Aromatherapy Article

Smell That Makes You Feel GOOD!

2011-09-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is used for treating physical, mental and spiritual problems. Many of us are not able believe this. How can smell help you overcome your problem? It is an art which has been in practice since centuries. You can find relief from many of the symptoms by just smelling an aroma. You have to try it to believe. Benefits of this therapy will become apparent once you start using the products based on the therapy.

Benefits of the therapy

Aromatherapy kit is available for those who want to try it. The kit provides you with various scents, explaining the benefits of each one of them. For example if you want to deal with anxiety you can try Mandarin. Eucalyptus is known to improve your immunity and peppermint is known to deal with muscle aches, headaches and digestive disorders. These are to name the few. When you inhale the essential oils that are released via scents they enter your brain and have a positive effect on you. And when you massage it on your body it enters your bloodstream and gives you health benefits.

You need not necessarily use it for curing any ailments. They can be used to generate positive atmosphere around you. You can create a romantic atmosphere using aromatic candles. These aromas will also help you to relax after hard day's work. Aromatherapy can be used as treatment for some chronic illness or they can be used as preventive means too. This is a natural remedy as you use natural products and hence can be considered pure. To reduce the stress at work place you can take help of these aromas as they have calming effect on your nerves.

Different options

Aromatherapy products are available in different forms. There are candles, incense, oils and organic products like shampoos, lotions and so on. You can use essential oil in a diffuser which will release the light mist into the air. This mild scent will relax your mind. Masseuse uses the aromatic oil while massaging to relax the muscles. This therapy can be easily used at home as the candles, oils, incense based on this therapy are easily available in market. Tea Tree oil can be used to solve the problem of lice in your hair. For treating emotional distress, insomnia, or anxiety, you can use aromatherapy inhalations. Inhalations will give you the results almost immediately.

5 Simple Aromatherapy Remedies For Common Ailments

2011-09-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, as natural remedies for our every day ailments. It is easy to use, generally inexpensive and does not have the side effects of over the counter medications. From headaches to acne, aromatherapy can offer most everyone a gentler alternative. This article will explore 6 common maladies and how aromatherapy can offer you some natural relief.

1. Headache

I think just about everyone has suffered from headaches at some point. Whether it's the occasional annoyance or the 'down for the count' pain, headaches can definitely affect your mood and slow down your day. Instead of popping a pill, which may upset your stomach, thin your blood or be hard on your liver, why not give peppermint oil a try! Place a dab of peppermint oil on your temples, behind your ears and across your hair-line (along your forehead). Peppermint aromatherapy helps to relieve muscular tension as well as stress, and often times, that is the original cause of the headache. Or at least a strong contributing factor.

2. PMS

Having Pre Menstrual Syndrome is a great strain on both the physical body, as well as your emotional state. To help relieve the many symptoms that PMS encompasses, use a blend of lavender and bergamot oils. These two will help lessen cramping & ease the physical stress you are experiencing. Adding a few drops of either lemon or orange can really help with uplifting your mood too! You can combine these essential oils in a diffuser or mix them with a touch of olive oil or your favorite, unscented lotion, and apply them anywhere. I find that using this mixture on my lower abdomen really works for cramping.

3. Colds and Flu

Sinus pressure, congestion, upset stomach and pain are just a few of the symptoms that can drag us down during cold and flu season. Try taking a hot bath and adding eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and lavender to the water. Eucalyptus is an excellent decongestant and immune booster, peppermint helps with sinus pressure and soothing your tummy and lavender aids in relaxation and helping you to get restful sleep.

4. Athletes Foot

Athletes foot is a fungal infection that can be quite stubborn to get rid of. And once you've had it, it seems to just keep coming back! Many times, especially in the case of recurring infection, over the counter creams and sprays just don't work. Try using tea tree oil or lavender oil mixed with a little olive oil and massage into the feet each night before bed. Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-fungal, lavender is a gentle skin healer and olive oil helps to moisturize dry, cracked feet. It is a great benefit to do this twice a day, so you may want to use the tea tree oil at night (as it has a strong antiseptic smell) and the lavender during the day.

