The ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing oneself
with the use of plants and its parts like roots, barks, flowers,
fruits, seeds and nuts is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is
the amalgamation of two words "aroma" and "therapy" that mean
"fragrance" and "healing" respectively.
Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the
crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our
body hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us.
Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and
should not be used directly onto the body. They should be
blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil,
etc, for best results.
If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home
with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions
to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge
yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to
the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a
bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching
or redness, oil is safe for external use.
Basic oils that any beginner can start with:
- Lavender - Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy.
Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as
antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative.
Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if
blended with your usual bath oil.
- Rosemary - Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical
body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and
headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar
tissue formation.
- Bergamot - Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as
antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative,
expectorant and deodorizer. Could be slight irritant to skin.
- Peppermint - A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases
headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,
antispasmodic and expectorant.
- Tea Tree - A versatile antiseptic that is very gentle on the
skin. Remedy for infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's
foot, gum disease. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal,
antiseptic oil.
- Lemon - Great for dispelling a somber mood, lemon oil can be
used to treat insect bites, alleviate tension, headaches and
stimulate immune system.
- Tangerine - Works well to create a bright, uplifting
atmosphere. It's soothes and calms insomnia and promotes
digestion.
- Floral oils - Great stress relievers. Add floral oils like
rose, jasmine along with carrier oils to your bath oils for a
soothing massage.
- Germanium - Eases stress, acts as antidepressant, adrenal,
hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative and antiseptic. Helps
during PMS.
- Clary Sage - Relieves PMS. Soothes and relaxes mind and body.
Works as antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac and
sedative.
- Clove - Relieves toothache pain, asthma, sinusitis. Avoid
using it directly on the skin. Acts as antibacterial,
antiseptic, analgesic and disinfectant.
- Eucalyptus - Cools the body in summer and warms in winter. An
effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion,
cough and neuralgia. Also works as antiviral, antiseptic,
stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
About the author:
Kevin Pederson is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an
Online guide to
Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential
oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.
