| "> | | | | as well. It's very soothing on bug bites and other skin |
| Smell is the sense that's the most strongly linked to | | | | irritations. |
| our emotions and memories. You can tell every time | | | | Eucalyptus. This one is used for people with |
| you smell something from your childhood--whether it's | | | | respiratory problems. Breathing in eucalyptus-scented |
| that perfume your mom used to wear, the smell of | | | | steam is said to clear airways and soothe lungs, and |
| meatloaf in the oven, or the scent of freshly cut | | | | there's no better way to do that than in a bath. |
| grass on a Saturday morning, we've all got a few | | | | Chamomile. Chamomile, like lavender, is said to be |
| scent triggers that bring us back to a simpler time. | | | | relaxing and soothing. It's one of the oldest |
| It's no wonder that smells are now believed to have | | | | aromatherapy ingredients around, and has been used |
| beneficial properties that can cause us to relax, perk | | | | to treat muscle spasms, reduce tension, and calm |
| up, feel better, or whatever else we need. And if | | | | agitation. It's also said to be very beneficial for the |
| you want to get into aromatherapy, the perfect | | | | skin and the scalp, and is often prescribed to treat |
| place to do it is already installed in your house--the | | | | acne and dandruff. |
| bathtub. | | | | Sage. Sage is another ancient aromatherapy |
| When starting on aromatherapy, you'll encounter two | | | | ingredient, used in the Ottoman Empire and in |
| different types of oils: essential and fragrance. | | | | Medieval Europe to treat skin conditions, rheumatism, |
| Fragrance oils are synthetics, and while they may be | | | | and arthritis. In ancient times, sage was believed to |
| fine for perfumes, they aren't considered ideal for | | | | have life-extending properties, and was often |
| aromatherapy use. Essential oils are more desirable; | | | | prescribed to aging patients for its rejuvenating |
| they're made from parts of the plant itself: the roots, | | | | effects. Nowadays, it's used for its beneficial effects |
| leaves, stalks, pods, flower petals, etc. They can be | | | | on swollen joints, as well as on skin. |
| very strong, and before using an essential oil in your | | | | Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is used to stimulate the |
| bathtub, it's important to do a skin test to determine | | | | immune system. It improves the body's ability to |
| if you have any allergies. Simply put a drop of the oil | | | | respond to viruses and bacteria. It's good for anyone |
| on your wrist, and don't wash it for 24 hours. If you | | | | who's got a cold or the flu. |
| don't notice any pain, itching, raised welts, or any | | | | Peppermint oil is great for the skin. It clears up acne |
| other reactions during this time, the oil is safe for you | | | | and serves to dry out particularly oily skin and |
| to use. | | | | blemishes. It's also good for migraines and indigestion. |
| Essential oils are very strong, however, and many | | | | Citrus oils such as orange and lemon are great mental |
| aromatherapy experts advocate diluting them in a | | | | pick-me-ups. Often included in blends said to relieve |
| carrier oil such as sweet almond before applying them | | | | depression, these scents cheer you up and give you |
| to the skin or using them in the bathtub. Only about | | | | energy. Great for starting off a big day with a |
| 5 drops or less should be used in a bath. Here are a | | | | relaxing bath that's sure to put you in a good mood. |
| few common oils used in bath aromatherapy, and | | | | Rosemary is good for aching muscles, nervous |
| their effects: | | | | tension, premenstrual syndrome, sinus congestion, |
| Lavender. One of the most common therapeutic oils, | | | | and indigestion. |
| lavender is sweet-smelling and makes you smell great | | | | Aromatherapy is a great way to spice up an ordinary |
| once you get out of the bathtub, too. Lavender is | | | | bath. No matter what physical or mental challenges |
| believed to have mentally relaxing and soothing | | | | you're wrestling with, chances are there's a scent or |
| properties, and it's great for anyone who's had a | | | | scent combination that's tailor made for you. |
| stressful day. It's also said to be good for skin | | | | Experiment with different blends and talk to an |
| conditions such as eczema, headaches, insomnia, dry | | | | aromatherapist for recommendations for the best oils |
| skin, and hot flashes, and it's got antiseptic properties | | | | for whatever ails you. |