Aromatherapy

Archive for February, 2009

It is okay to be a “newbie” in the world of aromatherapy. There are many people who have never tried it before because they just don’t know where to start, or they are clouded by common myths and misconceptions. The reality of it is that using essential oils and aromatherapy can help alleviate stress and tension in almost anyone—and it is easy, too. If you do not fully understand the facts about aromatherapy, here are some common misconceptions and the truths.

Aromatherapy is only for people who shun medicine and opt for holistic treatment. The truth: while many people who believe in holistic and natural healing do, in fact, use aromatherapy, just as many people use it who do use traditional medicine. In fact, essential oils are often complimentary to traditional medicines and medical treatment.

You can only use essential oils if they are warmed. Truth: While it is true that essential oils do have a stronger aroma when warm, you can still get their effect when they are not. In fact, you should never heat essential oils over an open flame because it is flammable. You should always follow the direction on any diffuser that you heat and make sure it is supervised at all times.
Essential oils are not safe for children, elderly and pregnant women. Truth: This can be the case, but not always. Some oils will have clearly stated warning labels and you should read and adhere to those very carefully. Some oils, such as lavender have been known to start premature labor when used in excess. If a person is taking certain medications, then caution should be used on some essential oils. The bottom line is that you should always use caution when using essential oils or any type of medication.

You should never use essential oils around pets. The truth: You can use essential oils around pets and in your home. It is okay for your pet to smell the scents. It is not safe however, to massage your pet using essential oils or use it directly on your pet’s skin or fur. This is because they could easily lick their fur and ingest high amounts of the oil, which is not safe for pets or humans. Caution should be use.

Essential oils are expensive. The truth: Yes, some of these types of oils are pricey, however, as with most anything; you have to remember that you get what you pay for. Some of the more expensive oils will be harder to find or will be in a very pure form. You can buy cheaper essential oils, but these may not be the highest quality that you can buy. You can shop around on the Internet or through catalogs to compare prices and try to find the best deal.

Essential oils are not good to use other than for aromatherapy. The truth is that essential oils are great for using around the home. You can use some oils for treatment for skin irritations, head lice, antiseptics when cleaning and disinfectants. Remember, people have been using essential oils for centuries before cleaners and man-made products were on the market.

What could possibly sound more relaxing than a sensual massage with essential oils? The very thought of getting a good massage with great smelling essential oils can melt away the day’s worries and stresses. If you have never considered giving or getting an essential oil massage, then what are you waiting for? Here are the basics that you should know.

Massage 101: A massage comes in many forms. The best massage will rub away the tension and help you relax. A massage done properly will have you walking away feeling good, focused and ready to face the day. In fact, many people find that a regular massage can really benefit their well being and stress levels. Add to that some good essential oils and you have a massage recipe for success. Did you know that well chosen essential oils can help with a wide variety of ailments when used in a massage? It is true! Try it and see.

Using essential oils in massage: As mentioned there are many different types of massages that will help your well being and your body. You can choose hot rock massages, massages using nothing but the hands and some that use lotions or crèmes. Some of the most popular, however, make use of essential oils. Using essential oils can really set the mood of the massage, too. Want to feel more energized or sensual? Then choose the appropriate type of oils for your massage. When choosing essential oils for a massage, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. First of all, remember that these oils will work differently for different people. If you dislike a smell of an essential oil, then try another one. There is no solid recipe for using essential oils. Most of it is based on personal preferences, so shop around.

Want to give a sensual massage using essential oils? Perhaps it is your anniversary, Valentine’s Day or your sweetie’s birthday. You want to treat them with something special. A massage using the right essential oils is definitely a good start. Start out by choosing essential oils that will put you and your partner in the mood. Sandalwood, anise, cardamom, nutmeg and jasmine top the list as favorites for the romantic side in you. You will find that sandalwood actually has a scent very close to a human scent and this is quite arousing for some. Others you might try include cinnamon, clove bud and coriander, which has been used in drinks for centuries in some cultures to help the honeymoon along.

Of course, you don’t have to just choose one of these enticing scents when it comes to a romantic massage. You can experiment and mix two or three together and find out what works for you and your partner. Some stores sell perfect mixes of oils and sell them as aphrodisiacs. You can also use scented crèmes and lotions and burn your essential oils in candles for an extra added touch. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that a sensual massage will be much appreciated.

