Flower uses in aromatherapy
Think about the last time you received a delivery of fresh flowers to your home or work. It is very likely that the first thing you noticed, after the beauty of the flowers, was their sweet scent. Whenever you buy or send flowers, their smell is an extremely important aspect and will probably help you make the final decision. Perhaps you’ve had an experience where you purchased or received flowers that had very little or no odour at all. It was definitely a big disappointment. Now, considering the importance we place on the smell of flowers, it should be easy to understand the many flower uses in aromatherapy too. Aromatherapy has been used over the years in the form of essential oils. Different oils have different effects and are all used to promote health and induce more positive emotions. Many massage professionals use aromatherapy and relaxing music to create the ideal environment and allow their patients to achieve maximum results in every session.
Top note oils
Essential oils are grouped and classified based on the properties they possess. Their properties determine what they should be used for. The first group is known as Top Note essential oils and is used to relieve tiredness, stress, skin problems, allergies and insect bites, as well as headaches caused by stress or the flu. These oils are known to evaporate quite quickly, but that doesn’t make them any less effective. They are commonly used in ointments, added to bath water, and used during steam inhalation. Some popular oils in this group include tea tree oil, lemon oil, and eucalyptus oil. These fragrances are refreshing and light. These are some of our favourite flower uses of all in aromatherapy.
Middle note oils
The next group of oils is called middle note essential oils. Nutmeg, yarrow, and lavender oils are some of the most popular examples of these flower uses. They have calming and sweet fragrances. They also last longer than those in the previous category, but they also take longer to mix with other substances. These properties make these oils ideal for massage therapy. They help relax muscles, relieve stress and treat conditions such as hair loss and dandruff. The fact that these fragrances are so pleasant makes them a popular choice for air fresheners, and lavender oil is often applied to the pillow to aid sleep.
Base note oils
The last group is known as base note essential oils and have more potent fragrances. They are the strongest oils of all and, therefore, also the most expensive. They have some properties of the other two groups. Some examples include rosewood oil, clove oil, vanilla oil, and sandalwood oil. They are used to reduce scarring, help with high blood pressure, to relieve cold and flu symptoms, stress and anxiety. These oils are often used in lotions, soaps, and even mouthwashes! Because they are so strong, it’s a good idea to use them in small amounts. Additionally, even though these products are natural, they should always be used in moderation and with care. Base Note oils are suitable for external use only. Improper use of any product can cause adverse reactions, so be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications. Improper flower uses and the incorrect dosage of essential oils can have adverse effects.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some of your favourite essential oils in your home long after your fresh flower bouquet has died, you can do so by plucking the petals and drying them. Place them in a ceramic bowl and add some essential oils for your potpourri. This is one of the easiest ways of filling your home with your favourite scents as well as benefiting from two flower uses at the same time.