What is the syndrome of Adrenal Fatigue?The adrenal glands are your body’s primary activators when it comes to dealing with stress. These tiny glands, each about the size of a walnut, sit atop each kidney. The adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol, an energy releaser, and pregnenolone, the precursor from which almost all your body’s steroid hormones are made, including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and the estrogens. Pregnenolone is a very important enhancer of memory recall, and not only does it make you smarter, it can about feelings of well-being and enhances your ability to deal with stress. Weak adrenal function can have a variety of symptoms, including depression, insomnia, and lowered immune system function.

There can be several contributing factors to adrenal fatigue, though these can almost all be lumped into the category of simply too much stress. Over-work, lack of sleep, poor eating habits with too much sugar, injury, illness, and over-use of stimulants such as coffee and black tee are a few common causes. Addressing these lifestyle issues are of primary importance for long-term regeneration of the adrenals and their hormonal output. However, natural adrenal supporting essential oils used in aromatherapy can be helpful in bringing balance and assisting in restoring adrenal function to normal levels, in mild-to-moderate cases of adrenal depletion.

Adrenal Supporting Essential Oils Used in AromatherapySeveral essential oils are used in aromatherapy to support output of the adrenals glands. Some are used purely for adrenal gland restoration, while others are used to provide a healthy lift when needed, and may be of assistance when reducing caffeine intake. These oils are not to be taken internally, but are best diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Spruce Oil and Black Spruce Needle Oils – Spruce is thought to restore depleted adrenal glands, and is used regularly by aromatherapists in blends applied directly over the adrenal area, or in an all-over body lotion.

Pine Needle Essential Oil Pine essential oil is noted to be one of the “most effective oils for fatigue and nervous debility”. Pine can be blended with Spruce for a synergistic revitalizing effect.

Atlantic Cedarwood Oil Moroccan Atlantic Cedar is thought to gently and persistently stimulate the metabolism. Rather than regenerating, as do the Spruce and Pine oils, Cedar will provide a smooth, deep, and long lasting stimulation without the side effects of coffee and black tea.

Peppermint Oil Peppermint has a broad range of healthful properties, and is thought of as an uplifting aroma. Peppermint, like Cedar, can be used for gentle stimulation and alertness. Note: Peppermint will come in several qualities – try to find an organic source.

Citrus Oils Essential oils pressed from the rinds of citrus fruit like sweet orange, bitter orange (bergamot), lemon and lime are also uplifting and brightening, yet have a relaxing quality as well. They are useful additions to fatigue-busting blends, as the added calming, but not sedating, quality can lower stress levels, which are generally the cause of adrenal fatigue in the first place.

Aromatherapy Blends for Adrenal Regeneration and Gentle StimulationFirst, a blend to provide pure regenerative support without stimulation. This blend is suitable for regular use, and some users report almost immediate results it has been noted to reduce or eliminate that nauseous feeling that can accompany insomnia. For a 30ml / 1 ounce blend add 1.5ml Spruce or Black Spruce and 1.5ml Pine Needle essential oils to one ounce (30ml) of your favorite carrier oil (Hazelnut is commonly used, but any common aromatherapy carrier oil should do the trick). Apply regularly to the kidney / adrenal area. Note: 1ml is about 25 drops.

To use these essential oils in a gently stimulating, all-over body blend, add 3ml each of Spruce and Pine essential oils, 2ml Atlas Cedar oil and 2ml of your favorite citrus oil to 4oz of carrier oil. Apply this all over after a morning shower though if using the citrus oil, do not apply to areas that will be exposed to the sun in the following 72 hours (some well-regarded authors say only 24 hours), as citrus oils are photosensitizing and make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation..

If you prefer the properties and aroma of peppermint, try the following blend: 6ml of Spruce or Black Spruce, 2.5ml Atlas Cedar and 1.5ml Peppermint in 4 ounces of your favorite carrier. This blend will not be photosensitizing to the skin, and can be used all over the body.

Conclusion – The Complete Adrenal Support PictureThese wonderful aromatherapy blends can offer support in cases of mild and moderate adrenal fatigue for many people, though the underlying causes of this condition should be addressed concurrently for best results. For most people, this means reducing caffeine intake, improving diet by reducing sugar consumption, and finding balance in one’s life between work, family, and personal time to allow regeneration of the body, mind, and soul.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Misty Rae Cech is a naturopath with a professional practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is the health director of http://www.anandaapothecary.com and http://www.ananda-aromatherapy.com.

