Refreshing Summer Scents Using Essential Oils

The sweet scents of summer include the aromatic fragrance of honey suckle and the fragrant purple blooms of lavender floating in the warm breeze and the damp summer perfume rising from the freshly cut lawn, the clean scent of the newly washed towels drying in the sun and the fresh ocean breeze wafting coconut and citrus. Generally, the summer scents take you down the memory lane.


Scent is a powerful mode of immediately changing our mood. Life generally abounds during summer as the herbs, trees and the flowers are in full bloom and the air is filled with aromatic fragrances. But when this same aromatic summer turns warm and sticky then most of our homes can use a little summer scent to feel fresh. Clean summer scents can do a lot to us, but it is very harmful to rely on the Plug-in air fresheners or even the sprays, as both contain harmful chemicals, which can cause harm if inhaled. Instead we should rely on the wisdom of our great grandmothers and use natural products to make our homes smell clean and refreshing.

So let the delightful aroma of the summer renew your mind and body and melt away your stress. Isn’t it much better to use essential oils rather than the perfumes made with chemicals? Authentic essential oils are more therapeutic and also have a fuller and yet a milder caress, as compared to the commercial perfumes. As the essential oils are in a concentrated form even a little drop can work wonders.

Zesty Lemon- This lemony clean fragrance can boost and lift up your spirits. So try rubbing it on the doorknobs or even you can try just peeling lemon and twisting the peel to release the fragrance into the room. You can even spread the lemony fragrance by simmering the lemon slices in the water on the stove.

Refresh with Lavender- Place dried lavender in an attractive container and place it next to your bed, to make your bedroom smell fresh and warm. This fragrance promotes sound sleep with peaceful dreams.

Rosemary Blotch- Try burning some sprigs of dried rosemary using an ashtray and as this scent spreads into the atmosphere in your home it turns refreshing and this technique is being used from past many centuries in sickrooms, since its anti microbial.

Sweet smelling Green Mist- Sprays and Mists are the easiest ways to add natural scent to your home and fight germs. Mists and sprays spread aromatherapy by using essential oils. Nothing could be easier than spraying a few drops on the doorknobs, telephones or bathroom surfaces. Essential oils are harmless as well as antibacterial and hence, they can be gifted in pretty bottles tied with a ribbon. Your sweet home will smell fresh too.

Vanilla, the odor remover- The vanilla bean has the properties to reduce odor so try this super trick to remove unwanted odors from your house.

Tricky Cinnamon- Try filling a pot with ground cinnamon and then enjoy the wafts of the sweet fragrance daylong.

Oil that symbolizes the summer season is bergamot. Bergamot oil is produced from the citrus fruit of tree called Citrus bergamia and this fragrance uplifts and relaxes. Bergamot also evokes joy as well as boosts self-confidence. Perfumists rely on bergamot’s magical ability to modify and harmonize the complex blends of oils and fragrance.



About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate of Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, www.tarunaoils.com; www.tarunasenterprises.com.

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Lemon Essential Oil for Good Health

Botanically referred to as citrus limonum, lemon oil is used by aromatherapists to promote both emotional and physical well being. Having a piquant, lemony odor, lemon essential oil also has antidepressant properties. When the oil is used in an aromatherapy massage, it can aid in relaxation and alleviate depression. Lemon essential oil also stimulates the mind. When the powerful lemon oil aroma molecules are inhaled it is said to help in enhancing concentration and improving memory.


Thus, lemon essential oil is very beneficial for the body, mind and spirit. Having its origins in India, the lemon tree was first cultivated in Italy around the 5th century. The cultivation of this plant then extended to other countries. In the past, lemon peel has been used to add fragrance to clothing and as an insect repellent. Thus, this useful and therapeutic fruit has been utilized in many ways since ages.

