What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the ancient art of using fragrance and essential oils of plants to help heal the mind and body. The ancient Egyptians used essential oils in their medical arts as well as in their religious rituals.
While many think of aromatherapy as a home remedy that may not be reliable, more and more members of the medical community are admitting that there are benefits to this art. Many schools are using the scent of peppermint in their classrooms when students take required standardized tests. The scent of peppermint is thought to improve thought processes and stimulate the brain. There is now scientific data that seems to back up this thought.
Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating the brain area that is connected to smell when a scent is inhaled. From there, the neurons in the brain send a signal to the pathway of the brain where emotions and memory are stored. It is believed that this process releases chemicals into the brain and body that can aid in relaxation, memory, calmness, or brain stimulation.
Understanding essential oils
Essential oils are the true liquid that is derived from a plant’s stem, flowers, bark, roots, or leaves. Rather than feeling like oil, these liquids are actually generally clear and feel more like water. They are extremely concentrated and are usually added to other oils such as almond or grapeseed oil. This is because the essential oils are so concentrated that they can burn the skin if they are not diluted. It is important to note that essential oils are not the same as fragrance oils, as fragrance oils are generally created synthetically out of chemicals in a laboratory.
Essential oils are also blended together to create a blend of scents. In addition to being blended with other oils, a common use for essential oils in aromatherapy is the use of them in candles. Essential oils can be blended and added to soy or other candles in order to diffuse their fragrance and take advantage of their fragrances.
Some essential oil candles that are used in aromatherapy include:
Basil– Basil is used by aromatherapists to help treat headaches and migraines.
Citronella– Many people are already familiar with this form of aromatherapy; citronella repels insects.
Eucalyptus– Eucalyptus oil is used for people with colds and allergies to help clear sinuses and unstuff heads.
Lavender– Lavender is used to help calm and soothe.
Studies have shown that aromatherapy candles can also be conducive to romance. Men prefer strongly scented candles such as cinnamon or patchouli, while women prefer floral fragrances such as gardenia or jasmine. Whatever the reason aromatherapy is needed, essential oil candles are one of the most effective ways to spread the essential oils. They are affordable, beautiful, and convenient.
Essential oil candles are also very easy to use. For people just beginning to experiment with aromatherapy, essential oil candles are the simplest method of beginning. Someone coming home from a stressful day at the office simply needs to light a lavender candle, sit down, and relax and enjoy the pleasing scent that covers the room as the candle begins to diffuse the fragrance. Candles can be lit in the bathroom while taking a warm bath, or lit in the bedroom for a night of romance. In addition, essential oil candles can be bought in colors that match the rooms in which they will be used decor.
For those who want to go green and buy sustainable products, essential oil candles are available in soy. Essential oil candles made of soy have the benefit of being biodegradable, burning cleaner, and generally contain a lead-free cotton wick. These essential oil candles also contain no chemicals. Everything in them is all natural.
Essential oil candles are available as tea lights, votives, in cans, and in jars. No matter what the preference, there is an essential oil candle available for everyone.