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Nature’s Aromatherapy Cupboard

  • Posted on April 28, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Six common Essential Oils in the Healing Cupboard of Aromatherapy

The Art of Aromatherapy works with the Olfactory System – the sense of smell, and the Integumentary System – the skin, and is an excellent means of providing a natural alternative to ease many common conditions. All of the herbs we are discussing here, are common and found in most kitchens used for additional flavoring in your favorite recipes.

However, the pure essential oils of these herbs are used quite differently in Aromatherapy. A plants scent is produced by its special oils called essential oils. The essential oils are usually added to a carrier oil, When you practice aromatherapy, the only oils that should be used are all natural and 100% pure essential oils extracted from plants that have not been treated with chemical pesticides. We would like to advise you however, to please consult your health care professional for any questions or concerns with your health.

The first herb’s essential oil is Sweet Bay, and has a lively spicy scent. Sweet Bay is used in Aromatherapy to relax tight muscles, soothe sprains, lessen pain, to calm, promote restful sleep, improve digestion, improve mental clarity and memory, as a disinfectant, repels insects and the vapors help breathing.

Clove is our next herb’s essential oil. It has a hot and spicy scent and is used to warm the body, relieve pain, lifts the mood, helps relieve fatigue, serves as a aphrodisiac, vapors help breathing, is a disinfectant and repels insects.

Fennel is our third herb’s essential oil and it has a strong licorice scent and is used for warming the body, relieves pain; it contains oestrogen-like hormones, stimulates lactation in nursing mothers, helps to reduce cellulite deposits, has a purifying effect on the body and repels insects.

Ginger is our forth herb’s essential oil and has a spicy scent. It is used for warming the body, relaxing tight muscles, relieving pain, lifts the mood, and helps relieve fatigue, energizing and increases appetite.

Lemon is not an herb but is a common fruit and has a variety of uses in Aromatherapy. It is used to cool the body, depending on the amount used it can balance, calm or energize. Lemon lifts the mood, is refreshing, improves mental clarity and memory, helps reduce cellulite deposits, has a purifying effect on the body, stops bleeding from minor injuries, serves as a disinfectant and soothes insect bites.

Our last herb’s essential oil is Sage which has a spicy scent and is used to lessen pain, reduce lactation in nursing mothers, reduces perspiration, has a purifying effect on the body and serves as a disinfectant.

Most often these pure essential oils are combined according to an Aromatherapy formula and used in room sprays, lotions and massage oils for ease of use.

Often a drop or two of the pure essential oil can be added to a bath, which is especially good for any of the herbs that aid in relaxation.

If you have an interest in the use of Aromatherapy please contact a Certified Aromatherapist or consider purchasing pre-made products for the purpose you wish to use it for.

Disclaimer: The information contained within is not intended as medical advise nor intended to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional. They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your own research and with a qualified health care professional.

About the Author

This article was written for Earthly Herbs and may be distributed freely provided this biography line is included in full. Earthly Herbs provides a variety of handcrafted Natural Products ~ from the splendid Gifts of Nature. Visit them at http://www.earthlyherbs.com FMI: Email the Giles Family at info@earthlyherbs.com Author: Merrie Schonbach, Merries Internet Enterprises http://merriesintent.com

Written By: Merrie Schonbach

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Antiviral Activity of Aromatherapy

  • Posted on April 28, 2007 at 12:50 pm

You surely will have heard a thing or two about aromatherapy, the art of using aroma-rich essential oils to achieve mental and physical health. Aromatherapy has come a long way from its past. Nowadays, aromatherapy experts can readily boast of using their art to relief stress, treat depression and to improve mental health.

However, what is new in the field and study of aromatherapy seems to be its new found effect on diseases causing pathogens, especially viruses. Not more than twenty years back, a German scientist discovered more than a hundred different specie of a particular plant family, known as Lamiacea, to be particularly effective in attacking viral infections. This lead to a surge in the study of how well some plant extracts can help the human body fight pathogenic diseases.

With the increased research in this area, several plants’ essential oils have now been shown to be antiviral in effect, although, there are some limitations in this respect. First, studies on the application of these oils to specific viral diseases are difficult to come by, since it is not easy to infect a subject in a lab with a particular virus and then apply the oils to gauge the results. Secondly, it is relatively difficult to ascertain the exact virus type involved in a disease, making a specific application of the relevant oil more difficult.

Nevertheless, a good number of plant essential oils have been shown to exhibit anti viral properties. It is noteworthy, however, that most of these known oils vary in their effectiveness depending on the virus type. The different oils are made up of different molecular units and structures making them different in their strengths and mode of action.

