Aromatherapy 101: Learning the Essentials

Contributions by Nidia Torres | Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Itzel Montoya

As you go about your day completing daily chores, finishing up assignments in a hurry after procrastinating, working and just having to stay awake all day, you realize that you haven’t had much ‘me time.’

Have no worries because there are a variety of ways to de-stress. If you want to find a method for relaxation that requires no hard labor, you might want to give aromatherapy a chance.

Aromatherapy is the use of oils through different methods to achieve a state of calm and relaxation; it can be beneficial to you during stressful times like these. The Mayo Clinic states, “Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then sends messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions.”

If you haven’t tried aromatherapy before, make sure to sample the oil on a small section of your skin as a precaution.

Diffusers Oil diffusers, a common method of aromatherapy, can range from cheap and convenient to expensive and durable. The choice is all yours and you get to be creative with the variety of diffusers and oil essences out there.

Bath Bombs Bath bombs are also a popular method of aromatherapy. What’s unique about bath bombs is the aromatic fizzle it provides when used and they can also be great for a mix ‘n match session.

Mix ‘n Match Don’t be afraid to mix and match oil essences. If you have a killer headache and want to relive the pain, but at the same time you want to exude positivity and calmness, then lavender and orange is the right recipe for you.

Lavender Oil Lavender oil is a more common essence in aromatherapy. It helps relieve stress, colds, migraines, ease tension, relax muscles and is a form of deodorant, as stated on Aromatherapy.com. Lavender can also be used in multiple ways, such as giving yourself a massage. The skin can absorb the oil and the therapeutic touch will be more efficient.

Orange Oil Orange oil essence evokes positive emotions and emotional support and may help in alleviating stress and re-energizing your mood, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy website. If you are using a diffuser, place two to three drops in the diffuser and enjoy the orange-y aroma.