Aromas

I’ve been meaning to talk about how aromas can affect moods. Certain smells transport, others settle the nerves, and good smelling things are just a pleasure. I tend to favor fresh scents, but really, almost any thing that has a connection with pleasant sensations will lift the whole outlook. I don’t the whys and wherefores on the science, but aromatherapy is now a well known alternative healing practice. I have to admit I go out of my way to include this in my life. There are opportunities throughout the daily routine that don’t have to cost anything… just a determination to …ok, are you ready? Smell the roses. Gardens are an obvious place to experience fragrance, but bathtime, a morning breakfast…. so many times and places can add to the desire to breathe deeply. Bath products are assured to relax you with the mix of steamy water; I just love bath salts and shower scrubs. My favorites are Origin Ginger Souffle, and the Salt Scrub. Anther product they manufacture is their Peace of Mind Sensory Therapy. It is expensive for a little bottle, and I probably wouldn’t have thought to buy any except I got one of their samples. I am now addicted to its minty eucalyptus-laced dots on my temples, earlobes, and neck. It has a tingly sensation after being massaged in…. and really does calm you. There are times when you want to take a little time, and if you add some essences to a steamer, or a facial steam you make for yourself, it can be good for your skin and good for your mood. To prepare your own facial steam bath, take a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and add a few drops of essential oil. Drape a large towel over your head as you lean over the steam. Breathe deeply for a few minutes. Lovely. When using essential oils, as wonderful as they are for adding to beauty concoctions or uses, they are extremely concentrated and you have to dilute them. Full strength they are much too strong, but there are products ready made for use. That is probably the simplest. One thing I like is flower waters. In health food stores you can find food quality, and in cosmetic sections you can find some specifically for that use. Rose water is an ancient and marvelously cheering scent. Good for your skin, just put some on a cotton ball and wipe over your face. Cornflower water is a subtle smell and can be used as a mild toner. …in another mood Fresh ground coffee, even people who don’t like to drink it like the smell. It just smells like you are home. Tea scents are so popular now and you find them in everything- one of my very favorite things in the world! And then there are the household products like Febreze and Linen scents. Almost as lovely as laundry dried on the clothesline outside. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in France with the lavender fields, and lay out your sheets to dry on the lavender. Mmmmm. Inspired? There is a whole world of scents on the shelves of health food stores and cosmetic counters, and even in your kitchen cabinets. Candles and home fragrances…. let your senses come alive… allow yourself to enjoy life. Visit a rose garden, or herb garden, this weekend. Cut open a fruit, stop and smell before eating. Take your time. Aromatherapy: Feel good fragrances