The practice of using scents for a variety of personal and medicinal purposes has been around since the times of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and China. Today's aromatherapists use the essential oils of plants for a concentrated, highly volatile form of healing which is usually added to a "carrier oil" and absorbed through the olfactory system and skin. Using aromatherapy has been shown in studies at Bastyr University, an accredited holistic college of healing arts, to have numerous positive effects on the mind, body and spirit when used appropriately. Because of this, using aromatherapy in your home delivers a powerful tool of wellness to your family throughout the year. If you have small children or pets, always take precautions with essential oils as they are highly toxic in their concentrated form.
Aromatherapy for Cleaning
According to aromatherapist Jeanne Rose, many essential oils are great for use to clean high traffic areas because of their antimicrobial nature and soothing smells that are free from the harmful chemicals found in most cleaners. Using a spray bottle, fill it with water and use 15-20 drops volatile essential oil; such as lemon balm, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme, orange blossom, clove or cinnamon essential oils. Be sure to use an essential oil with a scent that you enjoy so that you can benefit from a clean house as well as a happy spirit.
Aromatherapy for Entertaining at Home
Creating an ambiance for guests is one of the hallmarks of a good host; aromatherapy enables you to enhance the olfactory experiences of your friends, family and colleagues while they are visiting. Some essential oils are especially well known for reducing nervousness or social tension and can be used to promote relaxation and uplifted spirits. Bergamot, lavender, roman chamomile, vanilla and tangerine essential oils are all listed in "The Aromatherapy Book" as essential oils that enhance social situations while alleviating tension. Simply add a few drops of any of these oils, or combine a few for a unique signature scent, to a flame or cool steam diffuser 20 minutes before your guests arrive.
Using Aromatherapy to Curb Odors
The sweetness of home is also full of smells that are not so sweet. Bathrooms, pet sleeping areas, garbage pails and laundry rooms can harbor the smells of family life that, if left unchecked, can become embarrassing. Aromatherapy offers an arsenal of help to combat such smells without artificial chemicals or harmful toxins. For stubborn smells, use an essential oil with antimicrobial elements to stop odors where they start. Strategically placing several spray bottles infused with an essential oil throughout your home gives you immediate access to the soothing smells of your favorite essential oils while simultaneously giving you the ability to quickly address the odors of day to day living.
Baby's Room
Images of sweet smelling infants surrounded by fluffy blankets and cheerful stuffed animals are usually quickly changed into the reality of diaper pails, the smell of spoiled milk from clothes drenched in spit-up, and exhausted parents that haven't found time to shower in days. Aromatherapists know how to address this situation from the inside out. Lavender essential oil is known for it's gentle though powerful nature which makes it perfect for life at home with a baby. Using a spray bottle, attack areas of bacteria with lavender's antimicrobial and antibacterial power. Adding a few drops of the essential oil to a hand-towel in the dryer along with the rest of baby's clothes or cloth diapers infuses the scent to the fabric and helps to reduce odors from stubborn bacteria. The scent of lavender is an effective smell neutralizer but also has documented calming effects. Surrounding your baby with a mist of lavender can help to soothe fussiness which may provide you with time to take a much needed shower.
Turn Your Home Into a Spa
Because there is no place like home, it makes sense to make home the most relaxing place you can go. Using essential oils for a spa experience in your home ensures that the longest distance you need to travel for an indulgent experience is no further than your bathroom. Essential oils can be used for multiple beauty needs, but are especially appealing when added to a warm bubble bath. Simply add a few drops of your favorite scent, such as ylang ylang, rose, vanilla, peppermint or lavender to 1/4 cup olive oil and add to the bath water. Enjoy soaking for as long as you like, letting the stresses of the day melt away. Breathe the healing vapors of essential oils for a full-bodied aromatic experience of pure relaxation.
References
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Health & Wellness Handbook"; The SouthWestern Company; 2005
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homeade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self" ;Stephanie Tourles;2007
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