Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
It is a healing alternative as an adjunct to modern medicine. Aromatherapy has been used since 4000 B.C., and in the not too distant past
was used world-wide. It is still used throughout Europe and is a primary method of healing in
countries such as India and the Middle East.
Aromatherapy is the use of combinations of oils and tinctures which give off a certain
smell when combined - the smell affects this body sense and provides healing of certain kinds
for certain illnesses and afflictions. Pure essential oils are in concentrated form from fragrant
components of plants and herbs. Essential oils, properly administered, produce NO HARMFUL EFFECTS.
Aromatic essences are oily, fragrant substances which are formulated in a variety of ways. Distillation
is the most common process. this is basically the same process used to distill water. An example of
this is the fragrance lavender. Expression is the application of pressure resulting in, as an example again,
of orange or lemon. Tinctures and resinoid methods are also commonly used. These extracted oils can
then be used straight or blended with other oils for their many therapeutic qualities.
Aromatherapy works in many ways, one of which is inhalation. By inhaling the essential oils directly into
the bloodstream - this one of the quickest and some believe the best method of getting the aromatic smells
into the system. Inhalation can be done directly from the bottle or diffused by steam, heat, or evaporation.
Adding drops into a bath is another excellent way of dispersion, as is massaging directly into the skin. However,
this last method should be used with caution as most essential oils should not be used in diluted form.
A warm or cold compress is also used very effectively. If used internally, caution should be used.
Before using any new essential oil, particularly on the skin, a patch test is highly recommended. Also, be careful
because essential oils can cancel out the effects of homeopathic remedies, thus, it is best NOT to use
them together.
What are some of the main oils, what are
they used for and what effects do they produce?
(Print this for future reference.)
| OIL NAME |
Used Primarily For and Effects |
| Angelica |
Circulation, stomach ulcers, gastritis, motion sickness, flu, nervous stomach,
infections, balancing, anxiety, indecisiveness, and hopelessness |
| Basil |
Migraines, sinus congestion,
cramps, clears the mind, improves memory |
| Bergamot |
Sore throat, arthritis, nervous tension, calms aggression, acne, balancing,
grounding, aids anxiety, stress, encouraging |
| Cedarwood |
Bronchitis, arthritis, nervous tension, calms aggression, acne, balancing, grounding, aids
clarity and good judgement |
| Chamomille |
Antiflammatory, pain relief,
heals wounds, allergies, colic, eczema,
anger, childrens sleep disorders |
| Clary Sage |
PMS, asthma, headaches,
bronchitis, cramps, relaxing, inspiring,
aphrodisiac, paranoia, mid-life crisis |
| Cypress |
Balances nervous system, asthma,
circulation, antiseptic, peace, comfort, strength |
| Eucalyptus |
Strong antiseptic,
antibiotic, anti viral properties, respiratory infections, cold, flu, congestion,
muscular pain, clears negative energy, balances, helps grief and sorrow
|
| Geranium |
Skin disorders, menopause, depression, acne, PMS, calming, balancing, very uplifting |
| Ginger |
Colds, headaches, muscle tension, motion sickness, morning sickness |
| Grapefruit |
Depression, moodiness, inspires joy, humor, confidence, good for nervous
system, cheerful |
| Jasmine |
Cramps, back pain, joint and muscle pain, dermatis, emotional suffering, fear, depression |
| Juniper |
Strengthens the immune, nervous, glandular, and digestive systems, kidney, bladder disorders, arthritis,
memory, clears and simulates the mind |
| Lavender |
Burns, bites, leg ulcers, bronchitis, high blood pressure, headaches, healing wounds, mood swings, calming,
cleansing, refreshing, stress |
| Lemon |
Astringent, immune systems, insect bites, throat infections, varicose veins, mental clarity, cheering |
| Marjoram |
PMS,
insomnia, colds, bronchitis, asthma, anger, calms overactive mind, hyperactivity, comforting |
| Myrtle |
Coughs, smokers cough, sinus infections, colds, clarifying,
despair, strengthening |
| Neroll |
Headaches, cramps, flatulence, PMS, calming,
stabilizing, fear, shock,
insomnia, hopelessness |
| Orange |
Digestive, gallbladder, kidney stimulates, heart, gingivitis, kidney
bladder disorders,
relaxing and stimulating, anxiety, sadness
|
Patchoull
|
Helps prevent viral infections, heals wounds, regenerates skin cells
|
| Peppermint |
Motion sickness, nausea, digestive disorders, shock, hysteria, generally good as
entire body tonic, vitalizing, sparks excitement, refreshing
|
| Rose |
Antiseptic, nervous heart, fever, migraine, disappointment, sadness
encouraging, patientce and love |
| Rosemary |
Antiseptic, cramps, strengthening, flu, colds, asthma, sore muscles, uplifting
brain stimulant, poor memory, weak ego |
| Sandlewood |
Diuretic, tissue regenerator, diarrhea, throat infections, harmonizing,
anxiety, stress, aggression |
| Tea Tree |
Infections, burns, wounds, tooth and gum infections, acne, rashes,
asthma, bronchitis |
| Thyme |
Colds, sinus, bronchitis, flu |
| Vetivert |
Aging or irritated skin, depression, extreme nervousness, grounding |
Yiang Yiang
|
Lowers blood pressure, antiseptic, PMS, fear, rage, nervous headaches, aphrodisiac |
|