Aromatherapy incorporates a variety of scents to provide relaxation, increase mental focus, brighten the mood and aid in a number of conditions. A large number of scents is available for use, which can make it difficult to choose the one best suited to your needs. Many scents serve the same purposes, allowing you to tailor the desired results to your personal preferences. Even with the variety of scents available and in use, clear favorites emerge as frequent choices.
Lavender, Chamomile, Sage
One of the most popular fragrances for aromatherapy, lavender provides a relaxing or uplifting effect on the participant. Lavender is an extremely versatile scent and has been used as a sedative, insect repellent, antidepressant and to boost immunity. It is better known for its soothing properties, but it also functions to alleviate unbalanced states, whether they are physical or mental in origin.
Chamomile and sage also serve as sedatives, easing insomnia and sleeplessness.
In addition to aiding in sleeplessness, chamomile was used in ancient civilizations to soothe patients and as treatment for infection. Other known uses include relief of tension and muscle aches. While sage eases insomnia, sufferers of hormonal imbalance also gain relief from the use of this herb. Like chamomile, it treats muscle aches, but it also operates as a natural pain reliever.
Eucalyptus, Lemon
The distinctive scent of eucalyptus makes it a leading choice for aromatherapy. Treatment of respiratory conditions remains the leading use, due to the pungent aroma of the leaf. Eucalyptus opens the nasal passages and relieves congestion during periods of respiratory illness. Like many other scents used in aromatherapy, it eases muscle tension and works to boost the immune system.
Lemon exists as another therapeutic agent known for aiding those suffering from colds and flu. As with eucalyptus, the benefits of lemon stem from the powerful aroma that assists with opening the nasal passages.
Peppermint, Rosemary
Like lavender, peppermint serves a variety of purposes in terms of its therapeutic benefits. Its primary use is to alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties. Peppermint eases the discomfort of a meal that irritates the digestive system as well as soothing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Under proper medical care, there is evidence that peppermint can assist with dissolving gallstones as well. As with many of the plants and herbs used in aromatherapy, peppermint works to relieve aches and pains of various sources.
Rosemary also impacts the digestive system, functioning to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract in cases of digestive difficulties. In addition to its digestive benefits, rosemary boosts the body's immune system to aid in warding off infection and disease.
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