Archive for November, 2008
There are a lot of terms that get thrown around when you look into essential oils and aromatherapy practices. Some, like essential oils, make sense to you. They are exactly as the name suggests oils that are made from pure ingredients like bark, flowers, seeds and other plant material. Some other terms, such as absolutes and carriers may make no sense to you at all. If you are confused about the aromatic ingredients used with essential oils, then here is some help to clear up the confusion.
Essential oils: Most people have heard of essential oils. These are oils that are derived, through a variety of methods, with plant material. Common plants uses include seeds, seed pods, flowers, bark, leaves and many more. These are natural oils that come from a product. Think of the juice you get when you squeeze an orange. That is essentially, essential oil. These oils are used for a wide variety of uses in aromatherapy. They can help heal, they can compliment medical treatment, they can be used to fill the home or environment with a great scent, and they can invigorate or relax the mind.
Absolutes: this is another term that you will often hear when you talk about essential oils and aromatherapy. Like the oil you will use, absolutes are also very aromatic liquids that are taken from plant material using a variety of methods. The way these are extracted, however, requires that all chemical solvents are removed at the very end of distillation. Why is this done? Sometimes very small amounts of residue are left over at the end of the process. It is not pure if left in that condition. If you want pure essential oil, then look for absolutes.
Carriers: Carriers are important when dealing with essential oils. Carriers are often other types of oils, such as sweet almond oil, soybean oil and even vegetable oil that will dilute the essential oil. You must remember that it does not take a lot of essential oils to go a long way and used undiluted on the skin can give you some problems with irritation. The carriers will help with that problem and will help you get lasting results from your essential oils. Of course, essential oils can also be added to crèmes, lotions, soaps and other body products. This is a great way to use your essential oils and you will smell great, too.
CO2s: CO2s is another term that is widely used when talking about aromatherapy. These are essential oils that are extracted by using a carbon dioxide process. It is a pressure method and works quite will. The liquid that results is the concentrated essential oil that you will use.
There are some great products out there that work well with essential oils and aromatherapy. You don’t have to be an essential oil expert to get enjoyment out of these products. You can start out small and then learn more about aromatherapy. Once you get the hang of it and see the benefits you will be hooked.
You often hear about basil when you cook a meal. Basil is a sweet herb that adds a nice flavor to all kinds of tasty dishes. But, did you know that you can go beyond the recipes and use basil as an essential oil in aromatherapy? If you have never tried basil like this before, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
It is not uncommon to find people growing basil in their garden. It is a nice addition to kitchen recipes. There are really some great uses for basil, though, when talking about aromatherapy. It has a slight campherous aroma that can help fight off a wide range of medical conditions and ailments. The leaves and seeds from basil have great natural healing powers. It is handy to have around the house, not only for cooking, but for your personal use, as well.
For centuries, people all over the globe from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central Asia and in the Mediterranean have seen the healing benefits from this wonderful, easy to grow herb. You can enjoy this great herb, too—as a cooking supplement or as an essential oil.
Popular uses for basil in aromatherapy: When using basil in aromatherapy, you can buy small bottles of the oil in your essential oil isle of your favorite store. Some very popular uses for basil include using it like a decongestant. It can help fight the symptoms of coughs, colds and bronchitis. If you have the flu, do not hesitate to use this pungent herb to help fit off the aching and tight muscles you can get from coughing.
Infections and insect bites: Another great use for basil includes using it for infections and to help take the sting out of bug and insect bites and stings. Simply mix a few drops with a carrier and rub it on your skin. Just remember that basil is quite strong, and you will only need to use it sparingly to help out.
Stomach problems and vomiting: Basil is also a wonderful remedy for a whole host of digestion disorders including flatulence, and vomiting. What a great natural way to combat these problems. In fact, for years, people have known the healing powers of basil and would chew on the leaves to remedy vomiting. Taken internally, it will calm the digestive system right away. You do not have to do that, but instead, place the basil oil in a diffuser and breathe in the scents. The smell will help ease a queasy stomach in no time at all.
Improve the look of your skin: Basil can also be used in cosmetics and as a treatment for blemishes and acne. In fact, you can use basil mixed with a carrier on your face to help the appearance of dull, dry looking skin. When used regularly, you will be rewarded with a clear, blemish free complexion.
Basil is a very versatile herb, whether used in cooking or in aromatherapy as an essential oil. Try it today.
There are many roles that aromatherapy can play in your health. One of the great uses of essential oils includes using aromatherapy during labor and delivery. Many women like the idea of giving birth the natural way. You want to bring your child into the world in a safe, relaxed world and when you opt to give birth the natural way, then aromatherapy can play a positive and helpful role.
What is aromatherapy? If you have never used essential oils or aromatherapy, there is no time like the present to start. Aromatherapy is using essential oils with a carrier or in a diffuser to help create a relaxed or even invigorating environment. When you choose your essential oils, you will pick them for their healing properties—and each one has their own unique properties. Essential oils can be used in candles, massages and even just to scent the air. Used in child birth, the right essential oils can help relax the mind and body and even help reduce labor pains when used correctly.
