Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help with relaxation and healing. Essential oils containing the essence of a plant's fragrance have been used for at least two millennia to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. They can be massaged into the skin (as long as they are blended with a milder carrier oil such as olive or walnut oil), diffused with a spray or aroma lamp, or inhaled - for example, if you have a cold and want to clear the sinuses you can add a few drops of eucalyptus to a bowl of steaming water, put a towel over your head and breathe in the vapour.
Plants have different properties and can be used to treat different symptoms. Lavender is calming and promotes sleep, whilst rosemary has recently been proven to enhance short-term memory - very useful before an exam, for instance!
Knowledge is key, as Essential oils can be extremely toxic when taken internally, irritating when applied directly to the skin and care should be taken to keep essential oils away from children and pets. Here at The Isbourne, you can attend courses to learn the correct and beneficial uses of Essential Oils from qualified Aromatherapy specialists.
Jeni Howland , Emma Elizabeth , Nafia Harding