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Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Are Back and Better Than Ever!

For centuries and possibly even longer, aromatherapy, although not always known as this term, has used scented plants and human olfactory perception to heal and enhance overall health. In fact, during the ages of the bubonic plague, the antiseptic properties of essential oils were used to ward of the black death. During much of the late 19th century, aromatherapy lost its popularity as newer man-made wonder drugs appeared on the scene. Fortunately, the art and healing powers of aromatherapy have recently begun to resurface as an effective yet non-invasive method to increase wellness and treat certain health conditions.

Current studies indicate that particular aromatherapy smells can alter brain function, almost like a drug. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, a neurologist, psychiatrist and director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Center in Chicago notes, “We know from brain wave frequency studies that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation...an odor such as jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.”

Aromatherapy is used in a variety of ways. Some essential oils are simply inhaled for their therapeutic qualities while others are expertly worked into lotions, creams and other topical applications to treat skin conditions. In some situations, essential oils may be added directly to bath waters and affect both the skin topically and the internal organs through inhalation of the volatile oils.

The type of essential oil that is used depends on the desired effect. For example, peppermint essential oil is a well known stimulant, as is rosemary. Both leave the person feeling reenergized, invigorated and ready to go. For calming the body and mind and relieving stress, there is nothing better than lavender essential oil. Citrus oils are heralded for their ability to improve mood and boost feelings of well-being.

Decleor is a line of skin care products that has been on the market for over 20 years. Decleor is well known for its use of essential oils in its products. In fact, Decleor has taken the mystics out of aromatherapy and turned it into a science to produce AROMESSENCE concentrates, which are 100% pure, 100% natural, 100% active and preservative-free.

Decleor Alguaromes is a cleansing gel made of all natural ingredients including the essential oils of sweet marjoram, lemon peel, lavender and rosemary. Alguaromes is designed to be used for the shower and bath and leaves the skin soft, clean and supple while invigorating the senses and the mind at the same time.

Aroma Purete Matte Finish Skin Fluid, also from Decleor, leaves the skin with a velvety, powdery finish and is the perfect moisturizer for combination and oily skin. This skin care product contains seven different essential oils that work together to absorb excess oil, tighten pores, eliminate dead skin cells and moisturize the face and neck.

Synergistically combining a wide variety of essential oils such as lavender oil, jasmine oil, bitter orange oil, and rose flower oil, Decleor Aromessence™ Iris - TimeCare Concentrate helps to remove signs of premature aging. This beautifully crafted concentrate targets dry skin cells by hydrating, nourishing and rejuvenating skin for an overall healthy, radiant complexion.

To really indulge in the ultimate aromatherapy treatment, consider Luxessence Gift Set by YonKa. This set comes with everything you would need for the perfect spa experience in your own home. Full of phytoaromatic formulas with wonderful scents, you will find an aromatherapy bath gel, bath salt, body oil, an aromatherapy candle and a soft terry cloth towelette.

If you prefer your aromatherapy throughout the house and not solely in your skin care products, try Jaqua Pink Buttercup Frosting Luxury Candle. This mellow smelling candle will be sure to brighten up any room of your home, lifting your mood, soothing your mind and invigorating your spirit.

At the end of a long, stressful day there is nothing better than lying down and having your worries whisked away. This is exactly what the Sonoma Lavender Eye Pillow will do. Full of stress relieving ingredients, including lavender essential oil, this pillow lightly sits atop your brow and eyes to bring forward a sense of calmness and relaxation. Use this at night, during a quick nap or anytime you feel the need for a bit of stress relief.

Article posted 11/27/2006.

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Alguaromes - Toning Shower and Bath Gel by Decleor $33.00

Lavender Eye Pillow - Lilac Duponi - Lilac Duponi by Sonoma Lavender $16.00

Pink Buttercream Frosting Luxury Candle by Jaqua $18.50