By Ray Dobson Smell is the sense thats the most strongly linked to our emotions and memories. You can tell every time you smell something from your childhoodwhether its that perfume your mom used to wear, the smell of meatloaf in the oven, or the scent of freshly cut grass on a Saturday morning, weve all got a few scent triggers that bring us back to a simpler time. Its no wonder that smells are now believed to have beneficial properties that can cause us to relax, perk up, feel better, or whatever else we need. And if you want to get into aromatherapy, the perfect place to do it is already installed in your housethe bathtub. When starting on aromatherapy, youll encounter two different types of oils: essential and fragrance. Fragrance oils are synthetics, and while they may be fine for perfumes, they arent considered ideal for aromatherapy use. Essential oils are more desirable; theyre made from parts of the plant itself: the roots, leaves, stalks, pods, flower petals, etc. They can be very strong, and before using an essential oil in your bathtub, its important to do a skin test to determine if you have any allergies. Simply put a drop of the oil on your wrist, and dont wash it for 24 hours. If you dont notice any pain, itching, raised welts, or any other reactions during this time, the oil is safe for you to use. Essential oils are very strong, however, and many aromatherapy experts advocate diluting them in a carrier oil such as sweet almond before applying them to the skin or using them in the bathtub. Only about 5 drops or less should be used in a bath. Here are a few common oils used in bath aromatherapy, and their effects: Lavender. One of the most common therapeutic oils, lavender is sweet-smelling and makes you smell great once you get out of the bathtub, too. Lavender is believed to have mentally relaxing and soothing properties, and its great for anyone whos had a stressful day. Its also said to be good for skin conditions such as eczema, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, and hot flashes, and its got antiseptic properties as well. Its very soothing on bug bites and other skin irritations. Eucalyptus. This one is used for people with respiratory problems. Breathing in eucalyptus-scented steam is said to clear airways and soothe lungs, and theres no better way to do that than in a bath. Chamomile. Chamomile, like lavender, is said to be relaxing and soothing. Its one of the oldest aromatherapy ingredients around, and has been used to treat muscle spasms, reduce tension, and calm agitation. Its also said to be very beneficial for the skin and the scalp, and is often prescribed to treat acne and dandruff. Sage. Sage is another ancient aromatherapy ingredient, used in the Ottoman Empire and in Medieval Europe to treat skin conditions, rheumatism, and arthritis. In ancient times, sage was believed to have life-extending properties, and was often prescribed to aging patients for its rejuvenating effects. Nowadays, its used for its beneficial effects on swollen joints, as well as on skin. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is used to stimulate the immune system. It improves the bodys ability to respond to viruses and bacteria. Its good for anyone whos got a cold or the flu. Peppermint oil is great for the skin. It clears up acne and serves to dry out particularly oily skin and blemishes. Its also good for migraines and indigestion. Citrus oils such as orange and lemon are great mental pick-me-ups. Often included in blends said to relieve depression, these scents cheer you up and give you energy. Great for starting off a big day with a relaxing bath thats sure to put you in a good mood. Rosemary is good for aching muscles, nervous tension, premenstrual syndrome, sinus congestion, and indigestion. Aromatherapy is a great way to spice up an ordinary bath. No matter what physical or mental challenges youre wrestling with, chances are theres a scent or scent combination thats tailor made for you. Experiment with different blends and talk to an aromatherapist for recommendations for the best oils for whatever ails you. R Dobson is director of WD Bathrooms http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/ based in Sheffield, UK. For information on shower and bathroom design visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Bathroom_Info.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Dobson http://EzineArticles.com/?Bathtub-Aromatherapy-101&id=444075 global pharmacy phentermine
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