Skin Care Tips, Notes & More

Have you tried Aromatherapy Oils?

Nothing is more relaxing than to sink into a hot bath after a hard day of work, school, kids, or a combination of the three. If tranquility is your destination at the end of the day, or any day you need a break, then aromatherapy may be right for you.

Aromatherapy Candles not just another New Age invention that escapes the land of manufactured products; it actually works well for your mind, body, and spirit. Here is some background on aromatherapy:

The Aromatherapy Basics

Aromatherapy is a type of natural physical and psychological healing method that uses essential plant oils that can be rubbed into the skin, or inhaled. Such plants are juniper, rosemary, lavender and sage that were first used in the days of ancient China, in which the Chinese used such herbs for medicinal purposes. As you can see, there are many Aromatherapy Benefits.

In later centuries, aroma herbs were used to fight off the Black Death in the 16th century, and perfumers became popular in the 19th century, creating natural fragrances (perfumes) from plant oils. Today, what is now called aromatherapy has become popular, as the shift towards natural lifestyles has taken place.

Essential Oils

The main ingredient in any aromatherapy product is essential oils. Essential oils are the liquid essence of the original plant. A very concentrated substance, essential oil comes in small bottles and is diluted using a mix of water and carrier oils to be applied to the skin. If you are inhaling essential oils, be certain to use a light dose of the fluid, as too much of it can be hazardous to your health.

What It Can Do

The uses of aromatherapy are many. Some people use aromatherapy candles or incense, and breathe in the soothing scent of various fragrances. The scent is said to set off a chemical reaction in the brain, creating a mental state of relaxation. Other types of oils, salts and lotions can be used on the skin, creating the same effect except physical. Others use aromatherapy as a way to look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Everyone needs to relax at some point in the day, or the week. Whether you do it every night, or wait until a long Sunday to loosen up your senses and muscles, choosing aromatherapy is a smart way to unwind. With natural ingredients and a beautiful fragrance, it is a truly earthy way to celebrate yourself.

Cellulite is often misunderstood. The appearance is often likened to that of cottage cheese or is given the nice little term dimpled. Regardless of what you want to call it, cellulite is simply subcutaneous fat deposits.

Regardless of popular thought cellulite is not a “fat” problem, in fact it has more to genetics. Individuals are predisposed as to how their body will store its fat. This is the reason why you will see thin individuals with cellulite and over weight individuals who do not appear to have any cellulite at all. In addition environmental damage, aging and hormones are also thought to play a role in the formation of cellulite.

If you are looking for a natural solution for cellulite than essential oils may be an option. Many essential oils may be safely used to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The applications that are most commonly used are bathing and massage. For a bath use approximately ten drops of your chosen botanical oil in your water, do not however add the oil to your bath until you have finished running your water. Ensure that you agitate the water with your hand before getting in to ensure that the oil is not sitting in a clump on the surface.

The other application that can be used is by making up a mixture that can be massaged into the affected area. To make a massage oil for this purpose simply add two to three drops of your chosen essential oil and add it to one ounce of your favorite carrier oil and enjoy. Regardless which application you choose, use regularly.

1. The aroma of Tangerine botanical oil can be described as sweet, fresh, comforting and lively. This essential oil is extracted from the outer peel of the fruit by cold expression. If you decide to give Tangerine botanical oil a try ensure that you to do not use it before you on an area of skin that will exposed to direct sunlight as it is has been known to be phototoxic.

Other citrus essential oils that can be applied for this therapeutic use are lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit.

2. Geranium botanical oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, stalks or flowers of the plant Pelargonium graveolens. This botanical oil has an exotic, spicy, floral scent and is known as the “women’s oil” because of the benefits it provides for menstrual and menopausal issues.

3. Wintergreen botanical oil has a warm minty scent which is recognized world wide. This botanical oil is extracted by steam or water distillation from the leaves of the plant Gaultheria procumbens.

4. Oregano is one of the most popular spices found in kitchens however Oregano botanical oil is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy. This oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried herb and leaves.

5. Juniper Berry botanical oil is believed to be one of the first aromatics used dating back to ancient civilizations. This versatile botanical oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried or slightly dried ripened fruit of the plant Juniperus communis.

6. Pine botanical oil has a very recognizable scent and is often associated with winter and the holidays. This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the needles, twigs and buds of Pinus sylvestris. Do not use oil from the dwarf pine Pinus pumilio.

If using essential oils interests you then choose a essential oil that has the therapeutic properties that you are looking for but that also has a scent or aroma that you find appealing.