Aromatherapy is...what, exactly?

Hellllooooooooooo Hippies! (You get bonus points if you read that with the Mrs. Doubtfire flavor 😊) Since we are still in the early days of the Hippies blog, I thought a great place to start would be to talk about what Aromatherapy actually is, so you all can get just as excited as I am about it and enjoy all the wonderful smelling things along with me.

I began my Aromatherapy journey as a child without even knowing that I was doing so. I just loved to smell the things that made me feel happier. I made it a point to gather those things (Lily of the Valley, Lilacs, Cedar and Pine) and keep them where I could take a big, deep breath when those childhood problems got to be too much. I may or may not have taken some moments in my parents’ walk in cedar closet a time or two as well. As an adult, I’ve used Aromatherapy to stave off nausea from medications or illness, to help alleviate a pounding headache, to help stop the itchy & watery eyes from seasonal allergies, and even to help lessen the severity of a panic attack. The possibilities are endless; the benefits are many, and it’s easy to use (and benefit from) Aromatherapy.

Now science is definitely not my forte, but I find the way Aromatherapy works to be really interesting. I don't need to understand every chemical reaction happening in my brain to appreciate that some scents make me feel calmer, happier, or more grounded. When a scent stimulates smell receptors in the nose, those little receptors send messages to our brain. The brain then interprets these messages and can trigger chemical responses which can cause physical changes in the body.

Not only is the reaction brought about by the scent of something we personally love, but many plants contain their own distinct chemicals with distinct and differing effects on our brains. Various plants have been used since prehistory by our ancestors to heal various ailments and conditions. Here at Yippie Hippies Creations, we create many herbal concoctions using both dried and fresh plants, however for Aromatherapy essential oils are incredibly effective because they are the concentrated extracts of those same plants.

Take a moment and think about how it makes you feel when you peel a fresh, juicy orange. How it makes you feel when you pass by a field full of blooming, fragrant wildflowers. How it makes you feel when you hold your child close and inhale the fresh, clean, innocent scent of them. The scents that can affect us both positively and negatively are endless. Why shouldn’t we harness those wonderful, positive scents, and the feelings they inspire, and utilize them on hard days? Why shouldn’t we use the positive things that nature has so lovingly and generously provided for us? I can’t think of even one reason. The plants and herbs can be sustainably and responsibly sourced, ensuring the future of the bounty for generations to come.

Aromatherapy can be beneficial for anyone over the age of 2, but there are some considerations to remember:

• You should always dilute essential oils for topical use

• Keep oils out of reach of children and pets

• Please always consult a medical professional before use with chronic conditions, while pregnant or breastfeeding, or if any contraindications exist with current medications or treatments.

• Beware of allergies and allergic reactions; if you have allergies to any plants or herbs, please use with caution until you are familiar with all of the effects of different oils. 

• Only diffuse essential oils in well-ventilated areas

• Keep oils away from open flames; essential oils are highly flammable.  

The different ways to use Aromatherapy are surprisingly broad. There are room diffusers, oil rollers and balms, personal inhalers, sprays, diffuser jewelry and charms, lotions and body oil or soaps and soaks. There is always a way to conveniently enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, and if there is a way we haven’t thought of that would make life a little easier for you, I would love for you to reach out to us so we can help you with that!

If you’re interested and intrigued with the world of Aromatherapy, I can help you with that too! Not only do I offer workshops and group gatherings to learn more about Aromatherapy and experiment, but I’ve created an Aromatherapy sampler pack. It includes 8 of our customer favorite blends, the materials and instructions to create your own Aromatherapy roller using your favorite blend, and the materials needed to create your own Aromatherapy lava bead diffuser bracelet. You should definitely check it out if you think Aromatherapy can help you in your daily life.

Thanks for sticking around and exploring the world of Aromatherapy with me! As always, please reach out with any questions you may have or if you’re searching for a custom product. Have a happy hippie day, friends! And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses sometime. It might be the turnaround your day needs.