AromaTherapy

"Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being."

Sounds a little dirty doesn't it?  I mean bark and root.  Grind it up and rub it on your skin.  It's not...It's actually very cool.   Before you think I'm a flake give me a chance to appeal to the logical you.

Many ... medicines that are prescribed to you are derived from plants.  Some components of plants are artificially reproduced in labs with the sole purpose of creating medicine. 

In Aromatherapy the oils from a particular plant are extracted and added to a more familiar oil.  For instance I'm currently using a mixture of eucalyptus, lavender and arnica in olive oil.  It's used to treat sore muscles along with bruises.  A message therapist had turned me onto it and it's fabulous.  I love how it smells.  Just applying a little to a sore shoulder is an experience.   After purchasing a jar of this stuff I was eager to try it and rubbed it into my stiff neck and shoulders after a particularly tough work out.  The scent relaxed me...the texture of the oil was kind of creamy and it felt good rubbing it in.  The next morning I woke up and after taking my shower I noticed how soft and supple my skin felt...ohhhhh just another perk.  I'm thrilled with the product and now I'm on a quest to find more aromatherapy items I can add to my life to enhance it.

I did the little terracotta ring around the light bulbs and it really was a nuisance.  I also had those little burners with tea lights...you add water and some oil drops.  It lasted briefly.  I suppose what I'm saying is while it's great if I can create pleasant scents in my home I want to treat me and not my home.  I think I should come first.

"The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing. 

A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum.  It is used for a variety of applications including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function"

I have to be honest by saying that if I broke my leg I wouldn't want someone to tell me to smell some lavender but there really is something to be said for inhaling deeply of a fragrance and finding yourself soothed by it.   Which made me wonder if there was one to decrease appetite.  I've heard that red increases appetite why not have a scent to offset that.  It could be possible.   

There are different oils or combinations of oils reported to have benefits.  Here's a list you might find useful. 

Stress Relief
Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

Anxiety/Fear
Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood

Self Esteem
Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary

Sadness/Grief
Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue
Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Agitation
Chamomile (Roman), Lavendar, Mandarin, Sandalwood

Isolation
Chamomile (Roman), Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rose

Memory Boosters
Basil, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary

Aphrodisiac
Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

My source for the above quotes and the list of the oil blends is from http://www.aromatherapy.com/.   I think that will be my next quest.  I'll be looking for feel good, relaxing, calming, and most of all appetite decreasing scents and products.  

I'll keep you posted.  If you hear of anything first please pass it on.   Meanwhile, enjoy the sunshine, take a deep breath...close your eyes...lower your shoulders...release that breath fully..really push that air out...use your diaphragm.  Repeat...ahhhh now to find something nice to

smell while doing it. 

Have a great day~