Displaying 21 - 30 of 82 entries.

Aromatherapy Candles

  • Posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest. Aromatherapy candles add yet another dimension to the equation.

Aromatherapy candles release a small, but continuous stream of herbal and floral essential oils into the air as they burn. The chemicals in the essential oils enter your body as you breathe, and travel throughout the body, including the brain, through the bloodstream. You receive subtle benefits as the chemicals interact with your body. Don’t expect to receive full healing benefits by lighting a candle, but aromatherapy candles provide the same dual benefits inherent in conventional aromatherapy in less concentrated doses: smell therapy and chemical reactions to the essential oils.

Burn aromatherapy candles to alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of nature’s pure perfume to your surroundings. What a pleasant, powerful quick fix to an otherwise rotten day, not to mention a less destructive alternative to downing a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate to chase away the blahs.

Let aromatherapy candles help set the right mood for others with whom you spend time. Your guests will only know that you have that “special something,” that magical touch when it comes to hospitality.

Tips for Using Aromatherapy Candles:

Make sure that you purchase aromatherapy candles, not just scented candles. Look for labels that include “pure essential oils.”

Select the right candle for the situation. The best way to ensure that you have selected the best candle to achieve your goal is to purchase a candle with labeling that reflects your desired effect.

Invigorate – Perhaps you arrive home lethargic and drained after a grueling day at work, and like so many other busy parents, your workday at home is just beginningwith no time for an intervening catnap. Treat yourself to a short break, and light an energizing aromatherapy candle. Invigorating candles typically contain some mixture of oils from the mint and citrus families. The mint essential oilspeppermint, spearmint, basil, and eucalyptusprovide quick stimulation, revitalization, and an extra dose of energy. Other invigorating essential oils include cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, cassia, and vanilla.

Relax. Sometimes a sense of accomplishment or closure leaves you wired. You know that feeling. You’ve finished a big project, and you’re bursting at the seams with energy when you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Light a stress-releasing aromatherapy candle, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to clear. Stress-releasing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and rose.

Concentrate – Use aromatherapy candles to improve concentration when you need to tap into your creative powers. Nothing sparks creativity like the ability to concentrate and block mental and environmental distractions. Citrus essential oils help you to concentrate: lemon, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot.

Add atmosphere You’ve planned a quiet evening at home with that special someone, and you’ve made every effort to impress. You’ve cooked a dinner right out of a Parisian bistro, fresh flowers grace your home, the table is set with china and linen napkins, the wine is chilling, and you’ve never looked better. Add the final touch with an aromatherapy candle containing some of the sensual essential oils: Ylang ylang, vanilla, neroli, rose, clary sage, sandalwood.

When using candles to add atmosphere, grouping candles together is fine, but less can be more. You’re striving for natural and nonchalant: think elegant understatement, not sacrificial altar.

When you light more than one aromatherapy candle, burn candles with complementary, not competing essential oils. You don’t want to burn candles with invigorating oils along with candles that contain a relaxing mixture of oils. Your body will receive mixed signals.

Why reserve your aromatherapy candles for special occasions or for company? Add an elegant touch and a little mood to your everyday life. What else can add so much pleasure with so little effort? Include aromatherapy candles in your repertoire to turn the mere ordinary into the extraordinary.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm, http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy.htm, and http://www.candles-4-u.com/soy_candles.htm. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Written By: M J Plaster

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Basics of Aromatherapy

  • Posted on July 27, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.

Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions. At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.

Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.

Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience. Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents. So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions. The next step is to introduce those essentials into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.

Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skillfully achieved by blending required parts of different oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience.

How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil. The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same oil depending on surroundings, time or mood.

If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific. Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:

As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:

Is it sharp and stinging?

Is it subtle and smooth

Is it balanced and tuned?

Is it light or heavy?

Is it warming or cooling?

Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc.?

These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:

Do you like or dislike it?

Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?

What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?

Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?

Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?

Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. However, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.

About The Author

Lorna Findlay – Find more aromatherapy articles at http://www.essentialaromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

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A Guide To The Effective Use Of Aromatherapy

  • Posted on July 21, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their “critical factors” – they are needed critically for the plants’ biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable. Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices; woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable. Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils: For Massage: This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil, such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel. A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.