The effectiveness of these oils in fighting viral infections is in part due to the ease with which they can penetrate the human body cells and tissues. Most of these plants’ oils are known to be lipophilic i.e. attracted towards fat/lipid tissues, which is perhaps why they can penetrate cell membranes with so much ease. It is even said that through the use of some aromatic oils, normal body cells tend to become resistant to viral penetration.

Several different oils can be seen to exert similar antiviral effects, due to the fact that they contain similar amounts of a particular component. Essential oils are only effective against viral strains depending on their components. The number of known oils that exhibit antiviral properties is quite extensive, but a few examples will do.

The Melissa plant, a member of the Lamiaceae plant family studied, has been shown to be particularly useful in treating the Herpes virus infection. It is said that a one time application of the Melissa oil can lead to a complete remission of the virus and that further infection can be prevented by applying the oil to the area about three to four times, when one starts getting the feelings and signs that foretell an imminent outbreak of the infection.

Also, the eucalyptus and tea tree are said to be effective in treating infections of the respiratory tract. In such cases, the essentials oils could be applied through massaging, diluted in a carrier oil or in a diffuser to achieve this desired result. Some other notable oils that are known to be efficacious in fighting viral infections include thyme, palmarosa, lavender, rosemary, clove, laurel, cinnamon bark, anise, rose, lemongrass, geranium, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, and dill. Lavender oil is particularly known to work very well in relieving stress and soothing aches in the body, besides its antiviral properties.

About the author:

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy

Written By: Michael Russell

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Aromatherapy: Something Old, Something New

  • Posted on April 22, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Aromatherapy continues to be a popular form of holistic care, experiencing such a renewed level of interest over the past decade that many may assume that it is something new. However, aromatherapy is an art that has survived across thousands of years. In fact, it originated several millennia ago among the ancient civilization of Egypt where the use of essential oils was first discovered to have a therapeutic effect on peoples wellbeing. Aromatherapy has also been long practiced by citizens of China and other countries located in the Far East.

As modern medicine forms developed, natural remedies were in large part abandoned, and aromatherapy was often disregarded in favor of newer methods. Over time, the methodology and belief in aromatherapy faded, but recently its effectiveness as a means to treat all of a persons physical, mental, and social concerns has been rediscovered. It is now even believed by many to be a simple remedy in the management of certain illnesses. In fact, the overall value of aromatherapy is no longer unsubstantiated. Scientific studies have been performed to validate why and how it works, confirming the benefits that people have been experiencing for centuries.

In basic terms, aromatherapy is based on the way a persons mind and body reacts to certain scents. A humans sense of smell is closely linked to their mental state and memories, and different aromas provoke different reactions.

Some of the popular aromatherapy scents are:

Vanilla which is known to have a refreshing effect. It can alleviate stress, calm and energize. It can also create a feeling of romance, acting as a mild aphrodisiac.

Jasmine which is mood stimulating, calming and energizing.

Sandalwood which is energizing, uplifting, and soothing to the nerves and anger.

Citrus (Lemon, Tangerine, Grapefruit, etc.) which is energizing and gladdening.

Patchouli which lessens anger, fatigue, and stress.

Lavender which is relaxing, soothing to anxiety, irritability, and stress, and able to counteract panic.

Rose which aids in ridding the mind of anger, depression, grief, panic, stress, and anxiety by instilling a feeling of peacefulness and happiness.

Rosemary which bolsters feelings of confidence, increases the ability to think clearly, and combats fatigue.

And the list goes on and on

Of course, it is important to realize that everybody can have very unique and individualized reactions to different smells, and all of these reactions cannot be attributed to aromatherapy. For instance, the smell of fresh baked cookies or pie may be calming to someone that associates that fragrance with childhood memories of Grandmas kitchen. Rather than being true aromatherapy, this is considered aroma-chology, and it deals only with the psychological effects that certain smells have upon a particular person.

To reap the true benefits of aromatherapy through burning candles, one should select candles which are made with real essential oils. Artificial fragrances may generate a pleasant reaction, but they are not capable of producing the same holistic advantages as true aromatherapy scents.

Knowledge about aromatherapy, though it is several millennia old, is increasing and becoming more widely accepted everyday. That is why aromatherapy is both something old and something new.

About the Author:

The author is the President of PS 16:11 Enterprises, Inc. and the administrator of http://www.warmerdreams.com where additional articles about candles (both fun and informative) can be found.

Written By: Heidi Goss

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Aromatherapy, How Far Does It Go?

