Aromatherapy Basics - Lorraine V.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the essential oils, from any of a variety of plants,  to bring about cetain changes in the body or the mood. Scent is a very powerful thing, for example: certain scents can trigger memories and others can bring about certain mental physical changes. Aromatherapy is the science of using these essential oils, and the scents from those oils, to bring about positive changes in the mind and the body. Essential oils are not perfumes, and visa versa. A perfume is just a collection of synthetic chemicals. While it may smell very nice, it's not related to Aromatherapy.

Practitioners of aromatherapy also warn that essential oils are powerful things and one should have some understanding of their proper and safe use before applying them in any manner.

Aromatherapy oils and their benefits:

Eucalyptus : Aroma therapists use Eucalyptus to aid respiratory system ailments by enhancing deep breathing. It is recommended for muscle aches, pains, or

Frankincense: Frankincense treats lung and genito-urinary compaints, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, breast cysts, and excessive menstruation. It is used on mature skin, acne, fungal infections, boils, hard-to-heal wounds, and scars. It is extremely powerful in opening up the 6th Chakra/Third Eye and 7th Chakra/Crown.

Geranium: Relieves PMS symptoms, nervous tension, and stress-related conditions. Helps repair broken capillaries; fights burns, cuts, eczema. Used in many skin care products Geranium oil provides balancing properties to both oily and dry skins.

Jasmine: Relaxing, intoxicating, warming. Great aphrodisiac. Jasmine has a long tradition of being used in childbirth as a relaxing and supportive remedy. Jasmine is valued in skincare in aiding dry, sensitive and irritated skin.

Lavender: Aromatherapists use it to treat rheumatism, sprains, respiratory problems, abdominal cramps, depression, insomnia, tension-related problems, burns, sun-damaged skin, and various types of skin infections

Patchouli oil has a beneficial effect on the skin, helping with infections, and insect bites It also helps with stress related problems and addictions...

Peppermint: used in treating asthma, nausea, colic, cramps, colds, fevers, fainting, headaches, mental fatigue, flatulence and nausea. Peppermint oil may also help to lessen or eliminate apathy, shock, migraines, nervous stress, vertigo and faintness.

Rose: Good for headache, nervous tension, stress redlated conditions, insomnia, and nausea. Use against broken capillaries, dry skin, and poor circulation.

Rosemary oil can be effective for mental fatigue, for circulation problems, as a pain reliever for the muscular system and can help the respiratory tract and congested skin.

Sandalwood : Relaxing, warming. Great aphrodisiac. Sandalwood is valued in skincare for its moisturizing and skin healing properties.

Sweet Orange - Aroma therapists use Sweet Orange to treat muscular tension, poor circulation, obesity, water retention, bronchitis, colds, constipation, and stress-related symptoms.

Tea Tree: strong disinfectant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal

Avoid The Following Oils When Pregnant:
Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavendar, Marjoram, Myrrh, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.

Avoid the following oils if you have Epilepsy:
Champhor, Fennel, Hyssop, Sage, and Rosemary.

Ways of using aromatherapy:
Place a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water. Breathe the steam for 15-30 minutes. This is great for clearing sinuses and providing headcold relief. Mix your favorite essential oil(s) with distilled water (no more than 15 drops of oil(s) per ounce of water) for a refreshing floral spray... Place a few drops on a cloth. Use this cloth as a scarf or place it on your pillow case. Move cloth away when you have had enough. (Great for using while sleeping!) Use during massage. This can have amazing effects. Beware that changes can happen EXTREMELY fast when doing this, so dilution is recommended. Aromatherapy bath salts are often both extremely relaxing and effective.