Aromatherapy

Archive for July, 2008

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Aromatherapy’? For many folks, it conjures an image of plastic Glade Plug-In air fresheners; for others, a bottle of flowery dish soap. For a fortunate few, a pleasing bath with natural soothing scents comes to mind; for even fewer, a cold-air diffuser releasing a fine mist of pure Rose petal oil throughout their home. The rarest concept of Aromatherapy in these United States is one of highly potent medicines, effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, with further uses including relief of arthritis pain, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, and a host of other conditions. If this is a new idea, read-on and enter the wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy and therapeutic use of essential oils.

We’ve always been attracted to pleasant smells – body perfumes have been used for millennia, as have incense and scented balms in religious and ritual ceremony. Plants have been used medicinally throughout history as well. Therapeutic use of distilled aromatic compounds of plants only ‘officially’ began in 1937 with the writing of Rene Maurice Gattefosse’s ‘Aromatherapie’ – a treatise on the physiological effects of essential oils published by the scientist after his accidental discovery of the healing properties of Lavender oil. Medical aromatherapy practice continues strongly in Europe today – in France, one can be prescribed an essential oil blend by a doctor, and have it filled as we have pharmaceutical prescriptions prepared here. These are not prescriptions for simple aromatic use; as the practice of Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds, these prescriptions utilize other broad-ranging physiologic effects of essential oils. These include noted antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and immune supportive effects of many oils, just to name a few.

The well-known effects of genuine essential oils on the nervous system and psyche through the smell sense is certainly not to be ignored. Important, useful actions have been documented through university studies. Lavender oil, for example, has been noted to help many individuals who suffer from insomnia; even better than pharmaceutical sedatives in many cases, without side effects and development of tolerance. Other studies have shown improvement of test scores of students who have inhaled Lemon or Rosemary oils during study sessions. The list continues – and with little surprise. The ‘aromatic’ effects of essential oils rely on the olfactory sense’s direct connection with primary control centers of the brain. It is the only one of the five senses with such a direct connection – the others are first routed through the Thalamus before interacting with the bulk of the gray matter.

The olfactory region of the brain is closely associated with the limbic region – that being the center of emotions, memory, sex drive and intuition. The limbic system is also connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and hormone levels. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which controls the entire hormonal system by influencing the pituitary. This gives us a good ideas as to why essential oils can have an ‘aromatherapeutic’ effect – human studies have shown the inhalation of essential oils can be calming, stimulating, uplifting, relaxing, and/or clarifying, depending on the oil being inhaled.

Though we shouldn’t get distracted by the wonderful possibilities of aromas! The physiologic effects of essential oils are far more extensive than if used through the smell sense alone. Medical aromatherapy includes topical application, oral ingestion and natural suppository use of aromatic oils as well. Due to their molecular shapes and sizes, essential oils are remarkably compatible with human physiology. They are easily absorbed and well tolerated, for the most part, in small amounts. Essential oils are not cure-alls however, or placebo-effect-inducing nice smells – they are potent plant medicines, each with significantly different actions. Oregano oil is one of the most broad spectrum antimicrobials known; at the same time, it takes knowledge and skill to employ it properly as it is a strong skin irritant. Melissa oil has been hailed as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer’s of motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal parasites – but not to those with the Herpes virus. The list goes on; the take-home message is that oils CAN be effective if used properly, and improper use can not only be ineffective but even dangerous. That doesn’t mean essential oils are something to be afraid of – they deserve the respect given to any powerful medicine. Consult a qualified professional for ANY serious condition, and consider using essential oils if and when appropriate.

Broad acceptance of true ‘medical aromatherapy’ is a ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the established medical community, and qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies available to you!

The most pervasive concept of aromatherapy in North America is that of nice smells making you feel good – a strong whiff out of a little bottle and you’re carried away to your personal ‘happy place’. Not a bad idea, but this concept carries the burden of ‘New Age’ stereotypes with it. Aromatherapy is but a simple folk remedy that works only because the yoga-posing, mantra-chanting, tantric-sex practicing user thinks it does. Well, we’ve got news for the ‘Establishment’: Science has validated aromatherapy! Perhaps most profoundly, science has shown that smelling essential oils has true anti-anxiety effects; there’s actual data showing essential oils will actually help you relax. Now all you natural health and wellness practitioners can tell your doubting, possibly smirking friends – this stuff is for real.

In recent years, more and more clinical and laboratory research is uncovering the efficacy of essential oils used for their anti-anxiety effects. Thankfully, the application of the oils in these studies is relatively simple: both the inhalation of aroma and the topical application have demonstrable therapeutic activity. These methods are easily replicated by the professional and aromatherapy enthusiast alike. The oils can be diffused an any diffuser (as the concentrations from high end nebulizers are not required for this practice), used in aromatherapy massage, or simply worn as natural perfume. Several readily available essential oils have statistically significant data to support their use in stress reduction – here’s a look at some of the most often studied ones…

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results – Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease – and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure – all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use – one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job – the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

In aromatherapy, a little scent and sense goes a long way. You only really need enough oil to get a hint of the aroma for a psychologically active effect – so experiment with small amounts of several oils. There seems to be a great difference in aromatic preference between individuals; some like florals, while other’s find them too fluffy. These folks might find earthier aromas more to their liking. And different aromas will likely have subtly different effects – some can be both relaxing and stimulating (Citrus oils are a good example) where others can be just plain relaxing (the floral aromas generally have this effect). Whatever your choice, know that aromatherapy is now not just some New Age fad…the men in white coats have given the thumbs-up to natural health and wellness by just simply stopping and smelling the roses.

