CONTENTS

• What is aromatherapy and essential oils?
• Types of essential oils and their effects. Which fragrance should you choose?
• Aromatherapy at home

Our sense of smell is powerful and extremely important. Humans use it unconsciously immediately after birth – the smell helps the newborn recognize its mother and supports the triggering of the sucking reflex. Humans are said to be able to distinguish between several thousand different smells.

What is aromatherapy and essential oils?

Because smells affect both our body and mind, aromatherapy is nothing more than a therapeutic method that utilizes our sense of smell and the scents of essential oils. Depending on the oil we choose for aromatherapy, we achieve different effects. Some help relieve headaches or stress. They relax and unwind, and others help get rid of a runny nose. Essential oils are substances extracted from natural raw materials—flowers, stems, leaves, or rhizomes. They should not be confused with fragrance oils, which are a synthetic product and, unlike natural essential oils, have no health-promoting properties. Their fragrance is artificially produced.

Types of essential oils and their effects. Which fragrance should you choose?

Since each of us has different scents, one of the most important rules when choosing an essential oil is that it has a scent that is pleasant to us and does not irritate us in the long run.

• Lemon oil – has a refreshing and stimulating effect, has antibacterial properties and is particularly recommended in autumn and winter when it is grey and dreary outside and infections are easy to catch.
• Lavender oil is one of the most popular and sought-after essential oils. It helps to relax, calm, and soothe. It is recommended for people who are overtired, stressed, and have problems with insomnia.
• Eucalyptus oil – has antiviral and antibacterial properties, helpful for colds.
• Tea tree oil (from the tea tree) – has antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Aromatherapy at home

Aromatherapy can be successfully used at home. Especially when we want to relax after a long day or when we feel like we're coming down with an infection, a headache, or the autumn blues. There are a few simple ways to harness the beneficial properties of essential oils at home.

Diffusers – thanks to them, the air in the entire room is aromatized. Diffusers work great with lavender, for example, which has a relaxing effect, or lemon or orange, which have an energizing effect.

Inhalations - a few drops of pine oil in boiling water help us get rid of catarrh and sinusitis.

A bath with added oil allows its properties to penetrate our body both through the sense of smell and through the skin.

Massage – Essential oils are great for massage, but some need to be diluted with water before applying directly to the skin as they can be slightly irritating.

Aromatherapy at home is a great way to give yourself extra relaxation and well-being in a place where you feel safest and most comfortable thanks to your favorite scents and the properties of natural essential oils.