According to Ayurveda, the age-old system of medicinal healing which has been in practice in India, the lemon�s sour taste is useful for regulating and alleviating physical and mental imbalances like constipation, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, confusion, hyper activity, anxiety, worry, premenstrual cramps, insomnia, and restlessness. It can also be used to relieve emotional imbalances like anger and frustration.

The Romans are reputed to have used lemon to treat stomach disorders and to freshen up the breath. In the past, the British Navy also used it to prevent scurvy. While lemon essential oil has various properties, it is best known for its ability to fight infections, mainly due to its capacity of stimulating white blood corpuscles, which act as a natural defense of the body.

Lemon essential oil is extracted by cold pressing the fresh peel, which gives off the tangy and tart scent of freshly shredded peel. Since lemon oil is obtained from fresh peel, only pesticide-free, organically produced fruit should be used. The best lemon essential oil is reputedly produced in Sicily.

Lemon Essential Oil�s Uses:

Lemon essential oil can be used to treat malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, syphilis and gonorrhea. However, only qualified medical practitioners or aromatherapists should use it to treat these ailments. Other ailments like bronchitis, flu and stomach infections can also be treated by lemon essential oil. It can also help to reduce temperature. Because lemon is a haemostatic, which means it helps to stop bleeding, the oil can be used to treat cuts and other open wounds. Lemon essential oil is also an effective remedy against gastric ulcers because it counteracts stomach acidity. A high amount of acidity is also thought to be responsible for gout, rheumatism and arthritis, which can be alleviated by lemon oil.

Lemon oil is also used as an effective weight loss method because it increases the metabolism and stimulates fat burning cells. When research was done to learn how lemon oil aroma affects the brain, it was discovered that it stimulates the central part of the hippocampus, triggering rational, left brain thinking. Thus a whiff of lemon oil has the effect of swiftly curbing the emotional reactions that trigger off reaching for second helpings and sweets. Disorders of the digestive system which include the pancreas and liver can also be treated by this oil.
About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com;

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The Goodness of Peppermint Essential Oil

Mentha piperita being its Latin name, peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy for a broad spectrum of physical ailments and conditions. This pure essence of the plant has a refreshing, mint-like fragrance. Apart from its refreshing qualities, peppermint essential oil also has anti-viral, antiseptic and astringent properties. Being a natural aid in decreasing pulmonary congestion, this oil when inhaled is a wonderful remedy for alleviating the symptoms of colds and coughs. Chest infections can also be eased if it is diluted with a base-oil and massaged on the chest.


Peppermint essential oil has been in use since ancient times. Its presence has been detected in Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 1000 BC. The Romans too are reputed to have used it as a digestive aid. Peppermint leaves would have been traditionally eaten or brewed as a tea in order to treat various nerve and gastric problems.

According to ancient lore, the Egyptians dedicated this fragrant mint to Horus, one of their gods. The Romans, on the other hand, personified it as Mentha or Minthe, the lovely water nymph whom Pluto loved. It is said that when Prosperine, Pluto�s queen, discovered this, out of jealousy she trampled Mentha into the ground, turning her into the humble mint plant. However, Pluto issued a decree that the more the mint was trampled upon, the sweeter would be the aroma that would emanate from it.

By the 17th century the peppermint plant hybridized naturally into about 20 varieties of perennials that are found today, which have the ability of spreading easily by their root systems. Now, it grows in the wild all over North America, Europe and Australia. It is also amongst the few essential oil plants that are cultivated in the US, where the conditions of the soil, the temperature and the rainfall in central Oregon and Michigan are perfect for producing high quantities of the oil.

One of the most extensively used aromatic oils today, peppermint is found in all sorts of products, both inedible and edible, such as medicines, liqueurs, gums, candies, desserts, ice cream, beverages, jellies and sauces, dental and aromatherapy preparations, tobacco, cosmetics and cleaners.

