As it’s Well-being Week, we wanted to cover all things wellness, starting with aromatherapy and why it’s so good.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using materials such as essential oils and carrier oils that have been extracted from plant-based sources found in nature. These plant extracts can be used in different ways to bring a sense of peacefulness and ‘healing’ to the mind and body. In fact, the Cambridge dictionary definition of aromatherapy speaks of the treatment of worry or nervousness by rubbing these pleasurable, aromatic substances into the skin or by simply breathing them in.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are volatile, fragrant compounds extracted from plants and flowers and have been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are noted to be some of the first to have used aromatic herbs for aromatherapy purposes. Essential oils are commonly diluted into less volatile, carrier oils and used in beauty and spa treatments for facial and body massage.
Why do we use essential oils in our formulations?
We believe in the positive impact of aromatherapy and its ability to uplift the mood and spirit. Smell and emotions are closely linked. Certain fragrances will always trigger particular memories for us, good or bad and cause us to feel different emotions such as happiness, peacefulness and even vivacity. The olfactory system, which includes the bulb that detects smell is directly connected to the brain. Aromatherapy bridges the gap between the mind and body connection.
Our mission at Jierra Beauty is to make well-being a practiced priority in the day-to-day lives of women everywhere. Our products are formulated not just for the benefit of your skin, but for your emotional benefit also. Here’s a deeper look into the essential oils that are included in our Superior Complexion Antioxidant Serum and why we chose them.
Lavender
The name originates from the latin word ‘lavare’, which means ‘to wash’. The lavender essential oil that we use is floral, sweet, fruity and rich. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties and its ability to calm stress. It can also be used on aching muscles and can help with headaches.
Lavender was used during ancient times in Egypt, Persia, Rome and Greece as they believed that it aided in purifying the mind and body. Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, sensitive skin, acne, eczema, sunburn and even hair loss, which demonstrates its versatility.
Overall, lavender enhances a state of calm and wellness to bring balance to your life.
Ylang Ylang
The Ylang Ylang used in our formulations is organic, carries a deeply exotic and floral fragrance which is very sweet, yet has a mild spice. This species of flower is native to India, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Ylang Ylang is a mood-booster that is very uplifting and soothing. Studies have shown that ylang ylang can reduce anxiety and enhance your mood positively. It also helps people to relax and get a good night’s sleep as it has sedative properties. Overall it is known to reduce depression, boost the mood and lessen anxiety. There have also been positive links with the lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.
Next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, try and change the atmosphere with scent and see how that causes you to feel.