Six Wonderful Reasons to Give Aromatherapy a Try
by www.SixWise.com
Aromatherapy (also known as essential oils therapy) is the use of naturally extracted aromatic oils (essential oils) from plants used to alter mood, promote health and treat disease. Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plant’s flowers such as the leaves, stalks, bark, rind or roots and mixed with another substance such as oil, alcohol or lotion. The oil can be massaged into your skin, sprayed in the air, put in bath water or inhaled.
One way to use aromatherapy is by dropping essential oils in a heatproof dish over a candle to spread the scent around the room. |
Origins of the Healing Properties of Aromatherapy
Use of therapeutic essential oils dates back in time to the 1800s in parts of the world such as ancient Egypt, China and India. Thousands of years ago evidence showed the different ways the essential oils were being used around the world:
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In China, an encyclopedia was compiled detailing the uses of plants, herbs and different types of wood
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In Egypt, certain oils were applied after bathing and for embalming mummies
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In India, giving aromatic massages were a part of Ayurvedic medicine
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In Greece and Rome, fragrant oils were used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Roman soldiers applied honey and myrrh on their wounds.
Findings show that the person to first extract oils from plants was a French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse. It happened nearly by accident after burning his hand in a laboratory accident and reaching for some lavender oil as a way to soothe the pain. He found that it not only eased the pain, but his hand healed quickly and without a scar. His findings were published in his first thesis, titled, “Armomatherapie,” and later in 1937 were published in a book under the same title.
Aromatherapy: A Helpful Complementary Therapy That Can Enhance the Quality of Your Life
Clinical research of aromatherapy is still in its infancy stages, but a few studies suggest its benefits for cancer patients and mood elevating effects. Although they are not supported by scientific evidence, some clinical trials showed positive results from use of essential oils:
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In Britain, reports of using aromatherapy massage on cancer patients was helpful in relieving anxiety, depression, anxiety and pain levels
Precautions to Take When Using Aromatherapy
If you should decide to use aromatherapy, it’s important to discuss with your knowledgeable health care practitioner if it is a safe option for the particular aliment you are wanting to address and then find someone who has had training and experience with using aromatherapy. Some other guidelines to follow when using aromatherapy are:
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Do not take the essential oils internally as some of them may be poisonous or cause an allergic reaction
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Do not use aromatherapy on children under the age of 5 due to their high sensitivity levels to the oils
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Do not use the oils near your eyes or mouth. This may cause irritation of the skin and membranes
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Don’t solely rely on alternative therapy with essential oils and drop your conventional medical treatment before consulting with your physician
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People with the following chronic illnesses or conditions should first contact their doctor before using any aromatherapy treatments:
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Lung conditions such as asthma, respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Taking the oils may result in spasms in the airway
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Skin allergies may cause skin irritations particularly in the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth
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Pregnancy: some oils such as juniper, rosemary and sage may induce uterine contractions
The How-To’s for Using Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be applied in one of two ways: self-administered or administered by an aroma therapist. Most aroma therapists in the United States are licensed massage therapists, psychologists, social workers or chiropractors who incorporate essential oils as part of their treatment.
Bring Sanity to Your Stress-Filled World With Aromatherapy That Fits in Your Pocket!
For a quick aromatherapy treatment use a spray of the aromatherapy personal spray mister by Vermont Organics.
Vermont Organics’ commitment to making all natural, effective, and environmentally friendly products now brings sanity to your stress-filled world with their Aromatherapy Personal Spray Misters.
Available in a fun, convenient four ounce size, feel free to spray these wonderful scents on yourself, even your linens, to invigorate your spirits and relieve stress.
Available in three different sprays:
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Lemongrass Zen: Water, natural lemongrass essential oil blend, castile liquid soap made with organic oils
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Country Lavender: Water, natural lavender essential oil blend, castile liquid soap made with organic oils
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Peppermint Magic: Water, natural peppermint essential oil blend, castile liquid soap made with organic oils
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Essential oils can be inhaled by placing a few drops in steaming water or placed in a heatproof dish over a candle to spread the scent around the room. They can be applied to skin through a massage, usually combined with another substance such as vegetable oil or by placing a few drops of the mixture to your bathwater.
10 Most Popular Essential Oils
Every essential oil provides a different healing property for your physical, mental and emotional health. Below is a list of the most frequently used essential oils along with their healing properties.
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Peppermint: Useful in the treatment of headaches, muscle aches and digestive disorders such as slow digestion, indigestion and flatulence
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Eucalyptus: Pumps up your immune system and helps in the treatment of respiratory problems such as coughs, colds and asthma and muscle tension
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Ylang Ylang: Good antidepressant that also helps with relaxation and muscle tension
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Geranium: Works to keep hormone balance in women. Also helps with relaxation and depression
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Lavender: Promotes relaxation and useful in the treatment of wounds, burns and skin care
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Lemon: Energizing, and relaxing at the same time. Also helpful in the treatment of wounds and infections. Can be used for house cleaning and deodorizing
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Clary Sage: Natural pain killer for muscular aches and pains. Can also help with insomnia and hormone balance
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Tea Tree: Useful natural anti-fungal treatment for different types of anti-fungal infections such as vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm
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Roman Chamomile: Helps with insomnia and anxiety and promotes deep relaxation. Also used for muscle aches and tension and the treatment of wounds and infections
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Rosemary: Increases mental stimulation and mood and boosts the immune system. Helpful for muscle aches and tension and the digestive system
If you’re looking for an easy way to use essential oils, or need a quick on the go pick-me-up, we highly recommend Vermont Organics aromatherapy personal spray misters. Their convenient size allows you to carry them with you in your purse or backpack and pull out the Lemongrass Zen spray when you need an energy lift, the Country Lavender spray for calm and relaxation, or the Peppermint Magic to invigorate your senses.
If you’re new to the world of aromatherapy, these misters are a great way to experiment with different scents. In time, you’ll learn which scents you love the most and which essential oils work best for your needs. The more you try out, the more you can benefit from the soothing properties of natural essential oils.
Recommended Reading
The Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
It's Time to Relax: 15 Quick Tips to Help You Shift Your Gears to Relax Mode Quickly
Sources
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy: What is Aromatherapy
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy: Top 10 Essential Oils
Science Daily July 23, 2009
American Cancer Society: Aromatherapy
WebMD: Aromatherapy