Tūhura Otago Museum is running a varied schedule of activities each day during Mental Health Awareness Week, from September 18 to 24.
A mental health information fair will provide opportunities to experiment with options that could help sooth a troubled mind.
Aromatherapist Sharyn Crawford is one of the specialists showcasing possible pathways to peace.
She has more than 25 years’ experience working with essential oils.
Many cultures had found ways to concentrate naturally occurring oils in aromatic plants.
"If you look back in history over thousands of years multiple cultures have used aroma or aromatic oils."
When inhaled molecules in the essential oils were absorbed by the olfactory receptors.
That could have an effect on a someone’s mood, which could feel energising and uplifting or quiet and restful depending on the oils.
"Our sense of smell is a really strong thing."
Essential oils could be derived from different parts of a plant, including roots, flowers, leaves or rind.
While generally safe to use there were circumstances when essential oils were not recommended
Caution should be taken during pregnancy and with young children and the elderly, she said.
There were also certain medical conditions and drug interactions where some oils were not appropriate to use.
"So it is really important to take some good advice and guidance."
The quality of an essential oil was important, and a qualified aromatherapist could help ensure people were able to get the best possible experience.
Mrs Crawford said during a consultation she discussed individual needs with a person then would offer some choices, which could include a blend of oils for the skin, or for using in a diffuser.
"Sometimes it’s not about what I know, it’s about what I can encourage the person to know about themselves."
- Mental Health Awareness Week, Tūhura Otago Museum, Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24. For details visit otagomuseum.nz
SIMON.HENDERSON @thestar.co.nz