Written By: Misty Rae Cech

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

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

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

Jasmine flower blooms only at night hence they hand picked at night time only. Being the most delicate and extremely fragile, jasmine essential oil is steam distilled from its flowers. Huge quantities of jasmine petals are required to prepare one ounce of essential oil, hence is rare, extremely valuable and highly sought after oil.

Jasmine is preferred for its powerful characteristics that assist the body as an anti depressant, an aphrodisiac and confidence boosting qualities. The Chinese drink jasmine tea daily and use it to cleanse the air in sick rooms while Egyptians use it to relieve nervous disorders, insomnia and headaches.

Jasmine known to have aphrodisiac powers was used in different cultures in various ceremonies. The sensuously rich and exotic aroma of jasmine based massage oil can certainly be relied upon to evoke a romantic mood.

Jasmine oil despite being expensive is worthy for the skin. It encourages cell growth; increases skin elasticity and aids in healing minor to moderate burns. It is especially effective for people suffering from symptoms of apathy and fatigue as it helps in reducing fears. It also helps with muscle spasm and sprains.

Jasmine with its many healing properties acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent and a sedative. It is considered as base oil for blending with other essential oil. When blended with herbs like Clary sage, geranium, lemon balm, rose, rosewood and sandalwood, it promotes the body’s natural way of healing, making it indispensable in the world of aromatherapy.

Jasmine essential oil when massaged on the abdomen during the later stages of labour strengthens uterine contractions and relieves pain.

For stimulating bath oil, try this oil – 1/2 cup soy oil, 5 drops of jasmine essential oil, 3 drops of juniper essential oil and content from 4 – 5 vitamin E capsules.

Indulge your self with a massage, blend the following ingredients well – 8 tsp grape seed oil, 6 drops of jasmine essential oil, 2 drops each of tea tree oil and neroli oil. Before application warm the oil.

To create soothing and refreshing hair oil for scalp, blend 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops clary sage, and 2 drops jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.

About The Author:

Sharon Hopkins is the webmaster of http://www.aromatherapies.net that provides information aromatherapy essential oils. Read on to know aromatherapy uses of Jasmine essential oil.

Written By: Sharon Hopkins

Leaving animals along for a long period of time, lack of attention, unhealthy food, abandonment, etc are some of the common causes of stress in animals. These could lead to health problems like fatigue, excessive itching, shedding, panting and even aggression. Aromatherapy can be used to treat hot spots, itchy skin, ear infections, rashes, bites, cuts, scrapes, incisions from surgeries, stinky breath, flatulence and the list goes on

Dogs are man’s faithful friends for life. Bringing affection, joy and loyalty into our lives, they are more emotionally dependent on their owners. They are in tune with our moods and show more difficulty in coping with emotional stress and loneliness. Hence they require more attention then any other animals.

If your dog is suffering from yeast or ear infection use either of these oils to treat it. Put these oils in a spray bottle with a base oil and swab the inside of the ear after cleansing.

- Lavender – soothes the skin and relieves itching
- Tea Tree – powerful antibacterial and antifungal
- Bergamot – antifungal properties
- Roman Chamomile – soothing and gentle, aids in healing tissue.

To repel fleas, use peppermint, citronella, lemon and clary sage essential oils. Ticks are repelled by essential oils such as Geranium, Bay, Lavender and Myrrh. 15-20 drops of these oils diluted with base oil and sprayed on your dog daily will keep the ticks and fleas away.

Mix 6 drops of lavender, 1 drop of Neroli and 4 drops of Marjoram essential oils with carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Apply on the spine and head lightly. Repeat when necessary. This blend will relieve emotional stress.

To relieve Anxiety & Loneliness – Blend 1 drop of Rose otto, 5 drops of cypress and marjoram essential oils with carrier oil. Apply on the spine and head light, repeating whenever necessary.

6 drops of lavender, 2 drops of roman chamomile and 4 drops of petitgrain essential oils mixed with carrier oil and applied to spine and head lightly reduce nervousness & hyperactivity.

Keep in mind dog’s sensitive sense of smell into account when using essential oils. A dog that is besieged by the smells of blends may pace, whine, or rub her / her head on the ground. Introduce your dog to essential oils slowly and in small amounts.

About the Author:

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

Written By: Sharon Hopkins