Getting started with Aromatherapy, a Personal Experience
If you have not tried aromatherapy before, here is a little introduction of how to gain the benefits sharing my experience and a quick info guide.
My experience…
I remember picking up a free aromatherapy book at the university library where I was studying for my nursing diploma in 2005. When I read this book, it got me thinking about plants and herbs and how they have medicinal benefits that can boost and even heal our physical and mental health/well-being. Although I was intrigued by aromatherapy, I had never used it regularly until recently. I purchased a set of 8 ‘pure essential oils’ from an online marketplace to use in an oil diffuser. Upon receiving them, I immediately noticed they all had the same aroma. I thought a lavender essential oil would smell different to a bergamot essential oil, considering one is a flower and the other is a citrus fruit! I questioned whether these essential oils were pure or if they were fragrances (quite different things). When diffusing the oils, they lacked any distinct or identifiable aromas. So, I stopped using these oils and decided to seek purity and quality instead. I purchased my first pure essential oil, (the gorgeous Ylang Ylang) with an approved certification of purity from the Aromatherapy Trade Council. This time the aroma was pure, and I could feel instantly feel the benefits. I had feelings of calm in my mind and body. The aroma was like positive energy in the air and smelt amazing. I experienced the importance and improvement from using high quality essential oils. This is where my love for aromatherapy started. I went on to research essential oils and how they affect your brain, growing an aromatherapy collection, and sought the best quality oils to sell on Peaceful Sense.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are oils that have been extracted from various parts of plants and flowers via cold-pressing or steaming to obtain the oil from them, the part that produces the aroma. The word ‘essential’ refers to the essence of the plant, meaning the natural chemicals that provide a distinctive aroma.
The science bit.
When pure essential oils are inhaled, the scent molecules (which are volatile, meaning they are light and easy to inhale and smell) travel from the olfactory nerves at the back of your nose and then travel directly to your brain, impacting the emotional centre of your brain (known as the limbic centre). Essential oil aromas can create feelings of calm, joy, balance and relaxation by stimulating this area of the brain.
How they work for me.
I diffuse essential oils on most days. If I am at home during the day, I often add a few drops of my chosen oil and diffuse them in my oil burner when I am working at my desk or doing household jobs. I also diffuse my favourite essential oils during meditation. I find they help me feel calm if I am feeling a little stressed, balance or uplift my mood, all depending on which oil I choose. It depends on the day, the situation, and my current mood as to which oil I choose to use. Or sometimes I just crave a specific scent. Occasionally I use essential oils by adding them to a bath or massage diluted essential oil onto my skin (diluted 3 drops to 10ml grape seed oil). Massaging essential oils into your skin works wonderfully to release the aromas and you also receive the benefit of a little self-care through gentle massage.
A final note.
If you are looking to use aromatherapy to improve your wellbeing, I highly recommend using the highest quality essential oils. The oils we sell on Peaceful Sense are approved by the Aromatherapy Trade Council and International Federation of Aromatherapists, so you can be confident in receiving the best experience (unlike cheap marketplace oils). Look for opportunities in your daily life to diffuse oils at times you may need a little boost working at home, whilst doing jobs around the house, or during quiet times. When using aromatherapy, keep in mind that your body is sensing the aroma of the oils and transmitting signals to the parts of your brain that can influence your mood, and that feeling of calm is not a coincidence! I hope you enjoy your aromatherapy journey and find a place for their benefits in your life.