Try Aromatherapy!

by | Updated: July 3rd, 2012 | Read time: 1 minute

Have you ever had one of those days when everything that can go wrong does go wrong? The car breaks down, your boss gives you a ton of work due at the end of the day, and your kids are sick. But I discovered an all-natural way to manage stress and feel relaxed and at peace with the world. It’s called aromatherapy”¦and it’s awesome!

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from different parts of aromatic plants to support mental and physical health and well-being. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they should be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, olive, grapeseed or jojoba prior to use. Aromatherapy practices include massage, inhalation, full-body bath, hand/foot bath, facial steaming, facial masks, compresses, spritzers, perfume and flavoring.

To relax and unwind after a long stressful day, I recommend aromatherapy with lavender oil. It is a highly concentrated, undiluted extract that’s steam distilled from the flowering tops of the Lavendula officinalis (lavender) plant. From the Latin word “lavera,” meaning to wash, lavender is one of the most versatile of plant essential oils. Lavender essential oil is considered “relaxing, calming and refreshing.” It’s typically used in aromatherapy to:

“¢ Support normal response to stress, tension, anxiety and restlessness
“¢ Promote relaxation 
“¢ Cleanse and refresh the skin
“¢ Soothe minor skin irritations

Aromatherapy with lavender oil is an inexpensive and holistic way to banish stress and promote mental well-being. I give aromatherapy with lavender oil an “A” for awesome!