Before you begin using any essential oils, it is important for you to understand a little more abotut them. Many people find that the smell of essential oils to be highly personal. What works for one person may not affect another person in the same way. Therefore, before you go into labor, it is always best to experiment a little with essential oils so you can find the ones that you like the best. In addition, it is important to remember the essential oils are highly concentrated and some people may have allergic reactions to them. Mix one drop with a carrier and test on your skin before using it. You will also find that some essential oils should never be used when you are pregnant, so use caution and do your research before investing money.
There are a couple of ways to effectively use essential oils during childbirth and labor. Many women enjoy a good massage during childbirth. Mix your favorite essential oils with a carrier, such as sweet almond oil and have your partner massage your aching body. This can help soothe your painful labor pains and help relax your mind and you body. You can also light candles in the room. Find a good mix of the essential oils that you enjoy and burn them. Inhale the scents for relaxing feeling. You can also put your favorite essential oils in a diffuser for added benefit.
If you are having trouble deciding on the right kind of essential oils to use during childbirth, then you might want to look into some of the following, which are known to help. There are a variety of citrus oils such as grapefruit, lemon, orange and bergamot that are wonderful. Rosemary, lavender and chamomile are known for their relaxing effects on the mind and the body. Neroli and rose can both serve as an anti-depressant, which will make them great to use after child birth. Ylang ylang, which does have a very distinct scent can actually help lower blood pressure.
If you suffer from warts, then you know how it can affect your life. Warts that are visible are certainly embarrassing and without the right treatment can be hard to get rid of. As you probably know, warts are small bumps that form on the skin. These are caused by a virus—the medical term you often hear is “human papillomavirus”. There are many different types of warts that fall under this category that include common warts, planter warts and genital warts.
Warts can appear on almost any part of your body, with the most common places being the hands, face and legs. Warts can be contagious, so it is very important that you find proper treatment for your warts before it gets out of hand. This is especially true for genital warts.
When shopping for products to help remove your warts, you will find that there are many different types of treatment options on the market. Some of the common over the counter medications work well over time. If you suffer from more serious conditions, then you may need to see your doctor. You can, however, look to essential oils and aromatherapy to help rid your warts for good.
How can you use essential oils for your wart condition? There are several types of essential oils that are known to help remove warts, or reduce the appearance of warts. Lemon, tea tree oil and patchouli are commonly used. You can use any of these types of oils in a bath soak. Fill your tub with warm water and add about ten drops of any of these three oils to the water. You can soak the affected area in the water for several minutes. You can also add these oils to your favorite carrier and massage it into the affected area several times a day.
When seeking a wart treatment it is important that you remember that warts will not simply disappear overnight. You cannot expect that with any treatment, other than surgical treatment options. You will need to treat the area several times for a few weeks before you seek the results. You will have to be patient and use the treatment regularly.
You can also help make a special wart mixture that will help attack the problem. Several drops of lemon, along with a little tea tree oil, bergamot, thyme and cypress works especially well. Mix the drops together and store. You can apply the blend to the wart once a day for about two weeks. If you find that you have an especially stubborn case of warts, or that they are on your genital area or on your face, then you should seek the advice of your doctor. You doctor can help you find a treatment if aromatherapy fails. In addition, people with suppressed immune systems and pregnant women should seek the advice of their health care professional before using aromatherapy and essential oils to tackle their warts.
Many people find that this method works very well when treating warts, so isn’t it worth a try?
The performance of aromatherapy becomes generally known for positive purpose in curent time. It’s a kind of herbal medication. Furthermore, it typically involves the application of essential oils from flowers, trees, and plants. Pure essential oils which have been steam distilled from their originating plants is generally consisted in the performance of aromatherapy. Moreover, it is believed can help to decrease a wide several of ailments and illnesses.
In practicing aromatherapy, there are many of different essential oils which may be used. Each of the oils has its own different curing properties which has different benefits in aromatherapy. Some of these oils work by calming the patient while others oils are meant to energizing and revitalizing.
Aches, pains, injuries and even severe diseases are effective to be treated using aromatherapy. It is consider does not have the inconvenient and frustrating side effects and symptoms which are so often connected with more conventional methods of healing.
What Aromatherapy Can Do for You
Aromatherapy can be incredibly useful. It is a great option for those people who are looking for a more natural healing because it’s much safer to use rather than more traditional healing methods.
Aromatherapy has some advantages in therapeutic effect. It’s believed can heal acne, chapped skin and lips, insect bites, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, headaches, and sore throats. Furthermore, this kind of herbal medication is now being used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease patients.
Getting Started
There are a few steps you should get if you are interested in incorporating aromatherapy into your own life. The first is to become more well-informed about aromatherapy in general. Essential oils and aromatic plants were fundamentally used as far back as biblical times as the history of this preparation goes back thousands of years.
The next step is to comprehend about the many ways in which this performance can be implemented, namely aromatherapy massage. It applies essential oils to calm and relax the patient as its incredibly unique type of massage. In spite of this, there are messages which are transmitted to your limbic system and as a result this affects your heart rate, stress intensity, and blood pressure when you breathe in these oils.
People who perform aromatherapy massage state that they feel great deal more relaxed and at relieve. Generally, besides making them feel better, aromatherapy also helps the actual massage portion of the medication to be more efficient. Treating sports injuries which can often be quite serious not only physically but mentally will be best when using aromatherapy.