Wellness - Aromatherapy 101 – L'or de Seraphine

What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health of the body, mind, and spirit. By inhaling or absorbing essential oils you’re taking in highly concentrated active forms of flowers, leaves, barks and roots that naturally support your body and help to prevent illness and speed up recovery. How does it work? When essential oils are inhaled, odor molecules travel through your nose and send direct messages to your brain. Unlike all of our other senses, the link to your brain is direct & immediate, making smell our most powerful sense. The best way to inhale essential oils is to warm the oils so that they gently disperse into the air. Which oils to use? Each essential oil has specific therapeutic properties so understanding which oils to use when is key. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious oils like lavender, chamomile, and geranium will help to calm the nervous system. Earthy woody oils such as vetiver, galbanum and patchouli are especially good for introducing a grounding energy. If you’re feeling tired, try oils with bright notes from the citrus and herbaceous family such as bergamot, mint and blood orange.