the same effect on you, therefore it is important to work with the essential oils that you enjoy.

You won’t find this task particularly difficult either, as you will experience that finding essential oils to meet your requirements will be simple as most have similar or overlapping benefits. Therefore, you will be left with feeling relaxed as you have a range of different options to choose. Also, you will find that there are a number of other options to choose from too, which is to mix different essential oils together to create your own fragrance. There are a few individuals who choose this option because they will ultimately receive benefits.

About the Author:
Linda has a wealth of experience in the different areas of aromatherapy and alternative medicine for people considering does aromatherapy work and whether they should use it in their own lives. She has also been asked does alternative medicine work too.