Aromatherapy

Posts Tagged ‘Aromatherapy’

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.

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.

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.

For people that like aromatherapy products, nothing would make them happier than having the right type of aromatherapy candle holder.  Having the right aromatherapy candle holder can increase the safety and the scent of the candles that are purchased for the home.  There are many reasons why choosing the right type of aromatherapy candle holder can make burning candles in your home easier and more efficient, so the choice of what type of holder to purchase should be carefully considered before making a final decision.

Enhancing The Décor Of The Home

Choosing the corect type of aromatherapy candle holder for the home can enhance the existing décor of a room and make it more attractive.  Candle holders come in a wide variety of different colors, shapes, and styles so it will not be difficult for a person to find a style that will go with their existing décor.  Mirrored candle holders are very popular right now, as well as aromatherapy candle holders that resemble vases and candle holders made out of blown glass that is frosted or contains different colors.

Ability To Replace The Candle Holder

Many expensive types of aromatherapy candle holders come with a warranty for replacing the holder if it becomes damaged within a specified period of time.Each warranty has conditions that void the agreement if the candle holder is mistreated, including placing inappropriate objects into the aromatherapy candle holder, and damaging the holder through dropping or beating on it.  The people that examine the aromatherapy candle holder to determine replacement under a warranty will look for these things and will void the warranty if they find any signs of these actions. 

Increasing The Amount Of Scent From The Candle

Choosing the right type of aromatherapy candle holder is very important because the right holders can control the amount of the scent released from the candle into the home.  With aromatherapy candles, maintaining the scent at an acceptable level allows the person to make sure that the scent does not become overpowering or annoying.Some types of aromatherapy candle holder can create a scent that can linger on for a significant period of time after the candle has been blown out.  Some of the less expensive candle holders are not designed to be very effective at controlling the amount of scent that is released from the candle.Once the person has upgraded to a better quality aromatherapy candle holder, they find that the right amount of scent released by the candle is much easier to manage.

For more information please visit my lavender aromatherapy and Serenity Health Aroma Spa Website

A large number of people are surprised by the number of decisions that have to be made to pick the best aromatherapy candles for their needs.  Some candles come in lovely shapes while others are available in sets with other products that contain other items that have the same scents.Many candles offer health benefits from their ingredients while others are more commonly used to aid in relaxation and stress relief.  There are all natural aromatherapy candles and aromatherapy soy candles that claim to be better for you than candles that are made with artificial ingredients.With the large number of things that have to be taken into consideration, how can you choose the best aromatherapy candle that is right for you?

Tips For Picking The Best Aromatherapy Candle

The most important part of picking an aromatherapy candle that is right for you is the actual scent and benefits of the candle.The brand and the shape of the candle may entice you to pick up and smell the candle while in the store, but it should consider the actual benefits of the candle that creates the decision to make the purchase.  The reputation of the brand will not mean anything if you do not enjoy the scent of the candle or it does not provide the benefits that you are looking for.

Picking the best aromatherapy candle can mean using different methods for different people.  Some people enjoy having different candle scents available and purchase different aromatherapy candles for different days of the week or change their regular candle scent when they would like to smell something different.Other people tend to prefer to purchase the same aromatherapy candle scent on a regular basis to always have their favorite type on hand.

The best way to choose the aromatherapy candle that is best for you is to go to a candle store that has a number of different candle scents available to smell at the store.  The more options available to choose from, the better chance of finding a candle that you enjoy.Most of these candle stores will have a very wide selection of different aromatherapy candle scents, so the person can try a large number of different candle scents in a short period of time.

Some stores have sales associates that know a great deal about the benefits of certain ingredients used in the different types of aromatherapy candles.  These associates explain the benefits of different types of ingredients and let the person know what they are supposed to be good for.  If the person has a certain benefit that they are interested in, the associate will be able to direct that person towards the candles that provide the benefits that the person is looking for.  This is most common in specialty candle stores where the aromatherapy candles are the focus of the store and in holistic stores that focus on the healing properties of the ingredients in the candles.

For more information about lavender aromatherapy and the Serenity Health Aroma Spa please visit my website.