The Power of Aromatherapy

The power of scent strongly affects me. I can’t handle unpleasant smells because it distracts me and I will literally walk away if the gross scent doesn’t go away. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I figured out how much scents affect me. I mean I have somewhat always used aromatherapy but I think it was a few years back that I started really getting crazy about scents and how often I use them. Aromatherapy has been very therapeutic and has helped reduce my anxious self. I thought it might be interesting to share some of the ways I incorporate aromatherapy into my life.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
 Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that is based on the usage of aromatic materials such as natural plant extracts (like essential oils) to promote physical well-being with claims that these scents can relieve anxiety and enhance your physical and emotional health. It is an alternative medicine practice. *

*Please consult a doctor for professional medical advice.

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CANDLES
Candles must be everybody’s first introduction to aromatherapy. I prefer 3-wick candles because they burn evenly and give off a stronger scent. My favorite scents are sweet, floral, and coffee-scented candles. Plus, there is something about the glow a candle gives off that makes a room feel so magical!

ESSENTIAL OILS
I carry a lavender roll-on in my bag and use it whenever I feel stressed or uncomfortable in a situation in public. When my anxiety is high I’ll apply some instead of a body mist/perfume. I’ll rub some of the oil on my wrists, neck, temples, and under my nose so that I can always get a whiff of the relaxing lavender oil.

ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Last year I went through a long search for the perfect essential oil diffuser. I wanted a scent diffuser that lasted long enough and gave off a strong mist, this is the diffuser I use and I love it! I use it every night! Check out this post where I talk more about essential oils and diffusers.

ENERGY CLEANSING MIST
I recently started making my own ‘energy’ cleansing mist using essential oils. Depending on my mood and the season I will make a specific scented mist. Make your own energy mist here. By the way, I called it ‘energy mist’ because it literally shifts my energy and the mood of my space.

SAGE & PALO SANTO
I started using sacred smoke cleansing a few years ago. I have noticed a huge difference in the energic levels of my space when I use smoke cleansing which is why I continue to smoke cleanse, but only on special days like on Full Moon and New Moon days. I get all of my sage bundles from this shop that is run by a Native American seller. If you plan on working with sage I recommend only getting sage from Native American sellers because the sage is ethically sourced and traditionally harvested personally, blessed with positive prayers and your money goes to the Native American communities where the sage smudging practice originated.

My older sister has gifted me palo santo so I have an abundant collection of palo santo that I’m currently using. I’m still divided about whether or not I like the scent of palo santo. I’ve tried using sweet grass and other smoke cleansing alternatives to see what I like but so far white sage and palo santo are the two I use the most.

INCENSE STICKS
I recently started using incense sticks as another alternative to cleanse my room using smoke. The first incense sticks that I bought were lavender, vanilla, and this moon blend. The problem I’ve found with incense sticks is that they don’t last that long (mine last under an hour) which is fine if you want to just do a small ritual or when you mediate until the incense stick burns out. Another upside is that intense sticks are incredibly inexpensive! One box of incense sticks is literally under $1! I bought three boxes of incense sticks and an incense holder all for under $7! I’m currently using one of those basic incense holders but plan on getting one of these coffin incense holders because they’re less messy and when the smoke looks so cool when it comes out. ?

How does aromatherapy affect you?