For Bath:

Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances the powers of the oils. For daily bathing, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the surface of the water, and then bathe yourself for about 20 minutes, whilst you deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use while bathing your children. For Compressing Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

For Inhalation Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension. For Vaporization All essential oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in your working room or living quarters. As Perfumes It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different combinations, which can be mixed with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment. Storing Essential Oils Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years if properly stored, though the oils derived from orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which actually gets better as it ages. Mixing Essential Oils Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that you use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross contamination.

Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are various; different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.

About the author:

Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia laromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

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Holistic Aromatherapy for Cats

  • Posted on July 15, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Almost any cat owner will tell you their feline friends are capable of conveying emotion. In fact, they may even say they can recognize and distinguish specific emotions their cats display, including love, anger, illness, annoyance and more.

Scientific experiments on both humans and animals indicate that emotional responses are triggered by physical stimuli. Considering that cats have sensory systems that are much more sensitive than the human senses of sight, smell, sound, taste and touch, there’s no question that our pets’ environments are so closely linked to their states of mind.

Unlike humans, cats do not have the conscious ability to integrate, process and grow from their emotional experiences. Instead, cats will react, take in and indicate their emotions, but are not able to process their imbalances like we can.

This explains why a healthy emotional environment is vital for cats, as well as for all animals. A healthy cat must be afforded enough space, love, and attention if he is to thrive. But foremost, and frequently overlooked, is a peaceful home environment. Cats are extremely sensitive to stress, and living in a home with arguments, negative energies or tension will affect his emotional well-being and health.

Today I will share aromatherapy recipes to treat common emotional issues your cat may be facing, including stress, loneliness, grief and separation anxiety/abandonment.

***IMPORTANT!***
Animals respond very well to flower essences and essential oils. They are very gentle and safe methods of treating emotional imbalances or stress-related symptoms. But please remember that animals are very sensitive and only require a minute dosage of essential oils. Avoid any sensitive areas, such as the head, eyes, ears and mouth. Pour a few drops of these aromatic blends into the palm of your hands and very gently pat your cat along the spine.

Prepare these aromatic blends by pouring the essential oils into a 10ml bottle, then adding an organic vegetable oil to fill.

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Relieve Stress
**********
Have you recently moved, taken in another pet, had a baby? Changes like these can be stressful for you as well as your pet. Try this aromatic blend to relieve your cat’s stress.

3 drops Lavender
1 drop Neroli

**********
Combat Loneliness
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Do you work outside the home or travel frequently? In spite of their independent nature, cats long for company and affection. Use this aromatic blend to help your cat combat bouts of loneliness.

4 drops Marjoram
1 drop Rose

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Grief/Loss of a Companion
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If you recently experienced the loss of a pet or other family member, your cat is likely grieving with you. This aromatic blend can help your pet deal with feelings of grief and loss.

1 drop Rose
3 drops Lavender

**********
Separation Anxiety/Abandonment
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Will you be taking a summer vacation without your pet? Use this aromatic blend to help your cat adjust to his separation from you.

2 drops Roman Chamomile
3 drops Lavender

Order what you need to create these blends yourself now:
===> http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html

For more information about flower essences and holistic care for animals, visit these links:

AnaFlora Animal Communication & Flower Essences
===> http://www.anaflora.com/index.htm

Master’s Flower Essences, Pets and Animals
===> http://mastersessences.com/7Pets.html

Holistic Health Care for Animals
===> http://www.specialneedspets.org/holistic.htm

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp

http://www.AromAlchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!

About the Author

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Written By: Francoise Rapp

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Live In Fragrance With Aromatherapy Skin Care

  • Posted on July 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm

One must not be careless with ones skin. Being the biggest body part, it needs as much care too. Even if you feel that you have perfect complexion and lustrous skin at this age, you must know that it may not last forever. Being an owner of beautiful skin still requires you to properly care for it. The rule goes simple the longer you keep your skin go without care, the faster it will onset for damage. For the best care of your skin, Aromatherapy is emerging as a good skin care choice.