Peppermint Essential Oil�s Uses:

Because of its antispasmodic properties, which alleviate the spasms of the smooth muscles in the stomach and the intestines, it is especially good for ailments like colic, stomach ache, vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea. It also has a palliative effect on the liver. Peppermint is also highly effective in treating flu and cold, and helps to clear congested sinuses and other nasal orifices. Peppermint is an excellent remedy for headaches, especially when combined with lavender. The reason for this being that while peppermint is a stimulant, lavender has sedative properties. This blending of stimulant and sedative properties is used in many analgesics like aspirin, Anacin, etc.

Unlike other painkillers, peppermint does not merely suppress pain, but also acts on the ailment causing it. Another specialty of peppermint is its property of inducing cooling as well as sweating effects, which is used to treat both flu and colds. The essential oil of peppermint is also said to be a very good brain stimulant. It can induce a feeling of mental freshness, which results in positive effects like the ability to face any challenge. It is also used for treating the effects of shock.

About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com;

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Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

Essential oils, also known as volatile or ethereal oils are concentrated, hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile fragrant plant compounds. There are a number of essential oils that have been used as medicines many times to help people lead a fit and healthy life. Besides, they have been used for skin treatments, cancer remedies as well as several other uses. Essential oils are also used in perfumes and cosmetics, for adding the scent to incense and various household-cleaning products. Essential oils can be extracted through several methods such as distillation and others.


Different processes used for extracting essential oils are diverse. It basically depends upon the plant or flower, which is being considered.

Some of the many methods of extracting essential oils are as follows:

� Steam and hydro distillation: It is one of the most common methods used for extracting essential oils. It places the plant, from which essential oils is to be extracted in a huge chamber. The plant is put to steam and the whole chamber gets filled with steam. Once the steam is filled in the entire chamber, it goes through the interior of the plant and brings out the oil, from inside. The steam starts going upward till it reaches the condenser where the steam finally gets cooled and then turns back into water. In addition, the oil captured by the steam also returns to its previous state. Later oil is separated from water and can be used. It is known as �hydrosol�. The quality of oil extracted by hydro distillation depends upon a number of factors, which are identified through the processes such as temperature, pressure and time. These factors can increase or decrease the quality of the oil because a plant�s essence is present in these essential oils. In order to extract essential oils, you need to follow the instructions properly or else you would not be able to get the desired result. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate the entire process of distillation at the right temperature, within the right amount of time and with an appropriate air pressure in the chamber.

� Solvent Extraction: Solvent extraction is another method of extracting essential oils. In this method, a hydrocarbon is added to the plant material so that it helps dissolve the essential oil. Once the solution gets filtered and concentrated by distillation, there remains a substance containing resin or a mixture of wax and essential oil. Pure alcohol is used to extract the oil. The oil is left behind once the alcohol evaporates. Though it is often used to extract essential oils, it is not considered to be the best method, as the solvents often leave a small amount of residue behind that may cause allergies and harm the immune system.

Cold Pressing: Cold pressing extracts essential oils from citrus rinds like orange, lemon, bergamot and grapefruit. The rinds are placed separately from the fruit and are chopped or ground. Finally, they are pressed and the watery mixture of the essential oils is obtained.
About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com.

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Aromatherapy for Acne Cure

Aromatherapy is considered as one of the most effective holistic medicines for skin diseases healing. Nowadays, aromatherapy baths and compress are very popular ways of aromatherapy skin care. Keep in mind that although all essential oils have therapeutic attributes, only certain of them are appropriate for acne treatment. What is more, you should always observe the safety precautions when using the essential oils. Never use essential oils undiluted to your skin. Always use a carrier oil for dilution and remember that generally only 2-3% dilution of essential oils in blends that will be applied to skin, is not only safe but also effectual.


Acne is a typical skin disease that afflicts almost every teenager. Nevertheless, statistical researches show that at least 80% of the population experience acne at some time in their lives, not necessarily the teen age. Acne pimples may appear at any age, from early baby to elderly age.

