Aromatherapy

Aroma fragrance or smell
Therapy – treatment

Aromatherapy is a based on the use of pure essential and absolute oils. It is a holistic form of treatment which has been found to work on the physical, emotion and spiritual levels. There benefit can be felt psychologically and physically.

The oils used come from a variety of plants and are prepared from flowers, fruit, bark or roots. There is a couple of different methods of preparation used; steam distilled or cold-pressed.

Essential oils are usually used through massage, baths, compresses or inhalation. When they are used in massage and bathing, essential oils are absorbed though the skin into the bloodstream.

Essential oils that are inhaled are believed to offer benefits both psychologically and physically. The oil molecules stimulate scent receptors in the brain that trigger a response in the part of the brain that influences heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

Essential oils are often blended together for specific therapeutic action or just because they create a pleasing aroma. A blend of well selected oils can be of greater benefit than just one oil on its own.

Aromatherapy provides health and body care on a completely natural basis, and the subtle qualities of the oils lend themselves best to a gradual experience.

Only the highest quality of essential oils should be used in aromatherapy. The majority of essential oils produced in the world market are used in the food flavour and fragrance industry, so essential oils are often found on the market adulterated with similar essential oils, chemicals and synthetics.

Not all ready-made aromatherapy products labelled with the word ‘aromatherapy’ are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit

A look at some popular remedies.

Lavender
For temporary relief of headaches. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage pressure points, or add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to 1 litre of cold water for compress.
To help relieve nervous tension, mild anxiety, stress and insomnia. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage pressure points. Alternatively add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath; or add 6 drops to vapouriser.
Temporary relief of bronchial coughs and the relief of symptoms of catarrh, cold and flu. Add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath; or 6 drops to 1 litre steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes. Asthmatics should avoid inhalation method. If cough persists, consult a health care professional.

Lemon
Temporary relief of bronchial cough and the relief of symptoms of cold and flu. Add 6 drops to 1 litre of steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes. If cough persists, consult your health care professional.

Bergamot
Helps relieve mild anxiety, nervous tension and stress. Add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine, then add mixture to bath; or add 6 drops to vapouriser.

Lime
Temporary relief of bronchial cough and the relief of symptoms of colds and flu. Add 6 drops to 1 litre of steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for five minutes. If cough persists, consult a health care professional.

Patchouli
To help relieve nervous tension and stress. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage pulse points. Alternatively add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath, or add 6 drops to vapouriser.

Peppermint
For temporary relief of catarrh, sinusitis, bronchial cough and the symptoms of cold and flu. Add 6 drops to 1 litre of steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes. If cough persists, consult a health care professional.
Temporary relief of nausea. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage stomach in a clockwise direction. Alternatively add 6 drops to vapouriser. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
Assist in the treatment or prevention of flatulence. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage stomach in a clockwise direction. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
Relieve tired aching legs. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage legs and feet. Alternatively add 6 drops to 10m Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath.

Sandalwood
To help relieve insomnia, nervous tension and stress. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and apply to pressure points. Alternatively add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath.
For the temporary relief of bronchial cough and sore throat, add 6 drops to 1 litre of steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes. If cough persists, consult a health care professional.
Relief of symptoms of catarrh and laryngitis. Add 6 drops to 1 litre of steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes.

Ylang Ylang
Temporary relief of nervous tension, stress, mild anxiety and insomnia. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and apply to pressure points. Alternatively, add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add to bath, or add 6 drops to vapouriser.
Assists in the treatment of flatulence. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage stomach in a clockwise direction. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

About the Author

Andrea Putting N.D., Naturopath, Writer and creator/owner of several health sites including, http://www.naturopathsresourcefile.info, Explore the world of Natural Medicine, take your health into your own hands. Know how to be healthy and stay healthy. Covered in detail are nutrients, herbs, flower essences, homoeopathy and aromatherapy. Visit Andreas other sites. http://www.puttingitright.com.au, http://www.naturalhealth4cats.info

Written By: Andrea Putting N.D

Organic aromatherapy recipes have been used for centuries and its usage is very diverse and spread all over the world. Hundreds of recipes have been found and perfected over thousands of years. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to combat everyday maladies in our lives such as stress, depression, indigestion, menopause, nausea, immune deficiencies, fatigue and numerous others. The following aromatherapy recipes are for your aromatic information.

First things first! Always remember that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids that can be very harmful if used carelessly. CAUTION: Never apply undiluted oil on the skin without use of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil. Massage is perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils. It combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. As a general rule, always use ten drops of total essential oils per mixture, and keep it around five for maximum effectiveness.

You can always concoct your own innovative recipe using many essential oils that available in the market. You don’t really need a branded expensive aromatherapy product or go to an expensive aromatherapy spa and some wholesale aromatherapy vendors can be too expensive. Here are a few quick, instant and easy natural aromatherapy recipes that can be formulated at your home: Beat the depression with 3 revitalizing drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of zesty ginger. Drive out insomnia with easeful drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage and bergamot oils. Reduce menstrual cramps with pacifying drops of peppermint, cypress and lavender oils. Soothe stress with calming drops of Roman chamomile, lavender and vetiver oils. Enhance memory with stimulating drops of peppermint and lemon oils. Boost your immune system with protecting drops of eucalyptus, pine and peppermint oils. Fight acne with toning lavender and antiseptic tea tree oil. Ease a grieving heart with oils of warm rose and sandalwood. Disinfect the kitchen sink with the citrus smell of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils.

Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils. All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness. Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples. Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips. Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil. Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil. Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins. Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil. Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints. Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage. Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil + 3 drops geranium oil + 3 drops rose oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drops peppermint oil + 1 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub. Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drop lemongrass oil + 3 drops orange oil + 1 drop rosemary oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages. Uplifting Massage: 2 drop bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil +2 drops petit grain oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good early-morning body rubs. Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil + 2 drops cedar wood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips. Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drops rose oil + 1 drops violet oil + 1 drops geranium oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips. Oils which are not preferable for home use include: cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage. Oils which should not be used during pregnancy include: basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme. Oils which are not recommended for steam facials include: bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree. Oils which are photosynthesizing include, but are not restricted to: lemon, bergamot, lime, and orange. Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.

About the author:

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

Written By: Lorna Findlay

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

Aromatherapy works in several ways to combat common ailments. Essential oils contain molecules that once applied or dispersed through the air trigger nasal receptors to send healing messages to the brain. The brain then experiences changes of chemistry that tell your body to feel relaxed, cheered or numb to pain.

A common physical complaint today is arthritis. A blend of a couple of drops each of clove, ginger and peppermint oils dispersed in eight ounces of a carrier oil such as almond, olive or jojoba can be worked manually into the areas that feel sore. These oils have the effect of cooling hot spots in the body and bringing oxygenated blood to the affected areas. Tea tree oil can also be used long with geranium or lavender oil to heal cold sores. Mixed with chamomile oil it is an effective remedy for eczema.

Essential oils are also very effective when it comes to soothing the pain of muscle soreness. You can mix a few drops any one of the following oils in 8 ounces of a carrier oil and add them to a bath or rub them directly into the skin: balsam fir, pine, juniper, ginger, cloves, peppermint or rosemary.

Many aromatherapy oils are extremely effective when it comes to diminishing the pain of headaches or curing them all together. Basil, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, neroli (orange blossom) or linden blossom oil either diffused through a room or rubbed on the temples and neck can greatly relieve headache pain that seems to be caused by stress or tension. Headaches that are provoked by sinus problems are effectively relieved by diffusions of basil, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, lemon, lavender, juniper,
pine or rosemary oils. If the headache is believed to have a hormonal cause, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine or lavender may relieve it.

Tea tree oil can be bought in commercial preparations or made into an oil by yourself by diluting two or three drops of the essential oil into eight ounces of a carrier oil such as witch hazel or aloe vera. This oil can then used to heal and disinfect small cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and bee stings. Tea tree oil can also be used along with geranium or lavender oil to heal cold sores.

Aromatherapy can also be used to treat nausea. This is effectively done simply by rubbing a blend of peppermint and ginger oils in a circular motion on your stomach and pulse points or by anointing a handkerchief with a few drops so that you can sniff the aroma while on a road trip.

Did you know that aromatherapy oils can also be used to relieve jet lag and hangovers too? Oils that are very effective for warding off that feeling like you overdid it are peppermint, orange, clary sage, geranium, eucalyptus, ginger and basil. The optimum cure would be a preparation that you would blend yourself in almond oil called “hangover helper!”

About the Author

(c) 2005 Liz Santher – All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com

Whether you are on business trip, a romantic holiday, a family trip or simply want to experience outdoor life, aromatherapy essential oils come useful along the way. Take along carrier oils for diluting the essential oils.

Are you going away on business trip? Whether you have to meet clients, give presentations, hold seminars, business meetings, etc, one can surely feel stressed out. Take along with you lavender, peppermint, marjoram and Neroli essential oils. – Massage your body with 1 drop of marjoram and lavender oil each mixed with sweet almond or calendula oil after a warm bath to lessen the jet lag effect. - Are you jittery before a big presentation or a meeting? Inhale few drops of Neroli oil to settle all the butterflies and ease all the nervousness. - For headaches or migraines, concoct 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil and massage it on your forehead, temples, sides and base of your neck. It will ease the headache away and let you stay alert. Few drops of lavender oil on your pillow will allow for peaceful night of sleep. - Eating out and upset stomach go hand in hand. Massage 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil on your stomach to help you with indigestion. Or you can try a peppermint tea.

Holidaying with your sweetheart or going for your honeymoon? Make sure you smell desirable all the time. Rose & jasmine oil are considered romantic oils. - 1 drop of rose and jasmine oil each in 100 ml of jojoba oil makes a nice personal perfume for your holiday. - A single drop of Ylang Ylang with its oriental scent is heady potent seduction perfume. - For a romantic bath, add little of your personal perfume to the bath gel or water. You can use the perfume as massage oil on your partner.

Out with the kids. Calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile essential oil and tea tree oil are some of children’s oil that comes handy. - Inhale a drop of lavender or peppermint oil from kerchief or tissue to ease the nausea and travel sickness. - Got a tired kid on hand. Get your child to relax and inhale lavender oil. - For small babies, apply lavender oil on your neck and shoulders so when you carry your little one around, the fragrance stays with baby. - Stomach upset or colic trouble – 1 drop of chamomile mixed with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil rubbed clockwise on tummy will ease the stomachache. - Lavender oil rubbed on the body helps to keep insects away. - Few drops of calendula, lavender & chamomile oil is good for cuts and bruises. - Aloe Vera gel or lavender oil applied to sun burn will soothe the pain.

About the author:

Kevin Pederson manages aromatherapy sites offering information on Aromatherapy Essential Oils , concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits.

Written By: Kevin Pederson