5. Stress

I don't know of anyone who doesn't have some kind of stress in their life. Work, family, money, health issues, the list goes on. How can you deal with that everywhere you go? Aromatherapy of course! I carry a small bottle of mixed essential oils with me to use when needed. Whenever I begin to feel a bit stressed out, I just pull it out of my purse or pocket and take a few, deep whiffs. There are some fantastic pre-made blends available but you can also make your own. If you find it too difficult to carry a bottle, you can use a cloth or handkerchief in your bag, briefcase or pocket. Place a few drops each of lavender oil and lemon or orange oil. Just pull out your hankie and breathe deep. Or you can also use peppermint or spearmint oil and lemon or orange. Each person is unique, so what smells best to you will be exactly what you need. Lavender is soothing and relaxing, the citrus family is uplifting to the spirit and the mint family helps to perk you up if you're feeling low or depressed. Experiment to see what you like best.

Aromatherapy - How I Use It And Is It For?

2011-08-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it only takes four minutes for Essential Oils to start taking effect on your body? Whether through inhalation, skin absorption or direct skin application, there are many ways that you can reap the therapeutic benefits of oils day or night. It is important not to underestimate the intensity of aromatherapy oils and the therapeutic benefits that they offer. There are a couple of things you need to know about pure essential oils. You should never apply them directly onto the skin, they are potent and can trigger an allergic reaction or a serious rash. It is advisable not to use direct heat, products/units that do not involve direct heat i.e Diffusers, are recommended. I say 'diffusing' rather than heating because of the effect heating has on aromatherapy oils. Any heat administered directly onto essential oils actually breaks down the components of the oils. This results in losing some of the important therapeutic components of the essential oils. What does this mean? You don't get the full BENEFIT of the oils because they are not dispersed in their purest form.

It is interesting to note that many countries, including Australia, are still not aware of the healing and therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Did you know that essential oils, either single or formulated in a blend can assist with health issues such as Anxiety & Stress, Insomnia, Mood swings, lack of Confidence, Respiratory problems just to name a few? As a matter of fact there are essential oils/oil blends for most health issues. For example; Bergamot - Eczema, Dermatitis (massage oil) Frankincense - Fears, Nightmares (Diffusing) Peppermint - Mental Fatigue, Concentration or Memory Difficulties (inhalation, bath oil) Lavender - Anxiety, Insomnia (massage oil, Diffuser) Jasmine - Depression, Lack of Confidence (Massage Oil, Diffuser)

DIFFUSING - This technology is a dream come true for Aromatherapy enthusiasts, and was only introduced to the Australian consumer some four years ago. The Ultrasonic Waves technology works on the vibration of the water at such a speed that it creates vapours, this is the technology that has revolutionised the way people use their aromatherapy. This means, no heating element, no condensation and your oils are dispersed in their purest form. However, the negative to this is that you cannot always access your Diffuser especially when you are in transit during your busy daily schedule.

THE AROMA PENDANT - Introduced in Australia six months ago and very popular throughout other parts of the world. This form of essential oil inhalation is not new, it has actually been used for centuries, well before the introduction of oil burners. Due to the intensity of essential oils we found that the glass pendants are best for aromatherapy oils. The Aroma Pendants work by filling the pendant with your favourite essential oil, placing it around your neck and inhaling the scent of the oil for the entire day. Fantastic for when you are suffering from a cold or respiratory problems, or need added concentration or confidence particularly during interviews or exams.

AROMA SPRAY MISTS - When formulated with essential oils, these are fantastic to have in the handbag at all times. When required you can use as a face spray, body spray or as an air freshener - again the emphasis is on inhalation.

MASSAGE AND BATH OILS - A lovely oil or blend in a carrier oil like jojoba, almond or grapefruit oil administered on the skin will give you the therapeutic benefits through skin absorption or massage. As will a few drops of essential oils in your bath.

