What is Aromatherapy and Essential Oils?

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils, for psychological and physical well-being.  Aromatherapy is derived from two words: Aroma- meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy- meaning treatment.  Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment which can have a profound effect on the mind, body and emotions.
Essential oils are obtained from a wide assortment of plants, which have been steam distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, fruit, bark and roots.

How To Use

There are many essential oils and many ways to use them.  Essential oils are usually administered through massage, baths, compresses, or inhalation and Raindrop Therapy.  When used in massage and bathing, essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits, the oil molecules stimulate scent receptors in the brain that, in turn, trigger a response in the part of the brain that influences heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance.  Aromatherapy advocates believe that essential oils can have a marked effect on body and mind.

Emotional Stress Relief

There are many different essential oils that are effective for stress relief, everyone is different, and different scents affect people in different ways.

There are essential oils that can be used in daily life to help reduce stress.  By inhalation, in which essential oils are breathed in through the nose from the bottle.  For immediate stress relief, you can put 3 or 4 drops of essential oil on a tissue and hold the tissue near your nose and breathe deeply.  Try diffusing oils into the air in your home or office or while traveling in the car with a diffuser. 
Lavender is probably the most universally recommended essential oil for stress relief.  Lavender is known for its relaxing properties as well as its ability to heal.  Essential oil of Lavender is extracted from the flowers of the Lavender plant. It is one of the very few essential oils that can be used undiluted on the skin.
Another commonly recommended essential oil for stress relief is Chamomile. It is used to calm over-stimulated nerves.
Bergamot is considered good for relieving stress and nervous tension.  It is a natural anti-depressant that has a refreshing and uplifting quality.  There is Peace & calming,

Safe Practices

It is important to read and follow all label warnings and cautions found on aromatherapy products. Certain groups of people are more vulnerable in general and should especially be careful in use of essential oils. Pregnant women should not use essential oils.  Essential oils are highly concentrated. Do not use in large quantities or undiluted. In fact, it is wise to skin test the oils before use. A small amount of essential oil can be diluted and placed on the arm. Always dilute an essential oil before applying to your skin. This will prevent redness, burning, itching, or irritation - especially when using for the first timer. Essential oils should be kept away from eyes and mucous membranes and should not be taken internally.

Lately there are companies claiming their products are "Aromatherapy such and such". They advertise - as candles and various bath products.  PLEASE be aware that this is not "THERAPEUTIC AROMATHERAPY". What they are advertising are "scents" that undoubtedly will make you feel good but may not be made with 100% Pure Essential oils but with artificial, man-made petroleum based fragrances.  They do not contain the Pure Plant Essence that has the true, natural, healing properties.   Young Living is pure and organic! 

For more information please visit: www.youngliving.org/naturalpurity