  • Posted on April 22, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Aromatherapy has been a part of human history for centuries past. It dates back to the Egyptian times when essential oils where extracted from plants by soaking them for a while and then filtering out the oils through a linen bag. Some records have it that the procedure now known as aromatherapy was used by Hippocrates and other historic Egyptian physicians. But it did not become general knowledge until late in the 1920s when the French scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse first used the procedure in treating the wounded of World War I. The term ‘Aromatherapy’ was coined by this scientist. After continuous researching, he discovered that certain essential oils have different healing properties. He went ahead to classify these plant essential oils into groups like antiseptic, stimulating, calming, antitoxic, etc based on their healing properties.

However, aromatherapy has come along way from that starting point. Interest has been increasing in this area of holistic healing with many users claiming that aromatherapy encourages stress relief and self-healing. One, therefore wonders, how does aromatherapy works and how far can it realistically go with self-healing and emotional/mental uplifting.

Basically, with aromatherapy, aroma-rich oils are extracted from specific plants. These oils are mixed with other materials like alcohol, oils, lotions etc to give the desired effects on the body. These formulated oils are then applied to the body by either massaging them into the skin, inhaling though air disbursement or pouring into bath water for a soothing and calming effect on the body.

When massaged to the skin, it is believed that the oils are absorbed into the body through the pores on the skin and then directly into the blood stream. The oils are believed to be lipophilic in nature, making it easy to gain entrance into body cells to exert their healing effects. Oils in the bath water seem to follow this pattern too, except that the effect of the oil water mixture tend to add an extra soothing and relaxing feeling to the body. This would be understood better if you think about what a cool shower does to a tired body on a hot afternoon.

When inhaled, the aroma of the oils is believed to activate cells in the nose, sending sensory signals to the limbic system of the brain. This is the part of the brain that takes care of higher sensory functions like emotion, thinking and intelligence.

This would give you a clue into how aromatherapy works. It is believed by practitioners that it can be used emotionally to invigorate, calm and relieve stress and physically to help treat or alleviate certain conditions by stimulating the body’s immune system, the nervous system or the circulatory system.

Although, not much scientific evidence is available to support the claims, aromatherapy practitioners believe that aromatherapy can be applied to a wide array of therapeutic treatments including physical and mental conditions, burns, infections, depression, sleep deprivation and high blood pressure.

The best advice is that, aromatherapy should be seen as an adjunct to the normal body healing system. It should be used to complement the body’s immune function, but not as a replacement for professional medical attention especially in people with evident signs and symptoms of a medical condition. Aromatherapy could be well effective in uplifting moods, relieving stress and perhaps invigorating the mind, but the therapeutic powers of these plant oils should probably not be over stretched beyond these limits.

About the author:

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy

Written By: Michael Russell

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Arthritis and Aromatherapy

  • Posted on April 16, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity.
Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and — more recently — phytols. For application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is — at this stage — only possible to treat the pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it’s underlying cause.

Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.

Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation are hot compresses:
1. Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water.
2. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil.
3. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl.
4. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much.
5. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times.
7. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the patient to rest for a while.

Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis relief and works also well as a preventative measure.

Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis, aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

About the Author

Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies. Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website www.hillsideherbal.com.au that also offers a very informative newsletter.

Written By: Mireille Gautschi

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Aromatherapy Oils

  • Posted on April 16, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which have been distilled from plant sources to engender a feeling of well being both physically and psychologically. Safe and correct use has been shown to benefit the physical and mental well being.

There are many aromatherapy oils which are used in the art of aromatherapy and these are too lengthy to list here. However, there are many benefits to be had from aromatherapy oils but you need to understand that there can be some drawbacks for use in aromatherapy although many people say there are greater benefits.

There are two ways in which essential oils are used in aromatherapy. These are by inhalation and by application to your skin.

Inhaling aromatherapy oils is where the vapor given off by the oil is inhaled into the lungs. This is thought to incite the brain and cause it to trigger a reaction to the oil. It is also thought that there is a physical well being by breathing the vapors directly into the lungs. Remember that safety is of the utmost importance and always follow the manufacturers instructions as otherwise a reaction, possibly very severe can take place. It is important to remember to consult a trained specialist before using aromatherapy oils.

The other method of using aromatherapy oils in is by application to the skin. It is thought that when oil is applied to the skin it is absorbed into the blood stream and is useful for many health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Again, I must stress the safety aspect as aromatherapy oils are usually very strong and it is important that they are always diluted before you use them. To dilute them a carrier oil is needed and these are oils such as grape seed oil, sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil.