DIRECT SKIN COMPRESS - Once the oils are diluted with water, you can soak some cotton wool or muslin in the water and place it directly on to the body on the area to be treated.

Healing Essential Oils

2011-08-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

To begin with, what are healing essential oils? They are plant extracts, found in the flowers, leaves,fruit and roots. The essential oil is found in different parts of the plants, in some plants the oil might be in the flowers while in other plants there might be 2 or 3 different areas that the oil is extracted from.

An example of this is the bitter orange tree. The oil can be found in the leaves, the flowers and the fruit peel, 3 different oils are extracted from these 3 different areas.

Healing essential oils are also known as Aromatherapy oils. These oils have been around for thousands of years and were used by the ancient people of Egypt, China, Middle East, India and Greece.

Egypt was probably the first to use plants as medicines, perfume and cosmetics. They used perfumes as gifts to the Gods and had small rooms in the temples where the plants were prepared.

It wasn't until the middle ages that it was developed more in Europe and also became a sort after form of holistic healing.

Healing essential oils treat the 'whole person', mind, body and spirit, and it seems that as more people come to understand that conventional medicines don't address the cause of their problems, but rather mask them, we are turning to natural remedies more and more.

While some people may view essential oils as a 'magic potion' they are not, but they do have amazing healing properties and are used by different practitioners for different reasons, while also being used by perfumers.

One of the most common uses of healing essential oils is massage. The reason this is becoming more popular; is because it uses 2 of our close range senses, that of touch and smell. This in itself starts the healing process.

So how can these oils help? From the smallest scratch to

depression

overweight

insomnia

relieving stress

burns

bruises

coughs and colds

sprains and strains

arthritis

Their uses are many, add healing essential oils to your household cleaning products,shampoos,body lotions or start making your own so you know they are safe for you and your family. You will find using these oils around your home for all your needs, a pleasure; be it for cleaning, relaxing, taking care of your skin and hair, fighting off coughs and colds, healing ailments or even using on your family pet. They have many, many benefits.

Healing with Aromatherapy Tea Scent

2011-08-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Few scents are more enticing than those produced by freshly brewed herbal teas. The herbal teas used in aromatherapy contain hundreds of active ingredients. They're so powerful that just breathing in their aromas can have a major impact on your physical and emotional health.

Herbs contain concentrated oils called essential oils. When you brew a cup of tea, some of them drift upward in the steam. As you breathe the steam, individual scent molecules enter special "docks," or receptors, in cells throughout your body. This triggers many changes that may benefit your health. The scent of lavender tea, for example, slows nerve impulses, encouraging relaxation. Aromatherapists often use concentrated oils stored in tightly sealed vials. These oils are very effective, but they can also be expensive. Aromatherapeutic teas, on the other hand, are perfectly safe to use at home and can have some impressive benefits.

Approximately 40 different herbs are used in aromatherapy, either singly or in combination. Aromatherapists often put the essential oils in atomizers or special nasal inhalers. Homemade aromatherapy teas, however, may be just as effective and are made in much the same way as other herbal teas. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp. dried or fresh herb. Let the tea steep 10 minutes, lean over the cup and breathe deeply, letting the steam enter your mouth and nose. The most popular aromatherapy teas have pleasant tastes as well as important healing benefits. These include:

Chamomile. - With its delicate taste and apple-like aroma, chamomile is among the most popular herbal teas. It contains oils that have a sedating effect on the central nervous system. It's often used to relieve stress and anxiety as well as insomnia. It also aids digestion.

Jasmine. - This fragrant tea has the opposite effect of chamomile. It increases brain waves called beta waves, which are associated with alertness. When feeling fatigued or moody, inhale jasmine tea to perk yourself up.

Eucalyptus. - This is a very popular tea for treating cold and flu symptoms. It contains a chemical called eucalyptol, which helps reduce inflammation in the airways. It also loosens mucus in the chest and sinuses, which relieves congestion and make it easier to breathe.

