Scents have a major impact on our mind and therefore, we have memories, moods and attributes associated with certain smells. Aromatherapy found its birth in Aroma—the practice of healing through the sense of smell. It is when essential oils were derived from plant’s leaves, flowers, stalks, bark or roots are used to benefit our mind and body.
Aromatherapy has a lot of uses— it can be used for perfumery, medicinal well-being, mental well-being and cosmetics. India has always been a firm believer in the gifts that Mother Nature has to offer. Aromatherapy starts from nature and ends there. Mother Nature has been kind enough to give us all kinds of aromas in their purest forms available in different manners. Apart from India, places like China, Egypt, Greece and Italy have all used the strength of Aromas in one way or the other. Aromatherapy has solutions for problems that arise whether in the inside or on the outside.
Our skin is the most vulnerable organ of our body since it is constantly exposed to dirt, pollution, heat and other unhealthy conditions. Following a regular skincare routine is extremely important for a healthy and glowing skin. However, it is also important to take care of your body from within. Your internal organs, state of mind and lifestyle has a direct impact on your skin. A dehydrated skin is often associated with fear or kidney and bladder problems. Similarly, oily skin is associated with tension and worry which can lead to constipation. Therefore, it is important to address your body issues from within for your skin as much as following a healthy skincare routine. Aromatherapy treats the skin with the help of essential oils that cleanse your skin and body from within, and the results are visible on the outside. Essential oils can be used for overall skin health and for certain beauty treatments as well.
A basic skincare routine consists of cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day. You must ensure that your cleanser does not contain any harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Tone your skin with a DIY toner by blending 10 drops of rose essential oil to 100 ml of rose water. Apart from using the right products for your skin type, adding essential oils to your routine will do wonders for your body. Since essential oils are non-oily, they can be used on all skin types. For oily skin, mix 2 drops of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lemon oil and 1 teaspoon of Jojoba oil and gently massage into your skin. Apply hot towel to your face for a few minutes. For dry skin, mix 3 drops of Sandalwood, 1 drop of Geranium, 1 tablespoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon castor oil. Apply a few drops of the mixture on your face and gently massage it in. Use a hot towel and finish with a moisturiser. For normal skin, mix 1 teaspoon of almond oil with 2 drops of rose essential oil and massage gently to get a nourished skin.
Our skin suffers from many day to day problems which often cause us discomfort and displeasure. Acne is a common skin condition mainly caused by increase in hormonal levels, exposure to heat and dirt and can also be genetic. Treating acne depends upon its severity. However, the best way to keep your skin clean is by using the correct cleanser for your skin type, avoiding fried food and drinking lots of fluid. Using Tea Tree oil on acne prone skin helps prevent further infection. Dab a few drops on a regular basis for best results. Tea tree oil consists of natural germ which has fighting properties and is effective in treating bacterial and fungal infections.
Burns are a major issue in summers, especially when you reside in a country like India where summers are excessively hot. One can get skin burns due to extreme exposure to the sun. You can treat burns in various ways depending upon the severity. Applying the infected area with lavender essential oil can provide you the required relief. Lavender oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
With a change in season, our skin gets damaged, stressed and dry which causes skin irritation and can also lead to rashes. Indulging in an aromatic bath can help nourish and soften your skin. Adding essentials oils of Ylang Ylang, geranium or orange to your bath water can be extremely effective.
Summer brings with itself sweat rashes. They are the most irritating and awful reaction to heat. One can calm and pacify the skin by making a cool mist that can be sprayed over the rashes all throughout the day. Oils that help with prickly heat are peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil; which have a soothing effect on the skin.
Your skin deserves all the care that it can get not only from the outside but from the inside as well. The permeating properties of essential oils make them perfect for cleansing the skin from the inside. They also trigger blood circulation and help in cell regeneration, which in turn results in a healthy skin. Essential oils are suitable for all skin types but one must take care not to apply them neat on the skin. Use these oils in combinations. Combine them with exfoliators or apply a hot towel after the application of oils to aid penetration. Hazelnut oil works wonders for complexion, Neroli oil is good for the plumpness of the skin it is not only a beautiful scent but a beautiful remedy for the healthy plump as well.
Aromatherapy has time and again been a provider of healthy mind, good health and a beautiful body. Indulge in Aromatherapy and be a happily beautiful human being.
Dr. Blossom Kochhar,
(The author of the article is the Chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group Of Companies)
