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Aromatherapy – Smells Like Home
By Lisa Levstein (Well Now Inc. Staff Writer)
Why is it that realtors advise their clients that houses with
the aroma of fresh baking sell faster?
Because, smells evoke memories, influence our moods, and can
even change our behaviour. This simple concept is the basis for
the ancient craft of aromatherapy, and can be used to create
peace, harmony, health, and contentment in your home.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, the most potent and
concentrated extracts of various parts of flowers, fruits,
leaves, roots, and woods. The essential oil of a plant is
approximately 75-100 times more concentrated than a dried plant.
Aromatherapists are educated on the anatomical aspects of the
human body and on the appropriate use of each essential oil.
Using this combined knowledge, they create safe and effective
aromatherapy solutions.
“ ...when you use essential oils in your environment, you create
a prophylactic environment."
Don’t be fooled. Many commercial products today that claim to be
aromatherapy-scented are really made with fragrance oils, not
essential oils. While these products are pleasant, they only
have the odour of essential oils, not the healing attributes.
Bonita Barth, of
Essential Botanicals, reminds us “ that when you
use essential oils in your environment, you create a
prophylactic environment. Unlike commercial fragrance oils,
essential oils are antimicrobial and help to stop the spread of
germs.”
Using essential oils in your home can help keep harmful germs
away. However, if you are pregnant, check carefully with
aromatherapy professionals before using any essential
oils. Remember to treat these oils with respect, as improper
usage could result in harm to a fetus, allergic reactions,
burning of the skin, or other serious problems.
Here are a few aromatherapy applications to try at home*:
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For a natural deodorizing, disinfectant window cleaner, add 30
drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to 8 oz. of distilled water
in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
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Place a couple of drops of Tea Tree oil in your kitchen or
bathroom soap dispenser along with your liquid soap for a
natural antibacterial and anti-fungal cleanser.
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Place some peppermint oil in an aromatherapy burner or lamp
ring in your home office. Peppermint aids concentration and
stimulates brain power.
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Discourage the spread of colds in the home. Create a general
household disinfectant by adding 6 drops of Eucalyptus, 8
drops of Lemon and 6 drops of Tea Tree to warm water. You can
also use 8 - 10 drops of the oil blend in your humidifier to
help cleanse the air. Or you can dilute the mixture with water
and keep it in a spray bottle for an instant air freshener.
For an interesting variation, use a couple drops of thyme oil
instead of the eucalyptus/lemon/tea tree blend.
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Lavender is an analgesic, good for restoring calm and
serenity. If you love the smell, place a couple drops of
lavender oil in your washing machine’s fabric softener
dispenser when doing laundry. Or, place the drops on a small
cloth to throw into your dryer with your laundry. You can even
keep a mixture of lavender water in a spray bottle for use
when ironing.
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Create a little romantic magic by lighting candles, playing
music, and burning drops of rose and sandalwood oils on a
light ring.
*Please remember to be safe, rather than sorry. Essential oils
are potent, natural substances. Please check with a professional
before using near pregnant women, people with allergies, and
animals.
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Bonita Barth
is an Herbalist and Aromatherapy consultant. Bonita is also
owner of Essential Botanicals, a distributor of a high
quality line of essential oils imported from Germany, as well as
natural skin care products.
Website:
www.essentialbotanicals.com
Contact Bonita at:
bonitabarth@essentialbotanicals.com
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