Acne�s symptoms are pimples, black heads, cysts and even scar and lumps on skin. After an acne attack the annoying symptoms become severer and worse leading to bad feelings, stress and sometimes pessimism and signs of depression to young person. It is important patient to learn how to manage stress and fight melancholy because acne has psychosomatic aspects and can intensify acne�s outbreaks.

The essential oils which are believed to be the most effective and appropriate for acne treatment are: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Lavender oil (Lavandula Officinalis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum Angustifolia) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata). Most aromatherapy practitioners suggest mixing the above oils with Jojoba vegetable oil before applying to skin. Usually, a cotton pad is used to deliver the blend directly to the acne spot.

These essential oils have been proved to stop the growth of a broad range of bacteria and microbes which cause acne. The have remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, they clear and unclog pores, heal scars and generally help to remove acne spots contributing to a fresh and supple skin. As mentioned before, jojoba is the one of the best carrier oil for dilution because it is not greasy, so it does not block the pores, but it moisturizes and exfoliates the skin.

Keep in mind that aromatherapy treatment for acne, although its indisputable success in cure acne, it can not have immediate results and take some time to initiate healing. Therefore, you have to be patient and it is advisable to follow some every day tips in order to enhance the healing.
Avoid harsh facial lotion with alcohol.
Do not scrub your pimples, spots or scars.
Adopt a healthy life style. Eat healthily, learn stress management techniques and stay away from pollution.
Wash your face regularly with much water. This will help you to get rid of skin waste toxins.
Do not use facials more than twice a day, because this can have the opposite results than those desired.

At last, if you search on internet you will find several aromatherapy recipes for acne but it is not wise to try any of them before consulting your aromatherapy practitioner. Otherwise you take the risk to have unwanted side effects like skin irritation or flaking.
About the Author

George Kakaris is the owner of a new but very comprehensive site dedicated to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Valuable and reliable aromatherapy advice and recipes.

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Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time.


There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Essential oils listed as "Not to use in Pregnancy" fall into 3 basic groups -

Oils which are toxic or otherwise dangerous and should be avoided at all times, even when not pregnant. These include bitter almond, arnica, boldo, broom, buchu, calamus, brown & yellow camphor, cassia, chervil, cinnamon bark, costus, deertongue, elecampane, bitter fennel, horseradish, jaborandi, melitotus, mugwort, mustard, oregano, pennyroyal, dwarf pine, rue, common sage, santolina, sassafras, savin, southernwood, savory, tansy, thuja, tonka, wintergreen, wormseed, wormwood.

Other oils which require caution for anyone using them (again not just during pregnancy) include ajowan, aniseed and star anise, some types of basil, bay,white camphor, carrot seed, some types of cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, clove (leaf and bud), coriander, cumin, eucalyptus, sweet fennel, hops, hyssop, juniper, lemongrass, nutmeg, parsley, black pepper, spanish sage, tagetes, tarragon, thyme, tuberose, turmeric, turpentine, valerian.
Commonly used oils which are normally safe but may have adverse effects when pregnant. These include angelica, basil, birch, calamintha, cedarwood, celery seed, citronella, clary sage, cypress, jasmine, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, melissa, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, yarrow.

In addition there are some oils which are usually to be avoided in the first trimester, particularly if there is a history or risk of miscarriage, such as roman chamomile, geranium, lavender and rose.
The first category should always be avoided, but in the main are not readily available anyway. The second should only be considered under the advice of a professionally qualified aromatherapist and generally used in very limited amounts and/or for a limited period of time.

But why do some oils only become a risk during pregnancy? Well, some of these oils are emmenogogues and have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Some affect the hormones or have too strong an effect on a particular organ or system of the body. We also do not yet know to what extent oils used by the mother may affect the developing foetus, so any oils which may be too strong for the child should be avoided.

This amount of caution is also required because the quality of essential oils can vary widely in the marketplace. But under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist, great benefits can be gained by using some essential oils during pregnancy.

