Aromatherapy refers to the use of scents for therapeutic purposes. It is generally believed that different aromas can be used to treat different ailments. Popular aromatherapy scents include lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender.
Many people may be familiar with lemongrass because of its culinary significance. However, lemongrass is also one of the popular aromatherapy scents. When lemongrass is used for this purpose, an essential oil is often extracted by steam distillation. That oil may be placed in a special oil burner where it is heated and thereby diffused. Fever, depression, and muscle aches are ailments for which this scent is believed to be effective.
Peppermint is also likely to be more familiar to people as a food than as a medicine. There are a number of ways in which peppermint aromatherapy scents are used. Many people add peppermint to bath water to combat problems such as stress and headaches. The oil may also be burned when it is needed to promote concentration.
Bergamot is another of the aromatherapy scents believed to have a positive effect on concentration. This scent is also used to promote well-being, to eliminate anxiety, and to combat chronic fatigue. It is commonly found as an essential oil or in the form of candles.
Commonly known to be added to topical rubs and foot creams, eucalyptus is believed to be effective when used as aromatherapy, too. Those who suffer with congestion, allergies, and sinus problems may consider using it. One way of doing so is by adding eucalyptus oil to a facial steamer. This oil may also be added to bath water.
Lavender is considered a calming herb. It is used to fight stress, anxiety, and depression. This is likely to be one of the most popular aromatherapy scents. There is a wide variety of lavender aromatherapy products available. These include room sprays, body sprays, and candles.
Colds and flus are often combated with sweet orange oil. Although many essential oils are steam-distilled, sweet orange oil is one of the aromatherapy scents that are commonly cold pressed. This is because cold-pressed citrus oils tend to smell better and to be of much higher quality, which is something people should consider before buying any.
Orange is not the only citrus fruit that is used therapeutically. Grapefruits are also used to make essential oils. One benefit this oil has over its citrus counterparts is the lack of phototoxicity. An oil that is phototoxic is sensitive to sun because of radiation-absorbing substances and can therefore make a person photosensitive. For this reason, grapefruit is a good alternative scent for depression, headaches, and concentration.