Aromatherapy

Archive for February, 2009

If you need feel like you are drooping and need to perk up your brain, then forget the coffee and soda, try a little aromatherapy. Aromatherapy works great for boosting the brain the natural way. You don’t have to rely on sugar, caffeine or other alternatives. You can go the natural way with some great essential oils.

What are essential oils? If you have never dabbled in aromatherapy and do not know a lot about essential oils, then it is time you learn. Essential oils are derived from natural plants. The bark, leaves and petals are pressed, or steamed to get the oils. You then purchase the essential oils in very small bottles and use them for aromatherapy, first aid or even in and around your home. Essential oils are quite useful and they have a wide range of purpose—one being to help stimulate your mind the natural way!

When you think about the times you are feeling the most tired and worn out, a lot of times you think about reaching for some sugary snack, a cupful full of caffeine or you wish you could catch a quick nap. Naps are always good, but if you are working or busy, you may not have the time. Sugary snacks are tasty, but they do give you a perk, then you find yourself hitting rock bottom again. Caffeine can make you feel jittery. What are you to do? How about reaching for some essential oils and trying aromatherapy. Many people swear by this and say it really does work.

What kind of essential oils will help perk you up when you are feeling run down or tired? There are several options and all of them are known to help. One of the most popular is called angelica root. Never heard of it? It is not surprising. This herb can be used to increase your brain function and help you feel alert and awake. This should not be used by those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and should not be used by those who are pregnant. Angelica root is an interesting essential oil because it can be used in aromatherapy when it is blended with other oils such as citrus oils or sage. It can also be taken internally with water. You will find that this root will give you the boost and pick-me-up you need.

Peppermint is another great brain booster. In fact, there are teachers that say that a quick peppermint will help kids in the classroom become more alert when they are feeling the midday slump. Burn a peppermint candle near you or use it in a diffuser when you need to feel more alive and awake. Peppermint is easy to find and can be mixed with other oils for a great smelling aromatherapy mix. How about using peppermint tea? Not only does it awaken your senses, but it can help fight off colds and infections, too. That is something caffeine and sugar cannot do!

Before you reach for that cola or candy bar to help you, think about using some of these essential oils.

Any woman who has been reading about the 101 things they need to avoid during pregnancy knows that essential oils is among the many no-nos. This is primarily due to the fact that researchers have linked uterine contractions with the use of some of these natural botanicals.

To avoid this, many women avoid essential oils all together, mitigating their ability to enjoy aromatherapy.

Thing is, a woman may not have to avoid these oils altogether.

Safe oils for use during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a stress filled time and aromatherapy is one of the many ways women can unwind.

If you have relied on this relaxation technique, you neednt worry. There are many fragrances that you can indulge that are safe for both mother and child.

Below is a list of the oils that are essentially harmless and can be used by a pregnant woman during any stage of her pregnancy.

Lemon ” along with other citrus products like grapefruit, orange and lime, lemon can help combat morning sickness. It is also an antiseptic and fights bacteria and fungi. Many women swear by its use to combat the development of varicose veins and in some cases cellulite during pregnancy.

Bergamot — the most heralded and touted of all the oils and with good reason as it the most effective mood elevator in the aromatherapy arsenal. With a woman constantly having to battle her own raging hormones as her body changes, this can be a fairly significant aid. Mothers-to-be who suffer through depression during pregnancy may find bergamot to be a truly wonderful ally.

Lavender — a proven sleep aid, lavender can help pregnancy woemn induce slumber. This is very important, especially in the final trimester when finding a comfortable position in bed become increasingly difficult. As an added benefit, lavender may reduce swelling and bloating, making it a fantastic god send for ladies who suffer through edema in the latter months.

Chamomile — not only does chamomile calm the nerves, it sooths the stomach, alleviating things like heartburn, gas and flatulence. Some pregnant women have stated that muscle aches and pains have been eradicated via the use of chamomile as well.

Tea tree oil – tea tree oil can be extremely useful to pregnant women but one has to be sure to dilute it prior to application. Used to treat thrush during pregnancy, this fragrant oil should remain close at hand and readily accessible.

Properly using the oils

Any woman who wants to use aromatherapy oils during her pregnancy should be made aware of how to apply it. For instance, many of the oils must first be diluted before they can be put anywhere on the body.

One may find it simpler to place a few drops of the scent into a full bath tub or have it massaged into the skin by gentle hands.

Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy

To ensure the safety and health of your unborn child, gravitate only towards scents that have been Okayed for use during pregnancy.

The oils that may be especially harmful during your pregnancy are Jasmine, fennel, myrrh, black pepper, cloves, parsley, cypress, basil cinnamon, pennyroyal, clary sage and cedar wood.

This list is far from comprehensive, and some of the scents listed may be safer for handling in the latter stages of pregnancy. If in doubt about which oils are okay and which ones are not, consult with your obstetrician to see what they recommend. Until you can ask him or her, refrain from using the oil you are unsure about as it is always better to be safe than sorry.

While it is true that you have to give up many of the things you enjoy during your pregnancy, always remember that at the end of nine months you will have someone in your life that makes all your sacrifices worthwhile.

Peppermint is a wonderful plant. It is very versatile, smells great and can be used for many purposes. Kids and adults like love peppermint candies all times of the year, especially during the holidays. You can also use peppermint in aromatherapy for medicinal purposes. In fact, studies show that peppermint can actually give your mind a boost. When you are feeling a mid-day slump, pop a peppermint in your mouth or lit a peppermint scented candle and you will be ready to face the world.

