Aromatherapy Benefits

Image being able to ease the pain of a headache or ease nervous tension without having to take prescription medications that can have significantly bad side effects.  The essential oils used in aromatherapy can produce such results and many more. 

Most oils used in aromatherapy are anti-bacterial and anti-virus.  And while therapeutic aromatherapy oils themselves may not directly cure illnesses, they can help boost the immune system and aid the body in finding a natural way to purify itself and remain healthy in the first place.

When starting an aromatherapy treatment, you must keep in mind that you are not always going to get immediate results.  Think of an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor.  You don’t just take one dose for one day.  Instead you take multiple doses a day for multiple days.  The same applies to aromatherapy.  It will only be beneficial if you continue with your treatment regimen.

If you do intend to start an aromatherapy regimen, it is extremely important to understand how to use essential oils.  Some oils are very toxic if not diluted in water, such as adding several drops of essential oil into a bath, or diluted in a carrier oil.  Also, there are certain aromatherapy oils that should not be used at certain times such as pregnancy, during chemo treatments, or when taking certain traditional medications.  When used correctly and safely, aromatherapy’s benefits can be amazing.  Aromatherapy essential oils have been known to aid in digestion, relieve sinus congestion, reduce inflammation, heal wounds, relax muscles and increase energy levels just to name a few of the healing effects of essential oils.  The essential oils are either inhaled directly or indirectly or used topically through massages or spa baths with oils or bath salts added.  Aromatherapy oils should not be applied directly on the skin because adverse reactions can occur such as rashes, skin irritation and sun sensitivity.

If you feel you have a condition that would benefit from aromatherapy, always consult your medical doctor in addition to a holistic practitioner or aromatherapist so that you do not do more harm than good.

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Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor, holistic practitioner or aromatherapist.  This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.  Please consult a professional for any medical condition you have or think you may have.

What is Aromatherapy?

The broad definition of aromatherapy according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is:   The use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being.  Although this is a very simplified definition, it is at the core of what aromatherapy accomplishes.  Delving a little deeper into the subject after reading many books, magazine articles, holistic medicine articles and blogs and a discussion with a personal friend who is a massage therapist, I have expanded the definition to:  the use of aromatic products to maintain or alter a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The sense of smell is one of the strongest senses affecting our emotions.  Aromas around us can invoke a variety of emotions and moods ranging from excitement and romance to calm and relaxation.  The sense of smell is also a strong receptor for recall.  Think of an apple pie fresh out of the oven, and many will recall the memories of going to grandma’s for Thanksgiving.  The aroma of pine makes many feel nostalgic with memories of Christmases past.

With the ability of aromas to enhance or alter our moods it is no wonder that many people are now turning to aromatherapy to help when they are lethargic, nervous, angry or grieving.  There is such a wide of essential oils available, each with its own mood enhancing properties, everyone can surely benefit from including aromatherapy into their daily lives.

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Disclaimer:  This is for information purposes only and is not intended to be used as a treatment for any medical condition or self-diagnosis.

Aromatherapy Oils

You will frequently read about or hear about two different types of aromatherapy oils, essential oils and base oils.

Essential oils (or absolutes) are the oils containing the scent or aroma.  The oils are frequently steam distilled from the essence of the flower, herb, tree, shrub or root.  Examples of essential oils are lavender, sandalwood, holy basil and chamomile.  Therapeutic grade essential oils used in massages are very strong and need to be diluted before applying on to the skin.  Oils used for diluting essential oils are called base oils.

Base oils (or carrier oils) are of vegetable origin, most being extracted from fruits and nuts.   Examples of base oils are avocado oil, sweet almond oil and grape seed oil.  The highest quality base oils are cold-pressed and unrefined.

With the knowledge of the difference between absolutes and carrier oils, you can now create a wonderful oil blends for massage use.

Start Your Day with Aromatherapy Essential Oils

If you find yourself feeling sluggish in the morning, try aromatherapy.  Essential oils used in aromatherapy are a great way to relieve the sluggish, unenergetic morning feeling and help restore energy levels.  There are many essential oil recipes that help restore energy and following is one.

Before showering, create a stimulating essential oil mixture consisting of 10 drops each grapefruit, lemon, ginger, and 5 drops each ylang ylang, patchouli, holy basil and eucalyptus.  Put this mixture in your essential oil warmer and turn the warmer on or light the warmer’s tea light candle in the room where you will get ready after showering.  Doing this before your shower allows the oils time to gently diffuse the room with the uplifting aroma of the mixture you created.

