"SCENTS"ABLE SOLUTIONS of Aromatherapy
by Cynthia Loving, LMBT (NC1397)

Aromatherapy* offers a wide array of all natural, plant essential oils that have a major impact on the nervous system and can assist in regaining control of one's life. These have been used for centuries. Our earliest ancestors knew that by merely inhaling certain aromatic plant matter they could increase concentration/focus, quiet nerves, relieve pain, lower stress, elevate mood and improve memory. This knowledge was handed down generation to generation and now science is supporting much of this ancient knowledge. We know that upon smelling an odor, the brain stimulates the release of neurochemicals and hormones that bring about changes in thought processes and behavior.

Using Aromatherapy is not difficult. Relief can often be a simple sniff away. It is important to remember essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from various parts of a plant and most effective in small amounts. To make one pound of eucalyptus essential oil it takes approximately 50 pounds of leaves and twigs; about 150 pounds of lavender flowers are needed to make 1 pound of oil; rose requires somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds of petals to make a pound of essential oil. Simple ideas for using aromatherapy include:

~ Use 1-2 drops of oil on a tissue or cotton ball; carry in your pocket - sniff as needed.
~ Blow oils into the air using simple machines called diffusers.
~ Place 1-2 drops of the oil on a piece of terra cotta and enhance the environment for several hours.
~ Rub a drop or 2 into wet hands and apply to the hair.
~ Add 3-6 drops of oil to 1/4 cup whole milk; add to water after tub is filled.
~ Add bath salts to tub, fill with water, turn off and add 3-6 drops of essential oil to water.

Notes - Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin; some may cause irritation Not all essential oils can be used in baths. Baths are not recommended during pregnancy or with young children.

This is a very short list of some essential oils that impact the nervous system. Smell them, and make use of the one(s) that call to you.

Bergamot FCF - uplifting, balancing, refreshing, calming, cools anger, lowers anxiety
Cardamom - uplifting, refreshing, invigorating
Cedarwood Atlas - balances nervous system, lowers fear/anger/anxiety
Clary sage - elevates mood, lowers tension/stress/fatigue, promotes deep relaxation
Cypress - lowers tension/stress/anger/uncontrolled crying, promotes focus
Frankincense - elevates mood, lowers tension/stress/nightmares
Geranium China - balances nervous system, uplifting, lowers tension/stress/anxiety, eases PMS/menopausal symptoms
Grapefruit, pink - elevates mood, relieves nervous exhaustion/jet lag/PMS
Jasmine - raises mood and improves self esteem
Juniperberry - uplifting, improves memory, lowers tension/stress/anxiety
Lavender - sedating, cools anger/mood swings/tension
Lemon - aids concentration, calming, stimulates mental processes
Lemongrass - quieting, improves concentration, lowers stress/irritability (not in bath)
Lime - elevates mood, stimulating, refreshing, eases depression/apathy/listlessness
Marjoram, sweet - balances nervous system, lowers hysteria/stress/irritability, induces deep relaxation/sleep
May chang - uplifting, stimulating, lowers lethargy/anxiety
Myrtle, red - soothes anger/fear/despair/distraction, promotes sleep
Orange 5X or sweet orange - joyful, mood elevating, eases fear/irritability
Palmarosa - uplifting, calming, eases stress/irritability/morning fatigue
Patchouli - eases lethargy/stress/nervous exhaustion
Petitgrain - balances nervous system, reviving, aids clarity, lowers stress/panic/anger
Ravensara - balances the immune system, promotes sleep, lowers anxiety/stress
Rose - elevates mood, promotes restfulness, improves memory, lowers apathy/stress/tension/melancholy
Rosemary - mental/memory stimulant, eases mental fatigue/lethargy
Rosewood - uplifting, relaxant, balances nervous system
Sandalwood - mood elevating, eases stress/grief/aggression
Spruce needle - grounding, uplifting, stimulating, lowers apathy/stress/tension
Tangerine - cheers, sooths & strengthens nervous system, lowers stress/tension
Ylang ylang - calming, aids sleep/low self esteem, eases stress/fear/anger

Each of these essential oils – as well as others - can also be used in physical healing and many are known as powerful aids to spiritual growth. This truly holistic therapy can be incorporated into all facets of your life and is one of the fastest growing Complementary/Alternative therapies in the world.

*Not everything with a smell is aromatherapy. Read the label. If ingredients are listed as perfume, perfum, fragrances - it is not natural and not true aromatherapy. Most people who are scent sensitive can tolerate and benefit from essential oils. It is the man-made products that usually cause negative reactions.

If you wish to learn more about Aromatherapy and essential oils, please visit www.LovingScents.com or email cynthia@LovingScents.com and take a journey into a new state of wellness.

Cynthia Loving, LMBT (NC1397) is a Clinical/Holistic Aromatherapist with over 20 years experience. She is an international instructor, lecturer and consultant to individuals, medical professionals and facilities, schools, hospices and long term care facilities. Visit www.lovingscents.com.