Another thing to bear in mind is how & how much oil you use.

Never take essential oils internally. Always, but always, dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Never apply them neat to the skin. If you are pregnant, adapt any recipes by cutting down the number of drops to child sized doses, around half of that for an adult. This softens the effect and also takes account of the fact that when pregnant, a woman's sense of smell is often more acute, so full strength may seem overpowering. For example if a recipe suggests 5 drops in 10 mls of carrier oil, then use only 2-3 drops. Less is often more in aromatherapy!

Essential oils used in vaporiser will carry much less risk than any applied directly to the body, whether in a carrier oil, in a bath or as a compress. But still err on the side of caution regarding how much you use.

Some useful and safe remedies for pregnancy -

Nausea - put 2-3 drops of ginger or spearmint oil on a tissue and inhale.

Oedema (swelling of hands and/or feet) - put 4-6 drops of one of the following oils in a foot or hand bath (sweet orange, geranium, grapefruit) and soak

Indigestion - dilute 1 drop of spearmint essential oil in 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and massage into the abdomen in clockwise direction.

Other oils that are generally safe to use include, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and tea tree.


Always ensure that you are using true essential oils rather than synthetic or fragrance oils. See my article on choosing essential oils for more information.

If you have a personal or family history of miscarriage or your have been advised that your pregnancy is in any way fragile, please seek advice from a professional aromatherapist regarding your particular situation before using essential oils. Professional advice is a good idea for anyone contemplating the use of aromatherapy but especially so in pregnancy. And always let your health practitioner, doctor, midwife or obstetrician know about anything you are using or proposing to use.

(This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation.)


About the Author

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at www.essenceofwellbeing.com.au

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Essential Oils

Essential Oils: Where would aromatherapy be without them?
What is an essential oil and where do they come from?


Essential oils are the heart and soul of aromatherapy. They are concentrated oils removed from various parts of plants; the oil contains odors and properties of the plant it is derived from. The essential oils then are used in so many different ways to bring us aromatherapy.
The most common way of extracting the essential oils from the plant is steam distillation. To do this steam is passed over the plant in a still. The steam the turns into a condensation that is oil and water; the oil will float to the top of the water and can be separated. You now have an essential oil. However, to remove the oil from citrus plants you will have to actually crush them to release the essential oils. To get the best oils there are a lot of factors. When and where the plant is harvested is important, as well as weather conditions and the condition of the soil. All these factors will have an effect of the aroma of the essential oils as well at the price.
There are a few ways the essential oils can enter your body. One of the most common ways is through a massage. During the massage the essential oils are blended with a carrier oil and rubbed onto your body, the essential oils will absorb into the dermal layer of skin and then into your circulatory system, blood vessels, muscle tissues and joints. The essential oils can also enter your body through inhalation. They are volatile, which means they will turn to vapors quickly at room temperature, and you inhale them. There are many kinds of diffusers that will help you disperse the vapors through the room. Once in your body they will travel around for hours and continue to have their effect on you. Eventually the essential oils will leave your body through the kidneys, bladder or skin. Some will even leave your body through your breath. Who has not had garlic breath after eating Italian food?
Safety is a very big factor when using essential oils. They are very concentrated and if not used properly they can irritate the skin. Essential oils should be used in small amounts and almost always should be diluted. Keep in mind a safe dilution is about 2.5% of the total solution, or divide the amount of the carrier solution in milliliters in half and that will be the amount of drops of essential oils needed. For pregnant women and children the amount of essential oils should be cut in half, if used at all. Also be careful if there is a history of high blood pressure or epilepsy, check with a doctor first. Read up on every oil before you use it, some have more precautions then others.
Now that you understand a little more of what an essential oil is and how to use it, you also want to know how to store it properly. You will want to store them in dark bottles that seal tightly. The normal shelf life is about two years; this can be extended if you store them in a cool dark place like the refrigerator. Always label and date your bottles. If you have made a blend of the essential oil and a carrier oil, the shelf life will become that of the carrier oil. The uses of essential oils are endless and are meant to be used to promote good health and relaxation. So go on relax.

