Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. Aromatherapists blend therapeutic essential oils especially for each person and suggest methods of use such as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate the desired responses.

The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils, can produce different emotional and physiological reactions. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporised in an oil burner. Although aromatherapy has been practised for centuries in various cultures, the modern version was developed mainly in France.

Aromatherapy has not yet undergone as much scientific scrutiny as other complementary therapies, but it may be effective in helping with some complaints. 

Popular aromatic plant oils

A few of the popular aromatic plant oils and their uses for the following symptoms include:

• peppermint – digestive disorders
• rosemary – muscular pains, mental stimulant
• sandalwood – depression, anxiety and nervous tension
• sweet orange – depression and anxiety
• tea tree – respiratory problems, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral
• lavender – headaches, insomnia, burns, aches and pains.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/aromatherapy