Aromatherapy is not a new phenomenon. It is being used for skin care since thousands of years. In the ancient age, the Egyptians and the Romans used the Aromatherapy oils for skin care. Beautiful ladies have made it their secret companion to acquire beautiful and shinning skin for ever.

Aromatherapy skin care oils comprise of effective qualities to endorse and sustain the healthy and youthful skin for you. Though in the modern age, all that was natural is being replaced by cosmetic. The novel chemical processes have produced artificial versions of the naturally scented oils. These oils can have good fragrance but not that good therapeutic quality.

Aromatherapy is a very easy process and does not demand much effort from your side. It is so easy to be done at home. It encompasses simple ways that do not need you to come outside your house and contact any high profile parlors. With Aromatherapy you can treat your skin suitably by not wasting any extra dollars from your pocket. Aromatherapy makes your skin look fresh and healthy without costing any extra bit of pains either physically or financially.

There are so many factors that keep affecting your skin. They change the color and even the texture of your skin drastically. Some unwanted allergies, stale make-up, incompatible cosmetics and exposure to sub can very severely damage your skin. Aromatherapy not only controls all these unwanted affects but also helps your skin fight them well.

For attaining the best results, you should get started with Aromatherapy skin care at an early age. You will yourself feel the best results. Your skin will last for a good long period of time.

There are many therapies that work together collectively in Aromatherapy skin care. For this you can get the essential training from an expert or can learn it yourself reading some good articles from health and fashion magazines. On the Internet also there are many websites that provide genuine and useful information about Aromatherapy skin care.

You can use essential herbs and oils with freshening aroma. Mix them well in your bathtub. Then, get a magnificent dip in the tub and relax. Relax as much as you can. Leave off all the worries and tensions of your routine life. Think yourself as a princess relaxing in her castle; or, a free bird diving in the blue sky at her own wish. Aromatherapy skin care will work in a wonderful way to melt away all your stress. It will pamper you and make you fresh and ready for the new day.

For best results in Aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin. It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth. Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.

After all this, it is also essential to steam your face. Do some treatment with fingers on your facial skin, while standing in the shower for some extra time. This will open your blocked pores and will remove the dead skin. Aromatherapy skin care will definitely improve the effect of your selected facial treatment.

You should not forget to cleanse your face well. Aromatherapy skin care will help you to do away with unwanted bacteria and leave your skin scented with the fragrance of natural herbal scent. And just after this, put a masker on your face. One great fruit masker that suits well to all types of skins is the papaya facial. To reduce fine lines and puffiness to revitalize your darkened skin around eyes, use cold compresses as part of Aromatherapy skin care.

Aromatherapy skin care is very effective and quite easy to do. Just collect the essential oils and other material and you can get started for it at your home itself. You can buy a kit from a nearby store or on the Internet. It does not take much to get started for the Aromatherapy skin care. And the results that it gives will bring you on the seventh cloud of joy. So, what keeps you waiting?

About the Author: Brought to you from http://www.goodaromatherapy.com by Jay Morganson

Written By: Jay Morganson

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Aromatherapy for the Parents of Teenagers

  • Posted on July 3, 2007 at 12:50 pm

If you are the parent of a teen, you are certainly aware of how much your family dynamics have changed in recent years. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that you were the center of your children’s universe. Remember when you were the one they came to when they had bruised shins and broken hearts? Well your once-little baby is now approaching adulthood, testing his or her independence, and at times your patience.

You may find yourself struggling with many dichotomies. For instance, while you are aware of and respect your teen’s growing demands for privacy, you may have concerns about his or her friends and interests. Or you may want to establish strong boundaries, and yet at the same time you want to help your teen become independent.

So while your teenager is facing a profound transition in life, you as a parent are as well. Now is the time to evaluate issues not only with your children, but also with yourself. What are your boundaries? Are you a secure and trusting person? Are you someone with whom your teen can and wants to communicate?

If you feel you need guidance with some of these issues, there are many great books on the market about raising teens. Establish a support system with other parents in your community. You can also find wonderful support systems via online parenting communities and chat rooms.

