The use of Essential Oils is intended to be a method of reviving the sense of smell to open new avenues of consciousness and stimulate emotion and memory. By controlling this part of our environment , by beautifying the air we breathe, we can alter our moods, and assist ourselves to deal with issues on an emotional and spiritual level to prevent issues from taking physical form. We can help to relieve stress that is already apparent and that which is anticipated. We can transport ourselves to far away places or brighten environments which may be dreary.

Essential Oils are of two forms, those that stimulate and those that are sedative in nature. If one is working at a task which requires full concentration or mental alertness Oils such as peppermint, rosemary, ginger, and basil are good choices. If however one is involved in an artistic endeavor, oils such as Cedarwood, rosewood , or yarrow , would be good enhancers. Both groups of oils are sometimes used to blend the simulative and sedative properties for relaxing one self at task which still requires concentration.

Certain practitioners may want to provide a sensory environment or ambience which will enhance their patients ability to be calm under treatment. Lavender or Chamomile would be good choices for that. Counselors may find value in frankincense to break unwanted ties with the past, myrrh to assist in moving through emotional or spiritual blockages or sandalwood to help free the mind from the past.

One can benefit from the use of Essential Oils simply by having them as a background to the living or working environment. Who could resist the aroma of a pine or cedar forest, or of lemon , orange , or lavender to brighten a dreary winters day. These can be subtly brought into our environment by the use of an aroma lamp which is a small bowl on a holder, heated by a small candle such as a tea light. There are also available diffusers which scent a room naturally without the use of heat or electricity by floating the Essential oil on a carrier oil such as canola or jojoba.

Or one may wish to be proactive in the treatment of a tense situation or feelings of stress from a troublesome day. An aromatherapy bath using lavender or chamomile combined with the hot water to give off fragrance can be stress reducing in itself, and combined with other breathing and meditation techniques can be a powerful force in evaporating the days stressful accumulations. Essential oils can also enhance the depth and quality of meditation by choosing the traditionally calming oils such as lime. If working hard on a project, stop from time to time and breathe in slowly and deeply of an essential oil and you can return to your work feeling refreshed and relaxed.