Hoping for a Scent-uous Valentine's Day? Try Essential Oils

Have you grown weary of the same old Valentine's Day routine? Flowers, chocolate, wine and the same thing the next year. While there's nothing wrong with relying on these old stand-bys to show your sweetie that you care, why not try something a little different this year?

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to promote wellness or enhance mood, has steadily gained popularity in recent years, and can be a refreshing way to add romance and excitement to this year's Valentine's Day.

Only Quality Essential Oils Will do the Trick

Essential oils are aroma compounds derived from plants. Inhaling scents of essential oils can stimulate the olfactory lobe of the brain. This is part of the limbic system, which is the same area that produces feelings of sexual desire. Different essential oils are known for evoking different moods, and several are purported to help induce feelings of relaxation and amorousness. Essential oils commonly known for these effects include: jasmine, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Many people choose to use organic essential oils to avoid pesticide residue in the oil. Keep in mind that not all advertised oils are necessarily essential oils. Some fragrant or perfumed oils are synthetic. Also, sometimes essential oils are mixed with other chemicals. So, it is best to stick with pure essential oils; aroma therapists explain that synthetic oils are more likely to cause headaches and allergic reactions.

Pure Essential Oils Offer Several Uses

There are many different ways that essential oils can help you create a romantic atmosphere for your significant other this Valentine's Day. You may want to start with an essential oil diffuser. Diffusers are an inexpensive way to enjoy essential oils. Simply place a few drops of oil (diluted with water) in the top of the diffuser, and the heat from a tea light in the bottom diffuses the scent of the oil throughout the room. The diffuser should come with directions for safe use. This can make a great Valentine's Day gift when paired with a bottle of lavender or sandalwood essential oil. Electric aroma diffusers are also available.

Another option, similar to a diffuser, is an aromatherapy lamp ring. The ring is placed on a light bulb, and the heat generated by the bulb gently diffuses the oil. Like diffusers, these can be purchased quite reasonably and they make great gifts.

In addition to setting the mood by creating an inviting scent in the room, perhaps a relaxing, romantic bath is part of your Valentine's Day plan. Rose petals and candles can set the stage. A few drops of essential oil can be added to a bath for the same aromatheraputic benefits a diffuser provides.

For an even more sensual experience, give your special someone a post-bath massage using a massage oil containing essential oil. It should be noted that pure essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin since they may cause burns. (Also note: essential oils can be harmful if ingested). Unlike undiluted essential oils (also referred to as in "neat" form), massage oils contain essential oils blended with other agents, so that they are gentle and safe for direct use on skin. Using a massage oil containing essential oil will make the massage more like a spa experience.

Tips on Buying Aromatherapy Essential Oils

If essential oils are best, how can you be sure that you are purchasing authentic essential oils rather than synthetic or chemically-altered oils? There are a few general guidelines. First, essential oils should be stored in dark amber or blue glass bottles, as storage in plastic can contaminate the oils. The bottle should say pure and/or 100%. Another sign that you are buying true essential oil is when the Latin name of the oil is listed alongside the common name on the bottle's label.

Tom Maroney, CEO of Banner Therapy Products, a company that sells an array of physical therapy, spa therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, and alternative therapy products and supplies has this advice: "It's a bad sign if a company sells all oils at the same fixed price. The amount of raw material needed to produce essential oil varies greatly depending on the type, and the prices should reflect those differences, with some bottles costing significantly more than others." Banner Therapy sells pure essential oils along with several different types of diffusers. So, this Valentine's Day, go ahead and get your flowers and candy, but try some aromatherapy too!

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