Rosemary and Sage. - Each of these strong-smelling herbs is reputed to improve memory and stimulate the senses. Rosemary tea is often used for depression. Sage has historically been used for easing grief as well as a mild case of the blues. It's also a "cooling" herb, which may help relieve hot flashes.

Thyme. - This herb belongs in the medicine chest as well as in the spice-cabinet. It contains two oils, thymol and carvacol, that help relax muscles in the stomach and intestine. Thyme may be helpful when you're experiencing gas, cramping, or other digestive discomfort and can ease coughs and congestion.

Teas aren't the only way to get the full benefit of aromatherapeutic herbs. For example:

Add a drop or two of essential oil to simmering water. Allow the steam to fill the air.

Put fresh or dried herbs in bath water.

Put a drop of oil in an atomizer, dilute it with a little water, and mist the air around you.

Dilute a drop of essential oil with 1 oz. vegetable oil and apply it to the pulse points of your wrists.

Bear in mind it's fine to use herbal extracts when making aromatherapeutic teas. Just be sure you don't confuse extracts with essential oils--they're quite different. Herbal extracts are made for internal use, and many people find them more convenient than dried herbs for making tea. Essential oils, on the other hand, are only meant for external use and can be toxic if taken internally.

The Best Essential Oils for Beginners

2011-08-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Essential oils are not only used for aromatherapy but also in the food and perfume industries and as such there are different qualities of oils. When buying essential oils to use in healing you should only buy 100% pure essential oils.

It is also recommended that pregnant woman should not use essential oils, and those that suffer from epilepsy should be careful with which oils they use.

Although with care and understanding most essential oils are safe to use the list below will detail those that are the best essential oils for beginners.

Lavender essential oil- Botanical name Lavendula angustifolia; probably the most widely known and can be used for so many ailments. Lavender can be used as an analgesic, an antidepressant, and antiviral, an antispasmodic, a deodorant, a sedative, a diuretic, also used for arthritis, rheumatism and decongestant; to name just a few.

Lavender is well known for it's sedative properties and helps in the treatment of conditions such as depression,insomnia,hysteria and stress. It is also helpful in treating headaches and migraines, for coughs and colds, treating bites and small wounds and is undoubtedly a very necessary item for the treatment of superficial burns and sunburn. Salvatore Battaglia, author of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy writes that because of Lavender's effectiveness with healing burns it is used in the burns unit of European hospitals.

Because of it's low toxicity lavender is considered one of the best essential oils to use safely on children.

Lavender can also be used for skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and acne.

Chamomile, German- Botanical name, Matricaria recutita. There are 2 types of Chamomile used in Aromatherapy, German and Roman, I am giving the German here as it is non-toxic,non-irritant,non-sensitising and safe to use on children. Chamomiles properties include; anti-allergenic,anti-inflammatory,antispasmodic and sedative.

German Chamomile can be used to help treat inflammation, infected cuts,muscular pain,arthritis and sprains. It can also be used to help treat many skin problems such as eczema,psoriasis and any other itchy dry skin problems.

German Chamomile is most commonly used with a carrier oil in massage, but can also be used in hot and cold compresses.

Eucalyptus The properties of Eucalyptus include; analgesic,anti-bacterial,anti-inflammatory,antiseptic,decongestant and antiviral. Eucalyptus can be used to help with concentration but is mainly used for its antiviral properties in treating asthma,bronchitis,coughs and colds,clearing the airways and loosening phlegm.

Eucalyptus is non-toxic and a non-irritant.

Another good use for Eucalyptus is to add a few drops of the oil to a spray bottle of water and use it around the house as a room spray and also on your kitchen benches. It can also be used when washing your pets bedding.

Tea Tree- Botanical name Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea Tree oils properties include; antiseptic,fungicidal,antimicrobial and stimulant. Tea Tree oil is non-toxic,non-irritant but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Tea Tree oil along with Lavender would be a great addition to your First Aid kit.