Meanwhile, the use of aromatherapy on a daily basis will help you stay balanced, gain more insight, open yourself to trust your teen, and communicate your feelings and life perspective in a compassionate and calm manner. Below are several aromatherapy recipes to help you survive the teen years!

Each recipe below should be prepared in a 10ml bottle. Pour the essential oils first and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

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Blend for Tranquility
********
This blend will help you to remain balanced. It will calm your mind and emotions when you experience symptoms of stress and nervous tension.

-6 drops Sandalwood
-7 drops Lavender
-5 drops Marjoram
-2 drops Rose otto

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bathwater and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

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Blend for Boundaries
********
This blend will help you feel more grounded, centered and assertive when a need arises to establish new boundaries with your teen.

-6 drops Rosemary
-5 drops Cypress
-6 drops Cedarwood
-4 drops Sandalwood

Massage the solar plexus and lower back. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

********
Blend for Emotional Security and Acceptance
********
This blend soothes your emotions and enhances a profound sense of emotional security and comfort while accepting the natural steps of your teen’s growth.

-3 drops Rose
-5 drops Sandalwood
-5 drops Orange
-4 drops Pine

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

********
Blend to Open Communication
********
This blend supports and opens communication with others while releasing any anger, resentment, guilt or frustration held within the body and mind.

-4 drops Lavender
-5 drops Sage
-4 drops German Chamomile

Massage the throat, neck, and shoulders. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp

http://www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at http://www.aromalchemy.com.

About the Author

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Written By: Francoise Rapp

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“Aromatherapy” What is it?

  • Posted on June 27, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Aromatherapy is the art and science of treating illnesses through essential oils and/or inhaling herbal mixtures. The sense of smell or olfactory senses are the quickest path to the brain. Once the scent molecules pass the brain, it enters the bloodstream through the lining in our lungs. Once the molecules enter the bloodstream they influence the nervous systems, adrenal glands, stomach, intestines, heart rate, circulatory, and immune systems. Now the scent molecules also stimulate or relax emotions, attitude, energy level, sex drive, concentration, memory and other brain activity. All of that from smelling scents that we already know.

Essential oils used in ancient Egyptian times had many purposes. Burial, spiritual, medical and perfume are just some of their uses. The word perfume comes from the Latin phrase through the smoke. Egyptians closed themselves in small rooms and burnt herbs and oils to cover their body odor. This is where incense came from. The Egyptians also noticed that the scented smoke had medicinal purposes also.
Rene- Maurice Gattefosse was a French chemist who coined the phrase Aromatherapy. It was actually an accident; He burned his hand then confused a bowl of water with a bowl of Lavender oil. Instead of a bad chemical reaction, he learned that the lavender oil healed the burn quicker and left less scarring. This launched his research in Essential oils and Aromatherapy.

The process of distillation is used to extract essential oils from grasses, leaves, trees, roots, and flowers. Some oils require a lot of raw material to make a small amount of oil, and then other oils are easier and less expensive to produce. Therefore, if oil has a higher price, and a few are quite expensive, then that means that particular oil is difficult to harvest and distill.

A headache is relieved with essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Lavender, feverfew, chamomile and marjoram. You could place a few drops of any of these oils in a diffuser or aroma lamp to keep your home or workplace headache free. Many homeopathic doctors prescribe the herb feverfew for migraines. In addition, valerian root, hops and lavender, which are all sedatives and muscle relaxers for those tense stressed out, neck muscles. Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and helps control high blood pressure, common cause of migraines and headaches

Who has kids? Most huh well you will need to pay attention here. Take out the aroma lamp and diffuser; put 6 drops of lavender, four of chamomile, and three of sandlewood or cedar wood. Turn it on and watch your house hold calm down almost immediately. You can also place chamomile or lavender in a small pillow and place it in your childrens bed. It is safe, pleasant; the child gets a better, more rejuvenating sleep. Jasmine also has a sedative quality as well as Patchouli.
Cinnamon bark is neat oil. It is warm, calming, spicy and comforting. There have been surveys conducted about the effect that the scent of cinnamon has on men, for example. Most men stated that the smell of cinnamon reminds them of grandmas kitchen, thus bringing on a feeling of love. However, it also helps women with cramps, regulates menstrual cycle, and even gives us a little boost in our love lives. Cinnamon also can be used for insect bites, treat infections and is used in cough elixirs. Be careful, cinnamon can irritate your skin if not diluted properly. There are some oils (like lavender, tea tree, and patchouli) can be applied directly to the skin with no dilution. To be safe I would dilute 2-4 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp. (5ml) of carrier oil. Carrier oils allow safe absorption into the skin and calms some of the more potent oils.

