About 15 years ago (yes, I've been an adult for a while now) I was shopping for a last minute Christmas gift and knew, just knew, that the steam machine-thingy with the lovely odor - thing would be just the thing. It was a little wacky, but hey, so was I, and everyone knew it, and it was genuinely a step up from the little cut-out cardboard mobiles I used to make for people. Really.
So this steam contraption was in the "health" section of a health food store and promoted, yes, aromatherapy which to me sounded fantastic. It was quite expensive for back in the day, at least $25 and seemed to me a perfect gift.
Needless to say, there was a containment of eye-rolling that probably gave the recipient of the gift such a migraine that he would have needed the steam - scent thingy just to get over it. But he didn't find out because he thought it was such junk that he never even opened it.
In fact, a couple of years later, I saw it at another friend's house just puffing away, happily spewing lavender all over the airway of the apartment. "Huh." I thought to myself. "It was so bad it was re-gifted." My inquiries into the veracity of this situation proved my thoughts correct.
Slowly, however, the aromatherapy things began to creep into the mainstream marketplace with a fervor only akin to designer jeans and Pop-Tarts. I felt like Nostradamus - I had foreseen the future and it smelled like rose petals and lilies!
Aromatherapy, I always knew it was something special. So here are some of the purported benefits of flavoring your air with scent:
Lemon - is an energizer
Lavender - is a great stress reliever, promoting peace and well-being.
Hyssop - has been around for centuries. It has healing properties that have been used by many throughout the years. It helps with cold and flu. It can also be used as a skin-improving agent, helping fight against blemishes.
Jasmine - has relaxing and soothing properties. Sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.
Basil - helps with concentration. Also used in a wide variety of health conditions such as, upset stomach, headaches and flatulence.
Chamomile - used to promote sleep, relaxation and meditation.
Sandalwood - this is still burned in many homes today in incense form.A very sweet woody scent helping promote relaxation and spiritual harmony. Also, helps with dry hair and skin.
Rose - there are many different types of roses. They all have some differences in healing properties. Rose is known for its soothing and calming abilities. It can also help with various skin problems.
Peppermint - a true energizer. Often used to combat fatigue and muscle aches and pains.
Eucalyptus - a powerful decongestant. Used for centuries to help with cold symptoms. It also has antiseptic qualities.
Ginger - an energizing scent, ginger is widely used to help with nausea.
Nutmeg - Used by some to help with sleep and indigestion.
http://beta.essortment.com/44729-aromatherapy-scent-meanings-effects.html
So sit back, relax, and plug it in, plug it in.
Aimee Boyle contributes regularly to EmpowHER.