A HOLIDAY FOR YOUR SENSES WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy and essential oils have been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the Indians, the Chinese, the Greeks and the Romans also recognized the well-being of their application. Nowadays, in every wellness & spa center, they are used for various types of massage, some of which serve to relax and reduce stress, and some to lift energy. Essential oils are rubbed on the skin, inhaled, and some are even intended for oral use. Their extremely concentrated scents are obtained from roots, leaves, seeds or flowers of medical herbs. The smell of oil positively stimulates nasal receptors and thus affects mental and physical health.

Lavender oil is one of the most famous essential oils in aromatherapy, which was used more than 2,500 years ago. It has a soothing effect on the body and mind and the ability to reduce stress. Lavender oil can be found in various aromatherapy products, including bathing soles and massage oil. Another way to take advantage of the calming scent of lavender is the lavender herbal tea.

Chamomile oil is used for relaxation, mood enhancement, muscle cramping, and treating mild infections. There are many types of chamomile; the two main oils for making oil are the German or wild chamomile with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that gives the oil a blue color, and the Roman chamomile with a stronger soothing effect. Since its main effect is the elimination of anxiety, chamomile oil is similar to lavender oil.

Bergamot oil, which gives black tea a recognizable smell, is the citrus essential oil which is the leading one in the treatment of depression. Bergamot is a type of orange that originates from southern Italy. The fruit itself is not edible but is cultivated to produce essential oils. In addition to improving mood, the oil relieves pain, lowers temperature, and suppresses fatigue.

The ylang ylang oil is a specific, sweet, exotic fragrance. Ylang Ylang is a flower originating from Madagascar, Philippines and Indonesia, and its name says it is “the flower of all flowers”. Its oil contributes to the revitalization of the organism, raises energy, and it is also an important aphrodisiac, so it is also referred to as “the love oil”. In Indonesia, the petals of this flower are often sprinkled on the bed of a just married couple.

Rose oil is extremely difficult to obtain. It takes around 12,000 roses to prepare just 5 ml of the essential oil. The “Queen of Flowers” is good for strengthening self-confidence, mental power and positive thinking, which is why it is widely accepted in aromatherapy. All the benefits of this flower lead us to believe in the story of Cleopatra sleeping on a pillow covered with petals!

The incense oil is also linked to Cleopatra because the legend has it, that it was namely this type of oil that maintained her youth. The incense oil was also found in the Tutankhamun’s tomb and is also mentioned in the story of the birth of Christ. It regenerates and tightens the skin, while reducing internal restlessness, nervous tension and insomnia.

Essential oils are very concentrated and this is why they are not applied directly to the skin, except for lavender. They are usually diluted in one of the other oils, such as almond, jojoba or coconut.

ADVICE FOR HOME USE OF OILS

If you have not used essential oils in wellness & spa centers nor at home, it is a good idea to first apply a small amount to a very small part of your skin when using it for the first time. If you are prone to allergies, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction, which can also occur later. You should wait for twenty minutes and check for redness or another noticeable change of the skin. If there are no reactions, relax all your senses and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.