Smell is considered to be one of our most powerful senses. It can recall memories, stir emotions, and even enhance our physical and mental well-being. From your personal experience, you’re probably aware that your sense of smell has the power to influence your mood and impact stress levels on a daily basis. Medically speaking, the holistic healing treatment known as aromatherapy has been used over the years as a complementary and alternative therapy to traditional medication. In this post, we’ll explore the history of scent and delve into how aromatherapy has been used therapeutically throughout the years. 

The History of Scent 

For thousands of years, humans have been using the power of fragrances to enhance spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. In fact, aromatherapy dates back to ancient civilizations when Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese cultures used aromatic plant components medicinally and ceremonially. They understood the physical and psychological benefits these fragrances provided and therefore extracted essential oils from herbs and flowers to create medicine, anoint the deceased, and perfume the home. Today, the healing powers of aromatherapy are recognized in science and medicine with many people using plant-derived oils, alongside mainstream health practices, to heal the mind, body, and soul.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses highly concentrated natural plant extracts to improve overall psychology and physical health. It is sometimes referred to as essential oil therapy as it makes use of the essences found in leaves, roots, resin, seeds, bark, and flowers. Aromatherapy offers a variety of health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing stress and anxiety, decreasing depression, improving sleep patterns, and soothing sore joints. Many people also use aromatherapy to fight against bacteria and fungus, alleviate headaches, or relieve pain. Although the most popular way to use essential oil is to inhale them, you can also reap the benefits through skin absorption by using products such as body creams, lotions, bathing salts, and clay masks. 

The Benefits of Essential Oils 

Essential oils offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits making them a useful addition to your natural skin care routine. Here are some of the most popular essential oils to improve overall health and quality of life:

Lavender: This powerful purple plant is known for its calming and restorative effect on the body and mind. It’s a wonderful choice for relieving headaches and soothing anxiety. For physical concerns, lavender helps inhibit the growth of bacteria which allows it to ward off infection. It’s also a wonderful anti-wrinkle treatment. Enjoy the therapeutic effects of lavender, with our comfort home fragrance range. We also recommend nourishing your skin with this Comfort Body Oil. Simply spray it over your body after a shower or bath and marvel at the difference in your skin and mood. 

Grapefruit Oil: As part of the citrus fruit family, grapefruit oil has a relaxing and refreshing effect on the mind. It works wonders clearing the body from toxins as it’s rich in antioxidants and brimming with vitamin C. In particular, oil skin will benefit from this essential oil. Our Refresh Organic Hand and Body Wash is infused with grapefruit essential oil and is sure to re-energize both your body and mind. 

Ylang Ylang: Derived from the flowers of Cananga odorata, this essential oil helps keep the skin looking youthful, smooth, and fresh. In addition, it can help lower blood pressure, boost mood, and relieve anxiety. Because it helps stimulate oil production on the skin and scalp, it’s great for those who need an extra boost of moisture. If you’re looking to tone your skin or relieve irritation, check out our Renew Face Oil. Packed with natural minerals, vitamins, and essential oils, it’s the perfect choice for those looking for younger and healthier looking skin.