There are certain scents that can help improve your emotional well being. When you use essential oils with aromatherapy, then you are on your way to making your mind healthy and active. While there are many essential oils out there that you can buy, there are some that are better than others to help your emotional well being. Here is a closer look at these oils and what they can do for you.
When you take a look at all the types of essential oils on the market, you are probably left feeling confused. They all smell differently and have their own healing properties. Add to that fact that you get even different results when you mix different oils together, then it is no wonder you don’t know where to start. The first thing you should do before you buy expensive oils is that you need to know exactly what you want to use it for. If you are wanting to improve your emotional, then you need to know the oils that will accomplish this.
Choosing essential oils can actually be quite delightful. You know the names of some of the more common oils, but there are probably many out there that you have never heard of. When using oils to help your physical and psychological well being, take a look at the oils that are just for this purpose.
So what is the best essential oil to heal your mind? The answer is as simple as lavender. Those that know even a little about essential oils and aromatherapy will tell you that lavender can help you relax and will relieve stress. You can add a little lavender to your daily routine or have it in the room when you are feeling stressed. Are your kids working on a project or feeling stress studying for a difficult test? Help them recharge by using lavender in the room or give them lavender soap for their baths. You have probably seen baby products infused with lavender. That is because it does work.
What are other oils that work well? Vanilla is a popular essential oil that can melt away the day’s stress. Mix that with lavender and you have a heavenly scent that will help your emotional well being. Sweet almond, sage and sandalwood can also give you a sigh of stress release. You can find air fresheners and even candles that contain these popular scents. Have you have heard of clary sage or bergamot? Check them out today if you need to alleviate the stress.
There is one word of caution that you should know when using these oils. What works for one person, may not work for you. It is interesting to note that aromatherapy and certain essential oils are highly personal. You will have to experiment to see what type of oils will stimulate your mind and body. Take your time to take to a person who is experienced with this field and get their opinion for what will work best for you.

When all is not well in the bedroom, you may wonder what you can do to take control of the situation. Many people are embarrassed to talk about sexual problems, but you may be surprised at the number of people who are dealing with the very same thing. You can talk to your doctor about treatment options, or you can try some natural remedies.

Essential oils can help you deal with a wide range of health issues the natural way, including sexual problems for both the man and woman. Essential oils are easy to find, relatively inexpensive and they do work. Before you start on any essential oil treatment, it is important that you know that some essential oils can counteract medications and that pregnant women and those with diabetes should use caution. In addition, consider using essential oils as a compliment to existing medical treatment.

Sexual health problems can certainly vary from person to person. A man might complain of a host of problems from premature ejaculation to erectile dysfunction. A woman may complain of low libido or pain during intercourse. All of these problems and more can benefit from a course of essential oil treatments. Here is a look at some essential oils that are worth checking into for these problems.

Patchouli: This essential oil has a nice sensual smell that can arouse both the man and the woman. Used for sexual healing, it can help with low libido and can set the mood. It has also been known to decrease inhibitions in the bedroom and can help partners relax and communicate on the same level. This is a nice oil to use in the bedroom when you need a way to set the mood.

Sandalwood: This is widely known as being a very potent aphrodisiac and can help both partners feel at ease with each other. If you are suffering from low libido or a decreased sexual drive due to stress or anxiety, then try using sandalwood and with a good carrier in a full body massage. Interestingly enough, this essential oil is also known to help the reproductive organs and to help fight off painful and debilitating urinary tract infections. Sandalwood is certainly worth a try.

Rose: Everyone knows the floral smell of a rose and there is good reason why roses are the number one flower used around important days like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. The smell of rose is very pretty and can actually help a woman overcome her inhibitions. Many women say the smell of a rose makes her feel more feminine and this is a plus for the man in her life. Use rose essential oils when fighting off the affects of menstruation, and menopause. In the bedroom, it is a nice scent to help both partners have a good sexual experience.

Clay Sage: While not a well known essential oil to some people, clary sage does have great sexual healing benefits. Use it to tackle your stress and inhibitions. It can also be used to heal impotence.
 

Getting your feet wet in therapeutic aromatherapy, beyond burning a scented candle or soaking with a pleasing pre-packaged bath salt blend, can be a little daunting to many people. All those little bottles of pricey liquids, electric contraptions, and fancy-sounding blends – how does one actually use essential oils to improve their health, happiness and well-being? It’s easier than one might think – getting started can open a whole new world of fun and effective natural remedies that can lift your mood, calm your nerves, and support healing of a great many common ailments. The trick, like beginning anything really, is just getting started. Start with some commonly used oils like Lavender and Tea Tree, and you’ll open up the doors to a whole realm of natural medicine for you and your family. Read on for an introduction to a few of the many ways of using these wonderful gifts from nature.

Aromatherapy really has a bad name in North America. Kinda soft and fuzzy, and maybe a little too ‘new age’ for many folks. But essential oils share many traits with other natural medicines; they’re really concentrated plant extracts that just happen to smell exceptionally good. ‘Volatile-Plant-Extract-Therapy’ would be a much more appropriate name. ‘Volatile’ simply means ‘easily evaporated’ – in this sense, essential oils are more like alcohol than oil. But unlike alcohol, essential oils are made up of very complex molecules that have a great breadth of healing properties. These properties vary greatly depending on the plant from which the oil was extracted. Many oils are known potent antibacterials, antivirals, anti-inflammates, and stimulate wound healing. Of course, their aroma’s DO have profound effects as well; laboratory studies have conclusively shown this in clinical settings. Inhalation is the simplest method of using essential oils, and is an excellent place to start with aromatherapy.

