Aromatherapy: Exploring Scent Meanings & Therapeutic Benefits

Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses the essential oils of plants to improve a person's mood or health. Many essential oils have multiple healing properties, targeting both physical and mental conditions.

Emotions

• Certain scents are used primarily for emotional enhancement. Basil, sage and mint are used for spiritual uplifting, energy and romance. They can also produce relaxing and calming effects.

Physical Ailments

• Essential oils, like cedarwood and eucalyptus, are primarily used for physical illnesses. Cedarwood helps with bronchitis, congestion and sinusitis.

Balance and Strength

• If you're ever in the need for balance and strength, consider essential oils lemon and lime. Lemon is good for general well being, while lime is good for balancing.

Depression

• Lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang will help with depression, although each has additional healing properties. For example, lavender is also used to fight the flu and hypertension.

Aphrodisiacs

• Jasmine and rose are common aphrodisiacs, used to increase sexual desire. Ylang ylang and sandalwood, besides being used to treat depression, are also used as aphrodisiacs.

Antiseptic Uses

• Tea tree oil has been shown to have antimicrobial effectiveness and is used in antiseptics and disinfectants.