Aromatherapy body spray is easy to make thus you can improve your well being of mind and body by using essential oils of aromatherapy. It is a wonderful way to start your day. Spray it all over your body and you off to go.

Another uses from using this body spray is for hydration and rejuvenation at any time especially during work time to positively enhance your mood and stimulate your senses.

You have to select first what essential oils you want to use before you make your own body spray.

Lavender body spray : Can producing a calming effect on the body. Excellent for sleeping disorders.

Rose and Ylang ylang body spray : Has an excellent aphrodisiac effect. Good to lifts up your romance’s mood.

Lemongrass body spray is good for relieves nerves and ease stress. It also good for insect repellent.

Sweet orange body spray has fragrance works well in any season. In summer, it induces a beautifully fresh and light mood. In winter, Its scent enhances the festive atmosphere.

Peppermint and Ginger body spray is very excellent for mental stimulation, muscle soreness, headaches, congestion and sinus problems.

How to make aromatherapy body spray ?

You need :

A cup of water, 4 drops of essential oils and A mister bottle

Fill the mister bottle with a total of 4 drops of essential oils then add a cup of water. Shake well before use.

If you prefer to use witch hazel. You can use this recipes

A total of 10 drops of essential oil, 1 tablespoon witch hazel and 8 oz. of distilled water

This wonderful aromatherapy body spray is designed to keep both men and women smelling really fresh. Simply spray it all over (except for eyes) after a bath or shower to help enhance your mood.

Aromatherapy is still not clearly understood, in terms of what it is and how it helps promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy means using essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to harmonize and give balance to your body, mind and spirit.

People who use aromatherapy are not necessarily ill. Some enjoy it because it soothes and relaxes them. Remember that when the mind is relaxed and at ease, the body becomes healthier too.

How is aromatherapy being used?

Aromatherapy is being used successfully in a number of areas. The central nervous system can be affected by certain types of oil, can reduce anxiety and depression, calm and relax you, even help you fall asleep. Other types of oils can energize and stimulate you. Aromatherapy has no side effects, it’s cheap, and you can use it anytime, night or day.

It is also used as a pain reliever during childbirth. Women nowadays prefer to experience the entry of their child into the world and don’t want the traditional methods used in most hospitals. Women have also been using aromatherapy to relieve menstrual cramps and those going through menopause.

Combining aromatherapy with massage can make the results of both therapies even greater, with huge improvements in well being and increased levels of relaxation. In those cases, the oils used aromatherapy are absorbed through the skin as well as through the nose.

Some Common Oils and Their Uses

You can do your own aromatherapy with the purchase of the oils and a burner, or you can add oils to your bath for a truly uplifting or calming experience, depending on the oils you choose. If you use a burner, you should know that the oil must be diluted in water before adding to the burner. Generally only about three or four drops of oil needs to added to about 10 drops of water.

Lavender is a commonly used oil with a variety of applications. It serves to calm you and also has antibacterial properties which help skin heal after being burned. The relaxing power of lavender is helpful at bedtime to allow you to fall asleep. It also relieves headaches.

When Lavender is mixed with peppermint, another widely used essential oil, it helps you overcome fatigue and exhaustion. It helps stimulate your memory, and improves your mood, and mental clarity.

Peppermint, and similar oils, like ginger, juniper, rosemary, clove, and eucalyptus decrease congestion. If you need to lower your stress levels, try jasmine or rose. When you’re feeling blue and your spirit needs a lift, the citrus oils will help. Use lemon, bergamot, or mandarin.

For women suffering from hormonal imbalance, sage and geranium are helpful. For those going through menopause, they can combine the two, along with lavender, chamomile, Melissa, bergamot, or ylang ylang.

Eucalyptus essential oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma. With this aroma, eucalyptus has been widely used in aromatherapy but mostly it uses for treat congestion and respiratory problems.

The Top ten uses of Eucalyptus oils are:

Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic gargle. Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic agent. Its powerful germicidal properties effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and have been used to treat tuberculosis.

As a stimulant, Eucalyptus oil can increase cardiac activity.

Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to relieve fevers that arise from infectious diseases. Useful in cool compresses; apply to the forehead, back of neck, over the kidneys and pelvic region. Only a small amount is needed otherwise may produce a chilling effect.

Tick repellant. Preliminary research shows that Citriodiol spray, containing eucalyptus, may reduce the number of tick bites and thereby tick-borne infections, although additional studies are warranted.

Several animal studies report that eucalyptus applied to the skin can reduce the pain of headaches

Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be used in aiding with parasite infestations.

Eucalyptus oil treats respiratory tract and is useful for sinusitis and clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever.

Eucalyptus oil can be effectively for treating respiratory system and is useful for sinusitis and clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever.

Eucalyptus radiata is an antimicrobial oil and has been studied for its action against viruses.

For people who are suffering from asthma, Eucalyptus oils can be applied externally.

Although Eucalyptus oil has many benefit to our body, but still you should be very careful when using it.

If you internally take large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. The symptoms are: drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness.

If you meet one of these symptoms after you used the oil then you should immediately seek medical assistance.

Eucalyptus oil is very stimulating , so do not use it on anyone who is pregnant or suffers from high blood pressures, heart disease, hypertension and epilepsy.

But if you use this oil wisely, then you’ll have many benefits of eucalyptus oil as listed above. No wonder this oil should be recommended as one of in home first aid kits.