Until the recent, devastating fires in Northern California, I never paid much attention to what I breathe and how it makes me feel. But after experiencing nausea and headaches from breathing smoke-filled air, I now see why aromatherapy- the use of essential oils – can be such a powerful way to improve both mental and physical health.
Lucky for me, there are two local experts here in Palo Alto, Angie DeGeronimo and Clia Tierney, who are ready to help guide the use of aromatherapy for combating everything from insomnia to chronic illness.
Clia sampling essential oils at an Aroma Health Co event
Holistic approach to wellness through essential oils
Angie and Clia are the co-founders of Aroma Health Co, a company that aims to educate individuals and families about using essential oils to naturally improve their overall health and well-being.
The two Palo Alto women, who are both seasoned health professionals and parents of teenagers, have a passion for bringing physical wellness together with mental and emotional healing.
Local health professionals with grounded experience
“As a personal trainer for many years, I’ve seen people who only focus on physical fitness and neglect the holistic aspect of wellness,” Angie said. “With Aroma Health Co, our goal is to use natural solutions that have been used for thousands of years to tackle the symptoms of modern life such as stress and inflammation that can radically impact our health.”
Clia’s background as a yoga and meditation teacher for teens gives her a unique lens on using aromatherapy with families and youth. “I have experienced first hand how scents can help relax children, especially when they are facing stress in school,” she explained. “My kids each have a spritzer with Lavender and distilled water that they spray on their pillows to calm and relax them at night.”
Consulting and corporate retreats aimed at building awareness
Aroma Therapy Co’s services include one on one consulting about the use of essential oils, corporate wellness retreats focused on using aromatherapy for wellness and direct sales of organic therapeutic oils including the company’s own spa blend oil that brings together cedarwood, lavender, wild orange and ylang ylang for feelings of calm and relaxation.
Clia and Angie have built a strong following since launching Aroma Therapy Co a few years ago, with clients that have come to see the power of aromatherapy for addressing both psychological and physical health needs.
Client testimonies show the power of essential oils
“I started out thinking that essential oils were just an expensive fad until I went to Hawaii and got horrible bug bites. The only thing that truly soothed them and took the swelling down was lavender and peppermint oil,” said Aroma Health Co client Celeste R.
“Then this past year I dealt with a terrible bout of depression and I wanted to try to treat it without medication. I spoke with Angie and she recommended oils to use topically and to diffuse. It made a world of difference. Angie is very knowledgeable and trustworthy and I love that she loves the oils and wants to figure out what works best for you. I’m a believer!”
Kit G, another client, explained on the Aroma Health Co website how essential oils have helped her family, saying: “My daughter plays competitive sports all year round and comes home with muscle soreness and fatigue. doTERRA’s Deep Blue line is my go-to. It has been instrumental in keeping her well and able to compete at such a high level.”
Essential oil 101
If you are unsure of how essential oils work, here’s a quick primer from Angie and Clia and Aroma Health Co:
Aromatic: oils have an especially powerful effect via an aromatic application as they are quickly absorbed by our sense of smell. Many people use a diffuser or spray bottle to distribute essential oils.
Topical: Oils absorb easily and can be applied topically directly on the skin or in a warm bath.
Internal: Oils can be ingested through teas, smoothies and food.
Some common essential oils and their uses:
- Lavender: calming, diffuses nerves. reduces anxiety, aids sleep.
- Lemon: uplifting, energizing
- Peppermint: reduces nausea, muscle pain, insect bites
- Vetiver: anti-depressant, calming
- Rose: reduces stress, aids with PMS
For tackling smoke and bad air quality, Clia and Angie recommend using a diffuser with essential oils of either lemon (freshening) or peppermint (clears airways).
To learn more about Aroma Health Co
- Visit their website at www.aromahealthco.com.
- Contact Angie and Clia to set up a consultation
Aroma Health Co’s “Spa Oil”
Photos courtesy of Angie De Geronimo and Clia Tierney