Studies suggest that peppermint can be used for medicinal reasons as well. It is soothing to the throat when you are suffering from upper respiratory ailments and can stop a cold dead in its tracks. Plus, peppermint is safe for children, too. You can actually grow peppermint in your garden and use the leaves to spice up your recipes and drinks, too. You simply cannot go wrong with letting peppermint spice up your life a little.

Interestingly enough, the history of using peppermint goes back for centuries. For years, people have recognized peppermint for its unique healing properties. At a time when you could not simply walk into the drug store for a medicine, peppermint was widely available to help. Not only can peppermint heal coughs and colds, it is also well known for helping with digestive disorders. If you are feeling a bit queasy, a dose of peppermint can help. You can also use peppermint to help with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Now you know that restaurants give out peppermints at the end of the meal not just for fighting bad breath!

How about asthma? Peppermint can help with that, too. In fact, you will find a wide range of uses for peppermint that you may have never even considered. Allergies can benefit from peppermint, too.

When you want to use peppermint, the best way to do it is to use it in either aromatherapy or take it internally. It is not recommended to take straight peppermint oil, but peppermint candies work well. You can also grow and harvest your own peppermint plants. Even if you do not have a green thumb, you will find that peppermint is a cinch to grow. It just needs some good light and water. You can even plant peppermint in your garden to ward off pests. Ants and mice hate peppermint, so you can grow it to protect your other plants.

Another great way to use peppermint is to boil a cup of peppermint tea. Pour hot boiling water directly over the fresh leaves. You can even purchase dried peppermint leaves that will work well for this purpose. The smell is wonderful and you will find it helping you in no time at all.

There is perhaps no other plant known that is so versatile and easy accessible. The next time you are thinking about peppermint, remember it is not just for the holidays! You can use it all year long to benefit your health.

Diet and exercise can do a tremendous job at reducing cellulite. You should focus on healthy foods and exercises which not only burn fat but also work and tone the muscles around the problem area. But sometimes diet and exercise isn’t enough.

If you aren’t getting the results from diet and exercise then other treatments can be used that directly effect the cellulite itself. Some of the most popular treatments include laser therapy, radio waves, massage and body wraps.

One of the most easy and popular treatments is cellulite massage. By massaging the skin and fat the aim is to make the skin smooth and the fat softer. Cellulite creams are typically used to aid fat loss. However, it is also helpful to use essential oils that have been known to remedy the causes of cellulite.

The knowledge of which essential oil is good for cellulite comes from aromatherapy. The right essential oils is thought to assist cellulite removal through the sense of smell and having the skin absorb the oil. The best oils for cellulite reduction are those that help the body to remove toxins, increase circulation and burn away fat.

Here are some oils that you could investigate further:

Juniper: is known to enhance blood circulation, melt fat from under the skin and unclog blocked pores. You can mix olive oil with a few drops of juniper to massage on to your problem areas.

Rosemary: is popular amongst herbalists and aromatherapists for a number of conditions. It is thought that this oil helps to increase blood circulation and boost the metabolism. The increase in blood circulation helps the body to remove the toxins from the fat cells.

Lemongrass: once again an oil that increases circulation and blood flow. Another property of this oil is its ability to reduce the amount of fluid which has build up inside the body.

Grapefruit: is an oil used to help muscle fatigue, firm the skin and removing built up fluids.

A trained aromatherapist or herbalist can give your more information about these oil and others that will assist you in your fight against cellulite. Most oils that are used for cellulite removal have properties that reduce the build up of fluid, firm and moisturize the skin, and improve circulation.

Pregnant women or those will health conditions should talk to a professional about whether you can use particular oils safely.

Aromatherapy and essential oils are so much more than just having a great smelling home. Good essential oils can relax your mind and your body and can help you heal, too. Essential oils are known for their unique properties and when you choose them wisely you can do everything from cleaning and disinfecting your home to warding off pest.

Get rid of those bugs: Did you know that the right essential oils can ward off mosquitoes? It is true! You have probably heard a lot about dangerous insect repellants. You know you need to protect yourself and your family from those pesky mosquitoes. After all, they carry all kind of illnesses and germs that you do not want to expose your family to, like West Nile. When you go outside, especially in the warm months, mosquitoes are drawn to you. What can you do besides using those dangerous and expensive repellants? How about essential oils? It works.

How to use them the right way:
When used properly and in the right amounts, essential oils can give you the protection you need safe and naturally. You can forget the products filled with DEET. Instead, look at the essential oils at your local health food market. You should remember that while natural repellent will need to be applied more frequently, they do work and they work well. If you are outside for a long period of time, make sure you have plenty on hand to find out the worst of the mosquitoes. Mix the oils in a glass spray bottle and keep it on hand for when you need it. Also, remember that you can light candles that contain these oils to help as well.

Essential oils that work well: There are several essential oils that work wonders when to comes to fighting off those biting, pesky mosquitoes. Some of the most popular choices include tea tree oil, citronella, clove, and even peppermint. These oils are very strong, so use them correctly and in the right amounts to prevent skin irritation. You can also look into using other types of oils such as cedar oil, lavender and lemon grass. Strong smelling oils such as eucalyptus and castor oil can help ward off these bugs, too. These may not be as effective but are known to work very well. You might also try adding these oils to your soaps, lotions or shampoo when you know you will be out for a long time.

You should use caution when using any type of essential oil. Remember that these oils are not meant to be taken internally. This can cause serious digestion problems and could lead to poisoning. You should also keep these oils away from pets and small children to avoid accident ingestion. Remember that all oils are highly flammable, so it is best to keep them (and your body after being sprayed) away from flames.

Repel those pesky bugs the natural way and don’t get stung by the high prices of dangerous insect repellant.