Enhancing the Holidays with Festive Fragrances

by WiredBerries Editors — December 10, 2007

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years for both medicinal uses and pleasure. Here are some fun ways to enhance the holidays with heavenly scents:

• Aromatheraputic massage oils are a great way to pamper a loved one. Peppermint is not only a festive fragrance but an invigorating tonic for tired feet.
• A few drops of your favorite scent of aromatherapy bubble bath formula, salts, or oils can make a relaxing bath even better.
• Warming oils in a specially designed oil burner can fill the whole house with a luxurious scent. These are available at most natural living boutiques and health stores.
• Inhaling oils can be a quick remedy for congested nasal passages or sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is a great way to find relief from the congesting symptoms of a cold or flu. Simply inhale the vapor released from a bowl of hot water containing a few drops of the oil.

Although most commercially prepared blends are completely safe when used correctly, you should still be cautious. Aromatherapy is not only a pleasant indulgence but also a potent medicine as well. Always use as directed and read up on any potential restrictions or qualities if you are unsure. There are many good books on the subject of aromatherapy. Here's a list of some of the better ones for those interested in better understanding the ancient art:

• Aromatherapy an A - Z by Patricia Davies
• The Art of Aromatherapy by Robert Tisserand
• The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless
• The Aromatherapy Handbook by Daniel Ryman