The Basics of Aromatherapy: Your Comprehensive Guide

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote health and well-being in the home environment. It’s believed that the use of aromas has been used for thousands of years, dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Today, aromatherapy is a popular method used in health care practices and the home environment.
 
What is aromatherapy?
 
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils or aroma-therapeutic ingredients in the treatment of physical or mental ailments. Aromatherapists use these oils to treat various health issues, including headaches, anxiety, depression, etc.
 
Essential oils are natural substances found in plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and roots. They are usually extracted from these sources using steam, alcohol, or hexane and come in many forms, including liquid, fine particulate, or solid. Many oils are also available as a pill or a tincture.
 
Here are a few examples of oils commonly used in aromatherapy:

• Lavender oil can calm anxiety, ease pain, and help with insomnia and relaxation.
• Peppermint oil stimulates brain activity and is relieving for those with anxiety, depression, nausea, or insomnia.
• Eucalyptus oil is an antiseptic and can treat infections and cold symptoms.
• Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat acne, warts, and athlete’s foot.

 
How to use aromatherapy
 
There are lots of different ways to incorporate aromatherapy. You can diffuse scented oils at home or use aromatic blends in your practice. You can also create your own signature scent and carry it with you in a carry bag.
 
A few things to keep in mind when it comes to using essential oils:

• Always consult with a medical practitioner before using aromatherapy.
• Most oils cannot be taken internally, but some can be inhaled. Make sure to follow the safety measures listed on the bottle.
• Keep your oils away from children. Do not ingest oils that are meant for topical use.

 
Tips for aromatherapy success
 
Careful Labelling - Keep your oils where people will not accidentally ingest them. You do not want someone to get sick because of your oils! Be sure to keep them away from children and away from yourself.
 
Safety Measures - Use caution when using peppermint and lavender oils. Do not ingest them, and only use them under the supervision of a medical professional.
 
Choose the Right Carrier Oil - Not all carrier oils are created equal. Some work better for diffusing oils than others. Make sure to choose a high-quality carrier oil like therapeutic grade olive oil.
 
Different fragrance oils to try

• Bergamot - This uplifting oil is excellent for elevating moods and bringing a smile to the face.
• Chamomile - This calming oil is perfect for shifting to a state of relaxation, perfect for bedtime.
• Citrus - From orange to grapefruit, this citrus scent will invigorate your senses and get you ready for the day ahead.
• Floral - This is a classic scent for romance, from a field of daisies to a bouquet of roses.
• Ginger - This warming, spicy oil is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the day.
• Woody - This masculine scent will refresh your mind and keep you grounded from a pine tree to a cedarwood log.

 
Conclusion
 
If you love the idea of using essential oils as an aromatherapy treatment but are worried they aren’t strong or safe enough, don’t worry. You just have to find the right ones while reaping the benefits of using essential oils.
 
Now that you know the ins and outs of using essential oils to boost your mood and relieve stress, there’s no reason why you can’t start doing it right away.
 
You can learn about fragrances and collect samples of the different scents in Scentopia’s guided perfumery tours. It is one of the free things to do in Sentosa and is in the list of outdoor team building activities in Singapore. It is highly engaging, enjoyable and suitable for people of all ages.
 
Contact us today to learn more.