Another way that aromatherapy oils can be used is to act as an insect repellent. We are all familiar with the use of citronella in candles. I find these excellent as a way of keeping bugs at bay.

Aromatherapy oils can also be blended together and this can be done with a carrier base but not always. Combination oils can have even more benefits in aromatherapy as they then offer a combination of uses. The Internet has many sites where you will be able to find recipes for blending together different oils with their uses listed as well.

The term aromatherapy is a fairly recent phrase first thought to have been used in the 20th century but the practice of aromatherapy has been around for well over 1000 years.

The Egyptians are thought to have developed a way of distilling oil from cedar wood and the Chinese have used plant and herbal incense from a very long time which they burned to give a feeling of well being.

Ren-Maurice Gattefoss, A Frenchman, is first thought to have used the term aromatherapy after he supposedly treated a nasty burn with the nearest liquid to hand which turned out to be oil distilled from lavender. This wound healed quickly and it left no scaring. This started his in-depth research into essential oils.

We are now becoming more aware of natural products after we have relied on synthetic drugs for many years and aromatherapy is growing in popularity. Most of us prefer to use natural products, such as aromatherapy oils, to sooth and heal our minds and bodies. Gattefoss would have said, Long Live Aromatherapy, but he would have said it in his native French. Using essential oils for aromatherapy is natural and is an excellent way to help calm and sooth our troubled 21st century lives.

Ric Wiley is an Internet Marketer who enjoys writing about a varied range of subjects. A reformed smoker and heavy drinker he now spends a lot of time exercising, keeping fit and running. Check out his latest site at http://www.first-choice-health.com

Written By: Ric Wiley

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Cleansing Toxins And Cellulite With Aromatherapy

  • Posted on April 10, 2007 at 12:50 pm

As women age, their bodies undergo many changes. Pregnancy, childbirth, and subsequently menopause subject the body to a lifetime of hormonal fluctuations, which affect the mind, body, and emotions. Along with all of these journeys that a woman endures over a lifetime a woman strives to maintain her physical appearance and the youthful figure that she once had as a young girl. Welcome to the battle of the bulge!

In this war zone you will combat the enemies of stress, hormones, junk food, and the effects of aging. However, don’t give up! There are many weapons that have been given to you to help you overcome all of these tactics of defeat. Proper diet, exercise, natural herbs that have estrogen like properties, and whole organic foods will help keep your body nourished from the inside out.

There are many over the counter treatments, fad diets, exercise gadgets and prescription drugs that promise to help shed the pounds, tone the body, prevent wrinkles, remove the effects of hormonal imbalance or speed up the production of estrogen, and ultimately turn back the hands of time when the truth is that you don’t have to fear growing old and you don’t have to throw your youthful figure away either.

By living a life that removes stress, and has a diet full of wholesome rich organic foods, and by using the essential oils of herbs and plants you can treat many of the symptoms that appear before they become settled and evident in your life and appearance.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful weapon to combat stress, fatigue, aging, and it holds many beautifying effects for the skin, hair, and overall health. One of the most important aspects to maintaining your physical beauty and health is to detoxify the body of impurities regularly. Toxins will rob you of your beauty and slow down your body’s ability to regenerate itself and maintain its optimum level of health and beauty.

There are many natural herbs that are highly effective in eliminating toxins and poisons from the body. One sign that you may need to cleanse your body, even if you have achieved your desired weight, is by the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is dimpled areas of collections of fat that lay underneath the skin. These spots usually collect around the hips, buttocks, and upper thighs. They have a strong resemblance to cottage cheese and most women would give anything to rid themselves of this look.

Aromatherapy offers many plants and herbs that have excellent results in removing the body of cellulite. Three of the most powerful herbs used to rid toxins and cellulite include Juniper, Grapefruit, and Fennel. A wonderful way to use these herbs is to make massage oil out of the essential oils and adding them to carrier oil. You can massage the oil directly onto the problem areas daily for maximum benefit. It is also recommended to drink a tea or herbal infusion made from these beneficial herbs. If you are new to Aromatherapy, always consult with an Aromatherapist before making edible teas or infusions and remember to always read the labels and safety instructions of essential oils before using them as well.