The oil aids in combating infectious organisms such as bacterial,viruses and fungi. It can be used to clean dirty wounds so they don't become infected, used in a glass of water and gargled for throat infections,mouth ulcers and to help eliminate bad breath, used for athletes foot and thrush. It can also be used with lavender in the treatment of acne and is used on the hair to help control dandruff and head lice.

Use a cotton bud with 1 drop of Tea Tree oil to dab on stings and bites.

The last oil I am going to add to this list is Rosemary and although it is generally non-toxic,non-irritant and non-sensitising it needs to be used with caution as it may not be suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure and pregnant woman should not use it.

Rosemary's properties include; antidepressant,astringent,diuretic,stimulant and tonic.

Rosemary is considered 1 of the best tonics for the nervous system, it also helps with memory. It can be used in a bath or massage to relieve muscular aches and pains, rheumatism and arthritis. Rosemary can also be used in shampoos and conditioners as it helps hair growth.

Healing Essential Oils and Their Uses

2011-07-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Body Methods

Use 1 drop of your chosen essential oil on a tissue or hanky and sniff when necessary, this is great when you have a cold and put Eucalyptus on it.

· Inhalation

Add hot water to a bowl, preferably steel or china rather than plastic add 2 or 3 drops of your chosen oil and then cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the vapours. Keep your eyes closed and have your head about 250cm above the bowl.

· Massage Oil

This is probably the most common way of using the oils. Make up a blend consisting of 50 mls of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil and add 15 to 30 drops of essential oils to it. You can use 2 or 3 different healing essential oils depending on what you are treating. The benefits of having a massage are enormous; not only does it increase your metabolism but will also assist in relaxing the muscles, helping remove waste from the system, improve circulation, help relieve both mental and physical fatigue, help reduce pain, tension and anxiety and can help improve skin tone.

Healing Essential Oils for the bath

· Bathing with these oils can help both the aches and pains but also relieve any stress of the day, there is a calming and very relaxed feeling during and after a bath that has had essential oils added. If you have a blend then use as directed otherwise use a maximum of 8 drops. Run the bath and then add the oils, keep the door closed so the aromatic smell stays in the room and soak for as long as you can, 10 minutes at least. Relax and breathe in the vapours.

· Shower

Have a shower as usual and after you have rinsed off put your chosen oil/blend onto a face cloth or sponge and rub over your body quite briskly while you stand under the running water, this will not only make your skin feel alive but you get the added benefit of breathing the aromatic smell as well.

· For your hands

Add 2-3 drops of healing essential oil to a basin or bowl of warm water and soak for 10 minutes; you can also do the same for your feet. To help with Athletes foot add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree oil to your foot bath and soak in that for at least 10 minutes.

· Room Sprays

Room sprays are great if you want a natural air freshener, they can also be used when coughs and colds are present. Get a plant sprayer and add 300 mls of warm water, to that add 4 drops of your chosen essential oil and spray as you would normally, be careful not to spray on good wood.

Healing Essential Oils for Children

· Water Bowl

I have always used this method with babies and young children. If they have a blocked nose or cold put boiling water into a bowl and add 2-3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to this, then place at the head of the cot/bed for toddlers and in the middle for babies. The aromatic steam will help to clear the airways and give the child a better sleep. If you are doing this at night the bowl can stay there for the night.

How Aromatherapy Cellulite Treatment Work

2011-07-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (oils extracted from plants) for the relaxation of the body of some problems such as back pain, insomnia, headaches, digestive disorders etc. Basically it is the massaging process where we use a mixture of essential oils with carrier oil. Essential oils are used to work simultaneously with diet and body brushing to remove additional material stored in the body which is the main cause of cellulite, so most recommended by therapists who do aromatherapy massage. Research has shown that aromatherapy oils are not only good for aliments potent drug they also smell good.

