The word Aromatherapy is derived from the Greek words for spice and treatment. These days, aroma has a more general meaning of fragrance so aromatherapy quite literally means therapeutic treatment with the use of scents.

Out of all the five senses, the sense of smell is said to have the most direct effect on our emotional well being. There are also many psychological and physiological benefits associated with fragrances. The scents of various essential oils can promote relaxation, alleviate depression, reduce stress and even encourage healthy sleep habits.

If you are looking for the right oil to bring just the right fragrance to your home, or if you are searching for an essential oil to add to your personal fragrance collection, these aromatherapy essential oils will help lift your spirits and relax your mind.

If you want to get a good night sleep, or are looking to relax after a long day at work, you may want to try dropping a teaspoon or two of lavender into your bathwater in the evening. You can also mix lavender oil with rosewater for a fresh, calming scent that you can use on your body and linens. Lavender is also used in many natural facial and skin cleansers for its antibiotic properties, and the soothing scent will help you sleep peacefully throughout the night. To heighten the effect, you may also want to sip a cup of chamomile tea after your lavender bath to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system.

If you are looking to invigorate yourself in the morning, the fresh scent of bergamot or orange oil is sure to wake you up and improve your mood. The fruity, citrus scent of these aromatherapy essential oils will increase the blood flow in the body, and will help you to shake off sleep in a matter of minutes. You can use the oil in the shower, and can even mix it with your favourite shampoo or conditioner so that you can carry the scent with you all day.

If you want to make sure that you are alert and able to concentrate throughout the day, body washes and soaps made from peppermint essential oil will definitely do the trick. Peppermint is also used in tea form to help clear the digestive track, and can improve brain function almost immediately.

If you are using aromatherapy essential oils for healing purposes, ginger oil will help. Ginger is known for helping the body to get rid of toxic mucous, and the oil from the ginger root will help with mental fogginess or depression that sometimes occurs when we are not feeling well. Eucalyptus oil is also used for people with severe sinus pressure and allergies, and can be used in a humidifier to purify the air and open up the airways. Tea tree oil can be used to help clear up colds and infections in the body, and has even been used as an effective acne treatment.