Aromatherapy?

[redcrownbravo2]

Hi All!


I've enjoyed reading all the the natural or alternative treatments for a variety of anxiety issues, but I suddenly wondered if anyone has tried aromatherapy? For years I have been in the habit of dropping lavender oil in the corners of my bedroom and around my desk at work, mostly because I love the smell and find it somewhat soothing. Does anyone have any kind of success for using essential oils or aromatherapy as a course of self-treatment? Thanks in advance!

 

[kelden]

Something that I can definitely claim is that odors have the power to alter moods, as I learned once sitting next to smelly people, strolling near roadkills or a car workshop or gas station. But heal the body? I don't know, Aromatherapy is practically the use of plant oils to improve psychological and physical health, usually through inhalation or massage. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are highly distilled volatile organic compounds from plants. Yet it remains uncertain which smells induce what kinds of behavior. Lavender is said to help one relax though.

 

[Panic57]

I think the only thing aromatherapy can do is to help destress you which will help you feel better but I'm not sure it can heal the body past that. Personally, I like adding oils to the bathtub to relax, I usually alter between lavender and citrus scents because they make me happy. I think everyone has their happy scents. My sister loves the smell of vanilla and Bath and Body Works' Melon and Cucumber. But my mom like warmer smells like sandalwood and vanilla. I personally love citrus smells and teak wood. So you need to find the scent that energizes you and makes you happy but don't expect miracles.

 

[Zeesi]

I think aromatherapy is helpful to me. Smelling something nice and clean is just good for the soul, in my opinion. Super strong scents can have the opposite affect, and stress you out, but something that smells nice and right-up-your-alley (depending on what scents you like), can make you feel better. Certain smells can put me in a good mood, and help improve my day.

 

[Sunshine00]

I use essential oils to make bath salts and I could swear the lavender-chamomile combination absolutely relaxes me in every way during that bath! I've seen in Whole Foods and Sprouts these personal sized EO inhalers for various things (stress, rejuvenate, etc.) that can be carried in your pocket but I haven't tried them myself. Hmm, that's a good idea for my next EO project

 

[djanx]

Hi All!
I've enjoyed reading all the the natural or alternative treatments for a variety of anxiety issues, but I suddenly wondered if anyone has tried aromatherapy? For years I have been in the habit of dropping lavender oil in the corners of my bedroom and around my desk at work, mostly because I love the smell and find it somewhat soothing. Does anyone have any kind of success for using essential oils or aromatherapy as a course of self-treatment? Thanks in advance!

Yes I have tried Aromatherapy. And to be honest, it works really well. I seem to have completely forgotten about it though until I saw your post. The thing is medicinal herbs are usually added to certain incense. Also, scented candles that have natural fragrances and extracts added are really helpful as well. They help boost mood and increase longevity. There are also naturally occurring resins that are burnt in eastern countries and the middle east. Aromatherapy is really an interesting subject and I would encourage you to research a bit about it.

 

[redcrownbravo2]

I have a small bottle of Kates Magick that I keep in my bathroom at home. Although those oils are not marketed for Aromatherapy, I keep several of them around that I use as needed. They legitimately seem to help. Every once in a while I dab some of the anointing oil on my finger tips and run it through my hair. That way the scent is subtle but with me throughout the day. Also my boyfriend loves it, but thats 100% unrelated.

 

[Peachdejour]

I actually sell Young Living oils and have started using several different oils that help with emotional balancing. They have blends called Joy, Release, and Surrender that I have been using lately since I have relapsed and they have been helping a lot. I put them on my body and diffuse them in my home. There is a lot of research on natural therapies and I say anything that helps should be used.

 

[Alex]

I find it can help relax you, and I have used essential oils in the bath, but sometimes good old fresh air does the trick. If you do have a headache it could help, but it's not for everyone. Some scents I find are overpowering and make me feel a little sick, so you have to be careful. I bought an organic range of skincare and the sandalwood is too much for me, and rather than relax me, it puts me off using it.

 

[CT422]

I use incense on a regular basis, and they help to relax me, they're also pretty good as air fresheners, and if you burn two or three, the smell will linger all day. 


Lavender is well known to help relax people, that's why they put it in baby lotions and bubble bath. 

 

[Peachdejour]

I have recently found two new oil blends from Young Living called Surrender and Release that have been helping with my PTSD symptoms, I put them in my diffuser while I'm meditating or doing housework. It really helps during panicky days. 

 

[DDNatureLover]

I use epsom salts a lot in my baths, and sometimes I will buy the ones with lavender added. I have also used other products with lavender. I got a wrist cream/gel years ago that I would rub a bit of on my wrists before bedtime and it would help me to relax. I also use peppermint, spearmint and cinnamon oils to wake myself up. Jasmine also helps me to relax. I will sometimes drink jasmine tea, and I have infused green tea with the jasmine blossoms from my garden. I also tend to associate jasmine and lavender with relaxing times walking the local nature trails and visiting with friends in their gardens/my garden, so that's probably an added benefit. 

 

[Alexandoy]

Early this year,  a massage parlor opened just a block away from our house.  They have cubicles for the massage therapy. But the entire parlor is replete with scent emitted by an aroma diffuser. According to the massage therapist,  they use Natural scents like rose petals.  And while being massaged for one hour,  you can smell the scents while hearing the soft music in the air. It is a truly relaxing experience. 

 

[AngelaMc]

I have been using aromatherapy for the last couple of years and it seems to really work. I have bought the diffuser and the bath oils. I like the bath oils the best. Lavender is my favorite for anxiety and stress relief, but I also like Peppermint and eucalyptus.

 

[janemariesayed]

I have been using aromatherapy for the last couple of years and it seems to really work. I have bought the diffuser and the bath oils. I like the bath oils the best. Lavender is my favorite for anxiety and stress relief, but I also like Peppermint and eucalyptus.

Peppermint and eucalyptus sound refreshing. I haven't tried them before but I have used lavender over and over again. It really helps me o relax and wind down. I have a lot of bath bombs in my cupboard which was hand made using all kinds of aromatherapy oils. I love using them in the bath as they give me a real feel good factor,

 

[Natasha0717]

Candles are my life, I am constantly shopping for them, even when I'm totally broke.
There's this one candle in particular that I've just recently found - I saw it at a dollar store and almost didn't get it because I figured maybe the scent wouldn't be strong enough. But then I saw that it was Glade and those candles are ALWAYS strong! The name of the candle is "Hit the Road". I highly recommend this candle to anyone who enjoys the scent of outside, plus a little bit of Christmas (?) maybe thrown in there too...and I'm thinking also a hint of Halloween. I definitely smell leaves. It instantly calms me down and makes me feel a little happy whenever I have it lit.

 

[monmon]

I have also been using aromatherapy, and it really helps me release my stress and calm. I used lavender but my favorite is neroli and bergamot.