Aromatherapy is the idea that through the senses of touch and smell the body can achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Balance is important today due to the Contamination of chemicals in our world as shown in the ozone alerts. Todays stress, busy schedules, full houses and all of the everyday problems, which have become part of our hectic existence. Aromatherapy is a healthy, easy, inexpensive way to naturally heal your mind and body.
Majik by Mother Nature has developed over 50 products to aid you in this quest for balance. Click here to review a list of the products we have available. If you have, any comments are question click on the guest book are
e-mail us at majik.mn@worldnet.att.net.

About the Author

Clayton College student 2001/degree program. Owner/operator Http://www.majikbymothernature.com Our goal “Taking you back to Nature”

Written By: Machelle Reaves

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Aromatherapy Treatment Alternative Medicine

  • Posted on June 21, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

About the Author:

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Written By: Bryan Josling

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Aromatherapy Candles To Enhance Your Mood

  • Posted on June 15, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Candles provide a glowing history as an object of exoticness and reverence; its use is as old as the human history itself. Many great civilizations and modern societies have held candles as an instrument of radiance; its radiance properties surpass any other similar objects. Candles have long been used as a ‘mood-setting’ addition to a room or occasion and now more innovative aromatherapy candles enhance that goal.

Aromatherapy practice uses natural essential oils that are absorbed through massage, ingestion or olfaction (also called sensory). Aromatic oils are also use to make candles, which candles have a physiological or therapeutic effect on mood through their fragrance. How ever, scented candles should not be confused with aromatherapy candles. Scented candles simply contain a fragrance, most probably artificial, whereas aromatherapy candles contain natural essential oils.

Probably, one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. A bowl of floating lavender aromatherapy candles to accompany your bath will help you relax after a long day. A small candle on your dining table will sway your desolate mood in to feeling of satisfaction.

For every mood and moment, there is an aromatherapy candle. Some of these top-rated essential oils might be found in aromatherapy candles:

Sage: This oil helps with insomnia and relaxation; Chamomile: Exciting oil used for relaxing, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety; Rosemary: An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation; Grapefruit: Freshly uplifting and refreshing Eucalyptus: A strong oil which helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system; Ylang Ylang: Soothing oil as a good antidepressant that helps you relax and sleep; Geranium: Its sober effects help with relaxation while also being uplifting; helps balance hormones in women; Peppermint: Sweet aroma helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches; Lemon: Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes you senses;

As with any health product, you should understand what you are using when burning aromatherapy candles. You must know which type of oil is used in your candles. Certain essential oils can be harmful; it is always advised to be careful. Any type of candle can be formulated to serve as an aromatherapy candle, whether it’s a floating, pillar, gel, votive or even jar candle. Even though the doubts around the effectiveness aromatherapy are still present, all of us do know that candles and aromas are effective for evoking mood and emotions. You will notice candles labeled as “aromatherapy” candles range greatly in price; the price ranging from a low to high cost depending on the quality and availability of oil. Several factors effect the price such as types and qualities of wax, additives or purity, as well as other factors related to manufacturing. How ever, one main ingredient which can make or break the success of a candle as well as the price is its fragrance. You can make your own aromatherapy candles too at your home! The best waxes for aromatherapy candles are of course a bit more expensive. Many natural waxes such as soy, palm and beeswax burn cleaner and do not emanate soot and are not petroleum or polymer based such as paraffin or gel waxes. More natural cotton or zinc core wick should be used instead of leaded wick because of health hazard issues. Instead of adding dye to color the candle, include natural substances like herbs and flower petals. Always use pure essential oils for fragrance. This is definitely expensive, but worth it plus you can mix and match your own blends. Palm wax or palm/beeswax blend candles are always better, because they burn so long and clean and they blend quite easily with your oils. Essential oils should be added after the wax has melted and started cooling to preserve the integrity of the fragrance as they easily breakdown and evaporate. Decorating your candle can be as easy as tying a ribbon around it to adding pressed flowers to it. Make several small motiffs or round candles and add to a basket for a great gift idea. Candles attach emotional importance to any occasion and moments; a great aromatherapy candle has that great ability to enhance the mood and ambience of any environment.