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Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy Massage: Oooh it feels so good.
What are the added benefits of having an aromatherapy massage?


Aromatherapy massage has benefits ranging from relaxation to encouraging a healthy immune system. It is the combination of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to help heal and maintain a healthy body, and massage, the use of touch and pressure to achieve the same results. By using the two techniques together you will receive the maximum result. An aromatherapy massage can be a relaxing and pleasurable experience. You have probably had one, which is why you are here; to learn more about the art of an aromatherapy massage. Touch, through massage is extremely relaxing and beneficial; here is how you can boost your results with aromatherapy and essential oils.
To begin the massage, you must decide what the desired effect will be. This will determine what essential oil you will blend with your carrier oil. The carrier oil is what is used to dilute the essential oil, do not use undiluted essential oil directly on the skin. The choice of carrier oil depends on the skin type.
During an aromatherapy massage the essential oils enter the body two ways. First is through inhalation, the sense of smell is linked to our limbic system. The limbic system plays a part on our emotions and affects our nervous system. The essential oil will also be absorbed into the skin and eventually into the bloodstream where its effects can last for hours. This is the reason that massage is one of the best applications for aromatherapy, the ability for the oil to be applied to such a large area of skin. The actual results will depend upon what essential oils were chosen to give the aromatherapy massage with.
A full body aromatherapy massage will produce the best benefit. It will help relax the body, improves blood circulation, help reduce stress and can be used as preventative and maintenance therapy. If you are just learning the process of aromatherapy massage it is a good idea to start with areas of the body and understand the strokes before putting them all together for a full body aromatherapy massage.
The massage is a series of a few basic strokes. There are some that are meant to warm the muscles, like effleurage and fanning, to help relax and prepare for deeper tissue work. Other strokes like cupping and kneading are meant to work a little deeper during the aromatherapy massage treatment. You will need to learn and understand how to use each stroke individually and then put them together to do and entire full body aromatherapy massage.
A massage by itself has numerous benefits, but an aromatherapy massage offers so many more. As you continue to practice the art of aromatherapy and the art of massage you will find you just want to learn more and be able to understand how your body works and how you can help it to work its best. You can learn to live your life a little happier and with a little less stress if you understand how aromatherapy massage can benefit your life.

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Can Aromatherapy Heal Depression?

Most people who are affected by depression become very flat, lifeless, stressed out and easily agitated. Some individuals even have trouble getting out of the bed. This makes it very difficult to recover or bounce back. The essential oils used in aromatherapy, may help to reverse this by positively affecting the brain. Essential oils can provide an emotional lift and help to alleviate some of the tension and anxiety associated with depression.


Some common essential oils that are believed to help chase away the blues include: Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Rose, Peppermint and Ylang Ylang.

Although counseling and medication have been the mainstays in the fight against depression, there are many side effects associated with pharmaceutical meds and many people stay in counseling for years without any significant progress. Others do experience relief using these methods and that is great. However, there are groups of individuals who would rather not use pharmaceutical drugs to cure their depression, or may be simply looking to supplement their drug regimen. They may be interested in experimenting with natural remedies. Aromatherapy gives them that option. It can be added as an additional tool in the fight against depression. To increase the effectiveness of this approach, changes in diet, physical activity, and supplementation can really help to multiply the effects of aromatherapy.

A 17th century herbalist by the name of John Gerard, believed that clary sage was good to use when individuals were suffering from mental tiredness, depression and other mental disorders. Today, many aromatherapists tend to agree. According to research conducted at the International Flavors and Fragrances in New Jersey, fragrances of orange are also believed to be helpful in reducing anxiety

Aromatherapy is generally more effective in people who are only having mild bouts of depression, and that either do not require medication or who are being weaned off of it. . This is because there is no threat of dangerous drug interactions. Now while aromatherapy can be very helpful, it is important that one doesn’t suddenly stop using their medications. This could potentially be quite dangerous. It is vital that one works closely with their doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist, so that they can safely create an effective game plan to be weaned off prescribed medications as a health professional sees fit.

