Kathrine Bailey, owner & founder of Aromakate explains how…

An Introduction to aromatherapy Aromatherapy has been around for over 6000 years and is a holistic treatment and method of caring for the mind and body by the use of essential oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. Essential oils can be applied directly through massage, by adding to a bath, inhaled directly or diffused to scent entire rooms.
	Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment and method of caring for the mind and body by the use of essential oils such as lavender

Aromatherapy is increasingly becoming recognised by businesses around the world for the possibilities it brings them, both for customers and staff. Engineers in Japan are incorporating aroma systems into new buildings. In one bank, customers waiting to be served are calmed by the scent of lavender and rosemary, while the perfumes from lemon and eucalyptus are used around the cashier desks to keep staff alert.

Using aromatherapy in your business

Some aromas trigger conscious memories and associations. We know why we like or dislike a certain aroma because it is associated in our mind with a particular event in our lives; happy, sad, funny, connected with childhood. A great many aromas have subconscious memories and we never really know or understand why a sudden fleeting aroma makes us want to smile or cry.

So, how can you use aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is not just about beauty or massage. It is as much about the aromas as the therapy and can be used to make your guests feel even more welcome, comfortable, calm and relaxed.

How many times have you gone into a house around mid-morning and the first thing you smell is the breakfast or the wet dog? If you were lucky, a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit and the sense of fresh air may have greeted you.

Seasonal aromas Spring: From the moment your guests walk through the front door into the entrance hall or reception area meet them with the light fresh airy fragrances of Geranium, Lavender, Melissa (lemon balm) and Bergamot. Summer: Bring in the outdoor aromas of Rosemary Cypress Lemon or Lime. Autumn: Use the deeper richer notes of Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang. Winter: Orange, ginger and cinnamon are the ideal rich aromas for the cold winter months.

Cinnamon is a rich seasonal aroma often associated with the cold winter months and especially Christmas

Stimulating your guests subconscious

A good night’s sleep is priceless. By adding a few drops of Lavender and chamomile, or the mind relaxing blend of Frankincense, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang to the bed linen you will ensure that the genuine answer to your morning question of ”Did you sleep well?” is a resounding “Yes, thank you!”

Aroma Tip; place a tissue inside the pillowcase, to which you have added the essential oils.

From bedroom to dining room and breakfast. By adding the aromas of Orange, grapefruit and lemon or lime, your guest’s appetite will be stimulated in readiness for the breakfast you are about to serve them.

Aroma Tip; why not put a few drops of the blended oils onto the table linens. The heat from the plates will help release the aromas.

All these aroma ideas can be used with a little ingenuity, a spray bottle and some cotton wool balls. Together with natures bounty of pinecones, wood shavings and dried fruits.

The idea of using aromatherapy is to make the associations connected with your B&B happy, warm and comfortable ones because a relaxed, calm and comfortable guest is one who will return.

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