About the Author:

For additional information as well as other articles about aromatherapy and skin care. http://www.burts-bees-natural-skin-care-solutions.com/aromatherapy-natural-skin-care.html

Written By: Bhikoo Dhiraj

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Aromatherapy for Pets

  • Posted on April 10, 2007 at 12:49 pm

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet’s immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to trea mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own
pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet’s skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet’s bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet’s paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat’s sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you
use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

About the Author

(c) 2005 Liz Santher – All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com

Written By: Liz Santher

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Use Aromatherapy To Combat Stress

  • Posted on April 4, 2007 at 12:50 pm

The demands of life today leave people everywhere plagued by stress. From hectic work schedules, a lack of sleep, reduced nutrients in diets, not drinking enough water, and the pressures of juggling family, life, and work, stress and stress related disorders are widespread.

Research proves just how serious stress is to the human body and how it’s the cause of numerous diseases. Stress is one of the main causes of heart ailments and those who have suffered heart attacks, the recommendation is to remove stress from their lives and embrace a “relaxed and more peaceful” existence.

Although this advice sounds simple, for the majority of people, this guidance is often harder to obtain than it seems. Removing stress sometimes requires hard work, which often induces stress in itself. Life doesn’t always offer us the advantages of removing all stress factors. If for example, it’s your boss or co-worker that is causing stress, one solution would be to change jobs, but not everyone has the option to change jobs at whim.

It could be a hard knock such as divorce that triggers the deep-rooted stress. This can’t be removed easily and requires going through the process of grief, and emotional and spiritual healing. The good news is we don’t have to put up with these causes of stress and its effects, there is a way out. There are lots of steps open to you that can decrease the effects of stress in your life and help regain your sense of control and strength while bringing calm and tranquility.

A well balanced diet and reducing the amount of heavily processed and highly sweetened foods is one of the basic ways to reduce stress. These “Comfort Foods” such as chocolate, candy, and fried greasy meals may bring temporary relief, but fill the body with waste which stresses your body internally. Now your stress is both inside your body and from the outside world. Now is the time to cleanse your body, and be nourished with plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with drinking plenty of water. By enhancing your immune system you’ll have the health and vitality needed to deal with the stress and its root case, and avoid illness, which is often the result of an overly stressed system.

Dealing with stress is helped by bringing peace to your mind, body and spirit with the use of meditation and prayer. Using aromatherapy candles during peaceful times, whether meditating, praying, or simply reading a favorite book can do wonders for your sense of well-being. Some herbal scents that are known for reducing stress and anxiety include Lavender, Lemon, Rose, Chamomile, Black Cohosh, Hops, Passionflower, and Valerian. Set aside 15 minutes a day, light your aromatherapy candles and enjoy the moment.

These same herbal scents are available as essential oils and you can appreciate the aromatherapy benefits by adding a few drops of the oil to a hot bath, then lay back, relax and soak the moment.

Take the first step today towards dealing with your stress and get yourself some aromatherpay candles and oils, but most importantly, take the time to use and benefit from them.

Sally is the owner of Guide2Aromatherapy.com where she shares information about using aromatherapy
and resources for aromatherapy candles

Copyright Sally Evans – http://www.guide2aromatherapy.com

Written By: Sally Evans

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Aromatherapy For Beginners

  • Posted on April 4, 2007 at 12:49 pm

The ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing oneself with the use of plants and its parts like roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the amalgamation of two words “aroma” and “therapy” that mean “fragrance” and “healing” respectively.

Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our body hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us. Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and should not be used directly onto the body. They should be blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc, for best results.

If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching or redness, oil is safe for external use.

Basic oils that any beginner can start with:

- Lavender – Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy. Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative. Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if blended with your usual bath oil.

- Rosemary – Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar tissue formation.

- Bergamot – Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant and deodorizer. Could be slight irritant to skin.

- Peppermint – A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant.

- Tea Tree – A versatile antiseptic that is very gentle on the skin. Remedy for infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, gum disease. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic oil.

- Lemon – Great for dispelling a somber mood, lemon oil can be used to treat insect bites, alleviate tension, headaches and stimulate immune system.

- Tangerine – Works well to create a bright, uplifting atmosphere. It’s soothes and calms insomnia and promotes digestion.

- Floral oils – Great stress relievers. Add floral oils like rose, jasmine along with carrier oils to your bath oils for a soothing massage.

- Germanium – Eases stress, acts as antidepressant, adrenal, hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative and antiseptic. Helps during PMS.

- Clary Sage – Relieves PMS. Soothes and relaxes mind and body. Works as antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative.

- Clove – Relieves toothache pain, asthma, sinusitis. Avoid using it directly on the skin. Acts as antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus – Cools the body in summer and warms in winter. An effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion, cough and neuralgia. Also works as antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.

About the author:

Kevin Pederson is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an Online guide to Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.

Written By: Kevin Pederson

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