About the author:

Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia laromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

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Change Your Mood with Aromatherapy

  • Posted on June 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Contemporary healers, therapists, and marketing gurus are grabbing hold of a phenomenon that insects and animals instinctively understand: the power of aroma.

Scientists pursue aromachology (the study of scent and its ability to change human behavior) for its role in everything from medicine to marketing, migraines to memory loss, and relaxation to revitalization.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to treat ailments. These conditions range from physical conditions to emotional problems. The essential oils of aromatherapy are extracted from aromatic plants and herbs–from the flower, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rhizome, or leaves–generally through a process of steam distillation. These oils may be inhaled or massaged into the skin, after combining with a vegetable, nut or seed oil.

Massage with essential oils is most commonly used to alleviate skin ailments and muscle pain or tension. Lavender, orange, marjoram, and chamomile are particularly effective aromas in the use of massage.

Essential oils can be inhaled with the help of a vaporizer, an electric diffuser or an aroma lamp.

–>How does it work?

Our sense of smell is more complex than you might think. Your nose contain thousands of olfactory nerves. While your tongue has the ability to taste sweet, sour, salt, and bitter, it is your sense of smell that creates all the delightful flavors you experience. The olfactory bulb is part of your brain’s limbic system, which is not under conscious control. The limbic system controls digestion, libido, and emotions.

So, it’s not your imagination that scents evoke emotion. Aromas actually trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of well-being. Scientists say your body’s response to an aroma takes just four seconds.

–>Which Essential Oils are Right for You?
Essential oils are available in natural and synthetic forms. Natural essential oils are not oils but non-oily, non-water-soluble substances, which dissolve in alcohol and combine with true oils. Pure, natural essential oils may be as much as 70 times more potent than the plant source itself.

Some synthetics are derived from natural products. The exact formulation of an essential oil is virtually impossible to reproduce in the laboratory. Even the smallest variation can produce significant changes in the oil’s effect. Some synthetic oils fall into the category of artificial fragrances, entirely made of petroleum products. These products generally do not produce the same therapeutic effects as essential oils.

Each essential oil is comprised of different hormones and vitamins, which combine to create different effects. Furthermore, the effects of each essential oil can vary depending on the botanical species and where it is grown. The effects of particular aromas also vary among cultures and individuals, so the results of aromatherapy are not universal. Still, aromatherapists have developed a roster of scents with relatively predictable effects:

Aphrodisiacs
Jasmine, ylang ylang, patchouli

Energizers
lemon, basil, bergamot, sweet orange, peppermint, eucalyptus,
tangerine

Hair Care
(dry hair) cedarwood
(normal hair) lavender, ylang ylang
(oily hair) rosemary, lemongrass

PMS
cedarwood, clary sage, fennel, geranium, nerali, Roman chamomile

Relaxation
lavender, myrrh, cardamom, cedarwood, German chamomile, clary sage,
frankincense

Skin Care
(all skin types) Lavender, geranium, ylang ylang
(dry skin) rosemary, rosewood, carrot seed, sandalwood, peppermint,
rosemary
(oily skin) basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemongrass,
ylang ylang, sage

Susie Cortright is the founder of http://www.momscape.com and Momscape’s Natural & Organic Living Channel. She is also the creator of Free-Article-Bank.com, featuring free, quality articles for your website, ezine, newsletter, or blog.

Copyright Susie Cortright – http://www.momscape.com

Written By: Susie Cortright

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