So combine all the benefits mentioned above we can have a lot of help in the process of cellulite reduction. The emergence of cellulite can only be increased or reduced, we can not eliminate cellulite permanently even if you buy a cream or lotion is the most expensive for cellulite reduction treatment available in the market. Appearances can only be enhanced by the application of usual care. This article is all about cellulite aromatherapy treatment through self-massage and what they have an effect on your body and most importantly it is a very effective cost.

There are three essential oils are specifically recommended for the treatment of cellulite aromatherapy, they are lavender, juniper, and rosemary. Juniper and rosemary are both diuretic oils that control the process of blood and lymph circulation, and water retention, swelling, and reduce swelling. Lavender oil was chosen because the properties of the outside like that so much relaxed and act like pathetic power of the beautiful, has a wonderful aroma, revitalize and refresh the skin and good skin toner and managers are stressed.

This property plays an important role in relation to the reduction of cellulite which is a byproduct of fat deposition and toxic materials in the fat layer of skin. This essential oil when mixed with carrier oil they are used as a home recipe to cure the problem of cellulite. Carrier oil aromatherapy essential in the phenomenon because they have nutritious effects but they are also topics that will be taken care of, as some oils may cause skin irritation problems when applied to the skin directly. So you have to be careful about the details of this oil for sensitive skin may have side effects some oil. Usually the carrier oil is very thin and expensive in comparison volume. We use it to allow for a massage is important otherwise it will be absorbed within a short time duration.

What You Need To Know About Hydrosols?

2011-07-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Hydrolats, sometimes called hydrosols, are flower or floral waters. They are made from the waters collected when plants are steam-distilled to gather their natural oils and they offer similar properties to the essential oils themselves, but on a milder level. Raw plant materials consisting of flowers, leaves, bark, wood, seeds or peel are put in a distillation apparatus over water, and as the water is heated the steam passes through the plant material. The vapours flow through a coil where they condense to a liquid, and this liquid is known as a hydrolat. Well known hydrolats include rose water, lavender water, lemon balm and orange blossom water, which have a huge range of aromatherapy uses. Some hydrolats are also used in cosmetics.

The mildness of hydrolats makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin, the elderly, children or people affected by a debilitating illness. Orange flower (neroli) and rose hydrolats are even safe for use on women before, during and after pregnancy. Quality hydrolats are 100% pure with no additives, colours or preservatives. Hydrolats must be stored correctly however, as they are fragile compared to essential oils due to their lack of antibacterial properties.

Hydrolats should be stored in aluminium or glass bottles and away from sources of direct sunlight. Leaving bottles of hydrolats half full for a length of time can cause deterioration because of oxidation, so it is best to transfer the liquid into a smaller sized bottle. When transferring it is important not to let unsterilized items like your fingers come into contact with the content. They can be kept in the fridge, which may maximise their shelf life, but wherever they are stored it is best to keep a note of when you opened your hydrolats so you will know when they will expire.

Hydrolats are seen by many people as worth their elaborate storing process. Hydrolats are 100% natural and are widely used for delicate therapeutic skincare. Hydrolats can be combined with creams, lotions, Aloe Vera and clay, or they can also be used on their own for cleansing and skin toning.

Another benefit which hydrolats offer is that they are considered antiallergenic. As they are milder than essential oils they present an effective way of soothing allergic reactions. Geranium is calming for eczema-type skin as it provides anti-inflammatory qualities and promotes healing. Geranium hydrolats can be used by adding 30ml to 100ml of non perfumed and uncoloured hand cream. A little peppermint hydrolat added in can relieve itching. Lavender hydrolat can also soothe damaged or fragile skin and relieve irritation if experiencing an allergic reaction. It can be sprayed over dermatitis and heat rashes for a calming effect.

Hydrolats can also be used as a room spray or cooling body spray if transferred to an atomiser. They can also be blended in lotions and creams for moisturising skin care or used in the bath for a calming effect. Hydrolats like rose and neroli can also be used as a scented linen spray.