Aromatherapy Uses- Garden


by John Spencer Ellis - Date: 2008-07-28 - Word Count: 510 Share This!


Aromatherapy could not exist without plants and consequently, the garden plays an important role. It's the area used for growing the plants whose aromas can then be extracted. With a bit of planning and routine maintenance, anyone can reap aromatherapy benefits right in their own back yards.

 

Here are a few tips to help get you started.

 

The eventual quality of the plants you grow will be dependent on the quality of your soil. Before you begin gardening, test your soil. It may not be the right consistency to support plant life, it might have insufficient drainage or it may be lacking some important nutrients. These situations can easily be remedied. Your local garden center can help you with soil testing and preparation.

 

Growing herbs, something that many people do already, is an easy way to begin reaping the benefits of aromatherapy. Fresh herbs not only smell great, they can add a whole new dimension to cooking. Herbs and some flowers can be infused into oils or water and mixed into butter to create tantalizing new flavors.

 

It's your space so plant the flowers you enjoy smelling. Aromatherapy activates the part of the brain responsible for recalling memories and it's amazing how a simple scent can bring you back in time. The ability to recall a simpler, happier time is one of aromatherapy's most amazing benefits. If you grew up surrounded by roses or other fragrant plants, add these to your aromatherapy garden. When mature, you'll look forward to regular strolls through your very own 'memory lane'. Enclosed spaces are more intimate and can really hold in the aromas.

 

If you're short on outdoor planting space, use containers instead. Containers also work well in colder climates as they can be used to grow plants indoors. You can also get creative and plant seeds in between the cracks along sidewalks and stone paths.

 

You can plant anything you like in your aromatherapy garden. It might help to learn more about the qualities of various plants. That way, in addition to growing the plants with pleasant fragrances, you'll grow those that can actually help in the areas you seek relief.

 

Eucalyptus, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender and Peru Balsam Bark are effective natural insect repellants. Eucalyptus also has antibiotic qualities.

 

For insect stings, minor cuts and abrasions, create a poultice. Into a blender add 1/2 cup of lemon balm. Slowly add boiling water while blending until a paste is created. Spread paste on the affected area. Cover with gauze or a bandage.

 

Here's another recipe for insect bites. Combine 2 drops roman chamomile, 3 drops lavender, 1 drop peppermint and 3 drops eucalyptus in a container and mix well, then add 1 ounce cider vinegar. Moisten cotton ball with mixture and dab on the insect bites as necessary to relieve discomfort.

 

If you're looking for an insect repellant add 60 drops of citronella essential oil into a spray bottle. Next add in 2 ounces of witch hazel extract. Shake the bottle well before each use. Spray all exposed area to keep insects away. Citronella repels insects and witch hazel has moisturizing and soothing qualities.


Related Tags: fitness, health, wellness, alternative medicine, gardening, hobbies, stress management, relaxation, aromatherapy, essential oils, stress reduction, spa treatment, john spencer ellis, health expert

Dr. John Spencer Ellis

Each week, over one million people enjoy a fitness and wellness program created by John Spencer Ellis. His programs are implemented in the top resorts, spas and health clubs. John is the CEO of NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association), the Spencer Institute for Life Coaching, and the Get America Fit Foundation.

He created Adventure Boot Camp, the largest fitness boot camp system in the world. His TriActive America signature series of outdoor exercise equipment is used worldwide. John has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Reality, SPIKE and ESPN. He is the fitness and lifestyle expert on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County and Daybreak OC (KDOC news). John is the producer of the documentary The Compass (Jan. 2009).

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