Mother's Day Gift

After much contemplation as to what kind of gift would truly be beneficial for my Mom, I came accross something that I thought was perfect. I would definitely say that I am a loyal Bath and Body Works customer (what female these days is not?!) so I decided to get my mom something that would allow her to relax and take time away from the worries of her day beyond the one day out of the year that she is recognized nationally for 'being Mom'.

I had not put too much thought into the power of aromatherapy, but apparently certain smells can do wonders for the mind and body. So I did some homework and found that it is quite the truth.

"Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the body’s sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress, energize and encourage better health."

Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Below are essential oils helpful in the relief of certain stress related problems. Try adding a few drops of a related essential oil to a cotton ball and inhaling.

Anxiety: Lavender, Geranium, Palma rosa, Jonquil, bergamot, Chamomile, Basil, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium Jasmine, Juniper, Melissa, Neroli, Ylang ylang

Depression/Guilt: Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Bergamot, Neroli, Nutmeg, Clary sage, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Rose, Vetiver

Helplessness: Grapefruit, Rosemary, Lavender, Pettigraine, Neroli

Insomnia/Restlessness: Marjoram, Lemon, Vetiver, Valerian, Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Neroli, Ylang ylang

Irritability/Nervous Tension: Sandalwood, Pettigraine, Clary sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Palma rosa, Vetiver, Jasmine, Ylang ylang

Tiredness/Exhaustion: Peppermint, Rosemary, Jasmine, Basil, Cinnamon, Lemon, Clary sage, Lavender, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Rose, Vetiver, Geranium

TIDBIT---

If you are looking to stay up late for an exam, put the adderall down and try a peppermint or stick of cinnamon gum; the natural aroma will stimulate the body and mind and naturally make you feel more awake! (I speak from experience, it works for me!)

It's interesting to think about how much American's spend on purchasing pharmaceutical medications for these particular symtoms.

Although the total percentage of the patent applications for genitcally manufactured pharmaceuticals has dropped from 45% in 1990 to 39% in 2008, according to the VFA (The German Association for Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies). Although the percentage has dropped the number of patents has rise from 228 patents in 1990 to over 700 patents in 2008. That means that more companies have come up with more medications--but triple the amount twenty years ago?

Are we really getting sicker or are we apart of something bigger than can be explained? You might just be better off going the natural route and benefitting from aromatherapy.

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Work Cited:

"Vfa - German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies." VFA German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceuticals. German Patent Office, 2009. Web. 07 May 2010. .