In addition to the oil warmer diffusing the air in the room you get ready in the morning, place 10 drops of orange essential oil in the bottom of the shower before getting in.   The steam of the shower will release the refreshing orange aroma while you shower.  It is very important to note that you should only use pure essential oil for putting in the shower.  Pure essential oils are not oily and will not cause slipping.

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Aromatherapy Stress Relief

The 21^st century American society has seen a continual rise in the number of adults suffering anxiety disorders.  According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of American (ADAA):

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults age 18 or older (18% of the US population)

Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion annually

More than $22.84 billion of these costs are associated with repeated use of health care services by people seeking relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses

Nearly one-half of people diagnosed with anxiety disorder are also diagnosed with depression

Although there are multiple uncontrollable risk factors for anxiety disorders such as genetics, brain chemistry and personality, one risk factor that is controllable is life style.

There are many essential oils effective in reducing stress, such as lavender, sandalwood, clary sage, frankincense, Roman chamomile, and ylang ylang.    Air diffusing, inhalation therapy or topical application are methods you can use to achieve your aromatherapy stress relief. 

If you are new to aromatherapy and do not want to invest in the numerous oils required to make a calming recipe of appropriate oils, products can be purchased to achieve the same results.

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Disclaimer:  The information contained within is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to replace professional advise.

SUNDAY SCENTS: Lavender Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Lavender essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia (large wild lavender plants) are frequently and incorrectly interchanged with true lavender essential oil cultivated from Lavandula officinalis.  Lavandula officinalis is a smaller plant that grows in the Mediterranean Alps making it harder to cultivate and thus very expensive to produce.  The lavender essential oils you purchase for personal use will most likely be oils of Lavandula angustifolia.  Essential oils derived from Lavandula officinalis will most like be found in specialty massage spas or in a professional aromatherapist’s office.

It is no wonder that lavender is by far the most popular and widely used essential oil in aromatherapy.   Its therapeutic properties range from antidepressant, antiseptic and analgesic to decongestant, deodorant and sedative.

Health Use Ideas

• Lavender oil has a cooling effect.  Applying a few drops to minor burns can provide immediate relief of the burning sensation in addition to accelerating the healing process.
• The sedative properties of Lavender make it a wonderful natural remedy for insomnia sufferers.  Just place a few drops of lavender oil to your pillow to help induce sleep.
• The calming effects of Lavender help to relieve stress.  Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a tissue and hold a few inches from your nose and inhale.
• Lavender is naturally antiseptic.  Diffuse lavender into enclosed spaces to prevent the spread of germs.

Beauty Use Ideas

• Hydrate your skin with lavender floral water to reduce redness and blotching.  To make floral water add 2 drops essential oil to one ounce spring water.
• Add several drops of lavender to shampoo to help control oily hair.
• Reduce bad breath by rinsing your mouth with a cup of water

Lavender essential oil is definitely a staple essential oil to have for all aromatherapy enthusiasts. 

References

Funk & Wagnall Encyclopedia

“The Aromatherapy Bible” by Gill Farrer-Halls

“The A-Z Guide to Healing with Essential Oils” by Shelagh Ryan Masline and Barbara Close

Lavender essential oil is definitely a staple essential oil for all aromatherapy enthusiasts.  You don't have to have the essential oil on hand to experience the wonder of the aroma of lavender.  Try these lavender products from www.aromatherapysoothers.com:

References

Funk & Wagnall Encyclopedia

“The Aromatherapy Bible” by Gill Farrer-Halls

“The A-Z Guide to Healing with Essential Oils” by Shelagh Ryan Masline and Barbara Close

NOTICE - Information in this post are for informational purposes only.  This information should not be used in place of medical advice.

GIve Mom the Gift of Aromatherapy

This is the time of year to start thinking about what to get Mom for Mother's Day, especially if you want to place an on-line order.  Aromatherapy products can be a welcome change to the standard flower delivery, gift card or pretty little cardigan that we always seem to choose at the last minute.

Spa and Bath gift sets can be a wonderful choice for a gift.  There are a variety of aromatherapy products included in the gift sets and they are usually packaged in a useful pretty baskets.  Some of the standard aromatic products included in gift basket sets are bath salts, aromatic soaps, shower gels, body lotions and loofahs or sponges.

A pampering gift of aromatherapy products can be custom picked to include complimenting aromas that your mother will enjoy.  Fragrance choices vary from soothing lavender and sage to refreshing bamboo and lemongrass.  Make the choice you know your mother will enjoy and you can finally feel that your Mother's Day gift was given with much thought and love.

Let's face it, if anyone deserves the pampering that comes with aromatherapy spa and bath products, it's Mom.  She has spend her life trying to pamper everyone else; it's time we pamper Mom. 

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