Probably the most effective forms of aromatherapy to treat depression are bath and massage oils. These allow you take advantage of both your sense of touch and smell. Aromatherapy is a fantastic way for individuals to treat mild depression. Lavender, geranium, rose and peppermint are some of the very best essential oils to use when one has the prolonged blues.

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Aromachology and Aromatherapy – Do you know the difference?

Aromachology is the scientific study of the effects of fragrance on human psychology and behavior. This term was coined in 1989 by what is now the Sense of Smell Institute, a division of The Fragrance Foundation, which in turn is the non-profit,


educational arm of the international fragrance industry. Aromachology emphasizes controlled scientific study, deals only with the psychological effects of fragrance and considers both natural and synthetic odorants. Aromachology is driven by corporate sponsorship and ultimately endeavors to identify fragrance applications that have commercial opportunity.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant essential oils to improve physical health as well as psychological health. The term was first used in 1928 by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse to describe the healing action of aromatic plant essences but the use of herbs and plant oils dates back to antiquity. The practice of Aromatherapy remains an integral part of folk medicine. The pharmacology of essential oils is seldom studied scientifically as there is no commercial incentive to do so. Aromatherapy uses only pure, natural essential oils, each with specific attributes for healing, and how they smell is secondary to their therapeutic action.

How are they different?

The two disciplines appear to overlap where aromatherapy uses inhalation of diffused oils to treat conditions related to mood and emotion, such as anxiety, depression, lethargy, or irritability. But even in this circumstance, there is an important distinction.

Aromatherapy does not endorse the use of artificial fragrances which have no therapeutic value and can not affect mood beyond the psychological effects of “odor memory”. On the other hand, researchers in Aromachology will point out that the special virtues of essential oils are not supported by a substantial body of clinical evidence. But is there really a conflict?

The effect of fragrance on emotion

The fact that our emotions are affected by fragrance is widely accepted. Memory and emotion are often strongly associated with odor. We have all experienced it. A whiff of a particular odor and our minds are suddenly flooded with a memory and the emotions associated with that memory. There is an anatomical basis for this phenomenon. Within the human brain the primary olfactory cortex, which processes information about odors, is directly connected to the amygdala, which controls the expression and experience of emotion, and the hippocampus, which controls the consolidation of memories. These are primitive functions that have been around since the time in early evolution when we needed to use our sense of smell for survival. Controlled studies would suggest that our appreciation of an odor and our emotional response to it, are determined by the emotional context in which the odor was first encountered, even if the association is subtle and we are not consciously aware of it. This is why our appreciation of odors is such a personal matter and why there are significant differences in odor preference from one culture to the next.

Both natural and synthetic odorants can trigger a psychological response which is at the heart of Aromachology but only the appropriate essential oil will cause a specific physiological response which is the healing goal of Aromatherapy.

Are the claims of Aromatherapy unproven?

It is true that there is little scientific research into the pharmacology of essential oils. Lack of funding is the primary reason. Essential oils are not patentable and so with a few exceptions there is no commercial incentive for conducting research. On the other hand, thanks to Aromachology controlled studies have validated some of the historical claims for essential oils. For example, it has been proven that Rosemary enhances cognitive performance, Peppermint is invigorating and Lavender is relaxing. The practice of Aromatherapy has withstood the test of time. Within western cultures its popularity as a complementary medicine continues to grow.

In reality there is no conflict between Aromachology and Aromatherapy because they have different agendas and neither invalidates the other. In the end, Aromachology may prove to be of great benefit to Aromatherapy by adding the weight of modern research to the large body of common knowledge that has supported it for hundreds of years.

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