Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils and other aroma compounds, for the purpose of altering one’s mood or cognitive, psychological or physical well-being. It can be offered as a complementary therapy or, more controversially, as a form of alternative medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “The ‘smell’ receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional and mental health. For example, lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells in the amygdala similar to the way some sedative medications work.” Workshop leader Diana Pereira will dig deep into what an essential oil is, how oils influence and effect change in the body, and how to choose a quality essential oil, and she’ll discuss 10 basic oils and their uses. Come learn about these versatile oils and their role in the trend back to natural options for preventive health care.

Diana is a passionate local educator along the Emerald Coast, with more than 10 years’ cumulative experience utilizing essential oils, herbal remedies and nutrition for vitality and health. She views one-on-one or group instruction as a means to show the community that natural options are available for our everyday health concerns, and she regularly offers weekly workshops throughout the community. Diana is certified in the AromaTouch® Technique and owns Pereira Produce & Health, a local food cooperative offering fresh, organic produce at affordable prices.

For more information, contact Diana at [email protected] or 850-499-3670.