What Is Aromatherapy?

What Is Aromatherapy?

It is Aromatherapy Awareness Week! So, we thought we would talk to you about this therapy and answer a few questions you may have. After all, Urban Veda is actually based on aromatherapy! Basically, Aromatherapy is a type of complementary therapy which harnesses the natural and therapeutic properties of plants. Interestingly, people have practiced this form of therapy for millennia. It also relieves both physical and emotional complaints. It is essentially using fragrant essential oils for wellbeing.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are aromatic oils which have been extracted from flowers, leaves, bark, roots and fruits. Moreover, they are very concentrated and powerful and have been used for thousands of years. It is important to note that, Essential oils are volatile and can be used via inhalation and via skin absorption for wellbeing. If you’re keen to learn more about essential oils, we’ve talked about them in more detail here.

How to use essential oils

• Aromatherapy massage is a beneficial way for using essential oils – try adding 4 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil
• Use your Essential oils in the bath – try adding 4-6 drops of your chosen oil to a warm bath
• Try using essential oils in a diffuser – try using 10-12 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) in a diffuser to inhale the aroma
• Experience the benefits of essential oils through inhalation – add 4-8 drops into a bowl of steaming water and inhale slowly and deeply
• Use Essential for your skincare – try to use up to 4 drops within body products and 1 drop on the face

Remember: Don't apply most essential oils (except lavender and tea tree) to the skin, as they can cause irritation! It’s also important to remember that they should not be taken internally. So, each essential oils has very different benefits. Moreover, they also blend differently depending on whether they’re a base note, middle note or a top note. Therefore, Aromatherapy is a real art and can take a while to master, but we’ve popped some of our favourite essential oils below. Bergamot – emotionally uplifting, calming but not a sedative Rose – de-stressing, soothing and nurturing Geranium – lifts and balances moods Black Pepper – soothes aching muscles and clarifies memory and concentration Rosemary – brain stimulating and promotes confidence Peppermint – promotes clarity and alertness, digestive Basil – soothes headaches, supports memory and concentration Lavender – analgesic (pain-relieving) and aids sleep Ylang Ylang – calming, relaxing and eases stress Eucalyptus – antibacterial Sandalwood – calming Patchouli – calming Clary Sage – calming Tea Tree – antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

Have you blended essential oils before or experienced an aromatherapy massage?