The use of aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. But it’s only been within the last few decades that it has reached mainstream popularity and understanding, being used for emotional well-being as well as physical health.
Without getting into all the science behind the effectiveness of aromatherapy in this blog, I want to focus on my top five favourite scents for promoting relaxation since this month’s joy habit is Be Relaxed.
If you’ve read this month’s Joy Matters newsletter, you’ll have read the chapter from my book Being Joy™ that explains some of the benefits of relaxing for your body and mind. I also provided some links to articles that give practical tips for stress reduction, and a handy self-assessment tool for determining your level of stress.
But today’s blog is about taking time to smell the roses…literally!
Having said that, I put the scent of Rose right at the top of my list, primarily because it’s the highest frequency oil that has been measured (coming in at 320 MHz). And since joy is the highest frequency, the aroma of rose will get you there faster. As one of the most expensive essential oils out there, I usually just put a few drops in a spritzer bottle with water and mist myself. Amazing how long it lingers.
Another oil I love using (inhale and diffuse) and a bit more reasonably priced is Patchouli. I wrote about it in this month’s newsletter as the one I most recommend for relaxation. Many people think of this oil as the “hippy” oil as its distinctive aroma is reminiscent of groups of the long-haired, tie-dyed set, laughing and drinking wine right out of the bottle. But when you look closer at this relaxing blend you’ll find that it has a lot of health properties as well. And I mostly enjoy it when I want to be in a relaxed state for writing. But if you’re not a fan of Patchouli, maybe this next one will be more to your olfactory preference.
Lavender is probably the most popular of the essentials oils for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Inhale, diffuse, put some in a lovely warm bath or apply a drop or two to the bottom of baby’s feet and you’ll be called the baby whisperer. (I often bring some in my carry-on when flying to help with any fussy little ones that happen to be sharing the cabin with me. Mom’s are always grateful!)
The aroma of Ylang Ylang is all about restoring balance – the yin and the yang, the male and the female. And when you relax into body/mind balance, you bring back feelings of self-love and alignment. And when you’re aligned, you are expressing your joy in the most profound way. I often diffuse this in my bedroom for a restful sleep at night.
The last of my favourite five is Frankincense. Not only is this one of the most sacred of oils, it tends to be the most sought after scent for enhancing spiritual awareness during meditation, which incidentally is one of the most effective ways to relax. I always put a drop between my two eyes, on my third eye chakra, before meditation and then inhale it deeply to oxygenate the pineal and pituitary glands. Very powerful.
So there you have it. If you’re an “oiler” like me, you likely have a few other favourites. But if you’re new to aromatherapy, please make sure you use only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Otherwise you run the risk of wasting your money on just pretty smells that won’t really be effective or in fact, increase your risk of harmful side effects to your skin or respiratory system.
If you are interested in learning more about how to incorporate aromatherapy into your life for health and well-being, send me an email or check out my Healing Oils Facebook Page.
Love from your Joy Mama,
P.S. If you would like to learn more about my book Being Joy™ where I go into more detail about relaxation and 39 other topics to help elevate your joy frequency, check out this video.
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