| Aromatherapy, a widely used form of alternative | | | | 3. Improves the Quality of Sleep |
| medicine, utilizes an array of essential oils to bring | | | | If you're leery of using either prescription or over the |
| about an incredible number of positive results for both | | | | counter medication to promote sleep, aromatherapy is |
| the body and the mind. And while essential oils, coming | | | | one alternative to consider. Both chamomile and |
| from the pure essences of plants and flowers, are the | | | | lavender are used in aromatherapy to bring about |
| primary medium used in aromatherapy, they are not | | | | deep, quality sleep that allows you to awake feeling |
| the only ones. Sea salts, milk powders, muds and clays, | | | | rested and alert. |
| herbs, and cold pressed vegetable oils are also often | | | | 4. Relieves Anxiety and Stress |
| used. | | | | Aromatherapy has long been known as a natural way |
| The various fragrances of essential oils and other | | | | of relieving both anxiety and stress. To relax and calm |
| natural ingredients used in aromatherapy have a direct | | | | your racing or worrisome mind, jasmine is perfect for |
| effect on the olfactory system, or our sense of smell, | | | | relaxation while chamomile, lavender and rose are ideal |
| which then triggers the limbic system within the brain | | | | for calming. To bring about a feeling of peace and |
| that is connected with several vital functions of the | | | | contentment, try using lavender and rosemary |
| body. | | | | together. For times of severe stress, use vetiver, ylang |
| Although the list is rather impressive, here are the top | | | | ylang, patchouli, neroli, geranium, cedarwood, or |
| five most commonly known benefits of aromatherapy: | | | | bergamot. |
| 1. Eases Nausea | | | | 5. Brings Relief from Headaches |
| The essential oils ginger and peppermint are commonly | | | | Headaches can range from the minor and mildly |
| used for easing and relieving the discomfort of nausea. | | | | annoying to the severe and debilitating. Those who |
| Inhaling the aroma of a few drops of either oil is said to | | | | suffer from chronic headaches can build up a |
| relieve an upset stomach. Peppermint does double | | | | tolerance to medication, rendering it less effective. |
| duty as it also helps to raise your feelings of alertness | | | | Others simply haven't been able to find a remedy that |
| and concentration while easing the symptoms of | | | | really works. Try using the essential oil of peppermint |
| asthma and sinusitis. Ginger is an equally versatile | | | | for relief from headaches, and if PMS is the cause of |
| essential oil as it is said to help with arthritis, fatigue, and | | | | migraines or severe headaches, chamomile may help |
| sore muscles in addition to easing nausea. | | | | ease the symptoms including irritability and mood |
| 2. Increases Energy | | | | swings. |
| To increase energy, alertness, focus, and | | | | Used for centuries to bring about both mental and |
| concentration, aromatherapy with cinnamon, | | | | emotional well being, aromatherapy is still used in |
| peppermint, or rosemary may do the trick. Also use | | | | conjunction with modern medicine. While it should not |
| black pepper to improve circulation, which then allows | | | | be looked upon as a magical cure-all, aromatherapy |
| the brain to function better. And if depression is | | | | can be a viable, complementary tool to use along with |
| causing a decrease in energy or motivation, try rose oil, | | | | any necessary medical treatments to bring about |
| sandalwood, orange, lemon, grapefruit, or clary sage. | | | | healing from within. |