Introduction to Aromatherapy
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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 Andrea’s other sites. http://www.puttingitright.com.au, http://www.naturalhealth4cats.info
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