When inhaled, essential oils effect our limbic system, the seat of the brain’s emotional centers. Many oils have been found to sharpen concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and even reduce depression. How can we reap these magnificent benefits? There are a few simple, cost-effective ways to prepare essential oils for inhalation and experience these wonderful effects: the ‘handkerchief method’, making your own ’smelling salts’, and making your own aromatherapy ‘mister’. More advanced users will want to use an electric diffuser that disperses a fine mist of essential oil throughout your environment. With a little research, you’ll be able to find the right oil or oil combination to suit your needs, and we’ll go over several effective ones here.

Simple inhalation is very straightforward – for example, put a part or two of an oil or blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with some oils though – peppermint, for example, can burn the sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct contact). You can even leave the tissue, handkerchief, or piece of cloth in a room or your workspace and the oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects. Making your own ’smelling salts’ is similar, and your preparation will last a while longer. To make the salts, fill a small vial with natural sea salt and part essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is not too critical – enough that there is detectable aroma, and not so much that the salt gets completely wet. Just unscrew the cap and inhale from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or, like the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your space, letting the aroma slowly fill the area. A ‘mister’ can be used infuse a room with aroma – just add essential oils to water in a small spray bottle (20 parts per 2 cups of water is a good starting point), shake before each use and spray. When you’re ready for a greater impact from the aromatic use of oils, find a quality cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These units make fine mist of oil, creating a significant concentration in your environment, and can have valuable health benefits beyond stimulating the smell sense – they can purify the air in your home or office, and can help with many infectious illnesses when used as directed by a health practitioner.

Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation method (Note: in all recipes, the number of drops of oil can be used as a ratio, which you can increase or decrease as you need): For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind – 4 drops of Rosemary Cineol, 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of Peppermint, OR 3 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Bergamot and 1 drop Sweet Orange. For calming anxiety – equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange, OR 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 1 drop Bergamot. For creating a harmonious atmosphere – 3 drops Jasmine, 1 drop Ylang Ylang and 1 drop Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot. For simply bringing calm or inducing sound sleep, pure French Lavender oil by itself may be perfect. These and other blends can make wonderful natural perfumes when diluted to 15% in Jojoba oil; Rose and Jasmine oils can be used this way by themselves. Other single oils to consider for your environment are Balsam Fir, which has a lovely ‘deep forest’ scent; Juniper Berry brings a brighter evergreen aroma; and Lemon Tea Tree is a powerful oil where offensive odors may be a problem.

Aromatherapy massage and topical application – Ideally, this is done with a partner, but self-massage will work as well. Creating your own massage oil is a straightforward process – just dilute 10 – 20 drops of essential oil (single or blended) per ounce of carrier oil. There are a variety of carrier oils available; Sweet Almond is a great all-around oil and is recommended for general aromatherapy massage. As for the massage, itself, any technique will do – let your intuition be your guide. The blends listed above will work effectively as massage oils as well, when diluted in a carrier, though here are a few more fun recipes: For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, add – 8 drops Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Ylang Ylang. For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops of Rose. Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot. Note that topical application of citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime, etc.) should be avoided on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight in the following few days – these oils are known to be photo-sensitizing, and can make the skin more susceptible to burning by UV rays. The feet are excellent receivers of essential oil energy; this is the basis of reflexology. Many oils that can irritate sensitive skin elsewhere can be applied ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the bottoms of the feet; the tops of the feet are more sensitive, though this area will also have significant energetic results.

Don’t be afraid to create your own blends! You will certainly find particular oils that you enjoy – and aromatherapy is like that. It is the oils you find most enjoyable that are likely those that are most effective for you. An important starting note is to change the ratios of oils you are blending very slowly. Start with one drop of each oil in a small vial, mixing them and allowing a few minutes for them to blend before adding more oil 1 drop at a time. In general, citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness while calming at the same time. Herb oils (Peppermint, Rosemary and Basil) tend to be invigorating, while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline – many oils have complex properties and will affect individuals differently – use your nose as a guide.

Medical aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to treat specific medical conditions, requires a bit more knowledge in many cases. There are a few excellent examples of employing oils for common needs: Lavender works very well for minor burns; it is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin regenerate. Blended half and half with Tea Tree, it can be used in place of other antibacterial agents on small cuts and scrapes. Helichrysum italicum oil is a remarkable healer of bruises and sports injuries; it can be used undiluted or at a 5-10% dilution in Hazelnut oil. Melissa oil is documented as an excellent treatment for the herpes virus. For support for common colds, inhale equal parts Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus. For support in clearing chest and sinus conditions, use Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. These blends can be added to a carrier oil and rubbed into the chest, inhaled from a steaming bowl of water (with the eyes closed!) or used in a diffuser. The greatest promise for medical essential oil use lies in their profound ability to eradicate bacteria and viruses – this is where the need of an experienced professional arises, however. As with any medication, matching the correct oil and it’s application with the illness is critical, otherwise the oil may have no effect, and the patient may not heal. When done properly, however, remarkable results have been achieved.