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AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the ancient art and science of using essential oils for health and beauty. These oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts of various flowers, herbs, roots, fruits, spices and woods. They can be used in many ways, with massage and baths being the most common.
Aromatherapy has the ability to heal and balance the body, mind, and spirit. Its healing power can affect a broad spectrum of ailments, including stress.
So, what is it about these mysterious oils that make them so special? Essential oils are highly complex substance composed of over a hundred different components. They are all natural antiseptics and very volatile, but not oily. They help to strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. They also stimulate the secretion of neurochemicals, i.e. endorphin for pain, relief, or serotonin for stress or insomnia. They stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary glans to help correct and balance the autonomic and endocrine systems, and their effects on the cerebra-spinal nervous system is what produces the psychological effects, i.e. calming of euphoric moods.
For those who wish to experiment at home with the more common types of essential oils, the following will describe the most commonly used essential oils, methods used, and a few treatment ideas. Bear in mind that essential oils are concentrated, and so only a few drops added to a base oil are used.
COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS
Allspice Berry
Allspice is excellent for baking and its beautiful fragrance makes it a great choice for use in potpourris
Anise
Distinct licorice flavor. Traditionally used in tea to ease gas or cough commonly used in baking.
Aromtherapy: stimulant of the vital functions (especially digestion)
Balsam Peru
May be used full strength or diluted to soothe chafed skin and provide a rich earth scent in perfumery.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
Bergamot
Is an oil from an uncommon citrus fruit renowned for its almost floral scent. Used mainly to treat depression.
Black Pepper
This is a spice use in amoratherpy for an interesting effect when used sparingly in perfume blends, especially with rose. Also used externally for muscular aches and pains.
Cedarwood
Rub into the wood inside your chest of drawers to convert it to a cedar chest repelling mothes and insects. Inhale for coughs, colds and flu.
Aromatherapy: stimulant NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.
Chamomile Oil
An analgesic, diuretic, sedative--used for treating burns,psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, and nervous conditions.
Clary Sage
This oil can create euphoria and it may even intoxicate some people. It generates energy both in mind and spirit.
Cypress
Refreshing and invigorating in the bath. A few drops on the pillow or handerchief are helpful during colds and flu.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.
Eucalyptus
This is an active ingredient in numerous liniments used for rubbing on sore muscles to promote healing. Widely used for colds and fevers as inhalant or chest rub. An excellent decongestant, especially when used with steam i.e. steam room, baths and saunas.
Fennel
A sweet, warm-spicy, aromatic oil for both flavouring and fragrance.
Aromatherapy: digestive aid.
Fir Needle
This fresh spicy scent lifts you up to the thick fir forests of the high country. A few drops on a light bulb, in the carpet or through a diffuser will lift a room with the festive aroma of a feshly cut Christmas tree.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.
Frankincense
This mellow, riCh, sweet-woody, yet peppery fragrance is almost ambre-like and is used extensively for incense and fine perfumery.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
Geranium Oil
This oil brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. has been an important component in treatment of endometriosis, as well as for menopausal problems, diabetics, throat infections, nerve tonic, and sedative.
Ginger
Important culinary oil.
Aromatherapy: stimulant aphrodisiac.
Hyssop
Helpful during coughs and colds for its expectorant and antispasmotic properties: It is commonly used for hypotension and for dermatitis aczema and wounds
Jasmine
This oil influences the emotionally parts of us. The fragrance penetrates and diminishes fear. No other essential oil is quite as capable of changing our mood so intensely.
Lavender Oil
Good for treating burns because it prevents scarring and promotes healing, and is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, a sedative, and detoxifier.
Lemon
Cold pressed from the rind; three dozen lemons are needed to produce each 1/2 oz bottle. Widely used in skin and beauty care, a lemon bath is invigorating to the skin Excellant on insect bites and stings. A good disinfectant, astringent. Many culinary uses.
Lemongrass
A cleanser for oily skin and to control acne; used in shampoo to add lustre to the hair. Antiseptic for cuts and abrasions. Insect repellent.
Lime
Dozens of limes needed to produce each 1/2 oz bottle. Used wherever the fresh scent or taste of lime is desireable.
Myrrh
Mentioned 3,700 years ago, myrrh is one of the oldest known perfume materials. Also used as incense, especially with Frankincense, during the Christmas season. Add to massage oil to rejuvenate the skin.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.
Neroli
Distilled from, orange blossoms. Depression, anxiety, hysteria, diarrhea, nervous tenion and menopausal problems.
Nutmeg
Excellent for digestive problems, such as diarrhea, flatulence and halitoisis, it works easily into baking recipes.
Aromatherapy: stimulant
Orange
In perfumery sweet orange is often used as the heart of floral blends. Very widely used in the kitchen.
Aromatherapy: cheerful, refreshing, uplifting.
Patchouli
A persistent musty sweet fragrance widely used as perfume and an excellent fixative, Aromatherapy: relaxing (reportedly use din sanitoriums to calm hysteria).
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.
Peppermint
One of the most important oils therapeutically. Refreshing in both taste and aroma. Excellent for headaches, fever, colds, flu. Works well in the digestive system and good against nausea. An excellent breathe freshener and often used in making sweets and toothpaste. This oil act as a stimulant.
Petitgrain
Made from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, this oil has a fresh and sweet fragrance with a woody undertone.
Aromatherapy: sedative
Rose Otto
An oil used for anxiety, depression, and circulatory problems. One of the most exquisite and desired perfume materials.
Rosemary Oil
This essential oil acts as a stimulant, which makes it a lovely addition to the morning bath. Also used in hair care, acne, and cellulite remedies.
Rosewood
A spicy oil to enlivan the scent of dried flowers. A few drops on a pomander in your room or closet chases away musty smells
Sage (Spanish)
There are many types of this common garden herb, all closely related. This Spanish sage is warming and soothing, often producing feelings of euphoric well being. Makes a relaxing and warming bath. Strong disinfectant. May be used by the drop in the kitchen.
Sandalwood Oil
This oil is very mild and one of most useful oils for dry skin and as a natural deodorant. Also used for relaxing and an aphrodisiac.
Spearmint
Stimulating to the mind and body. Use in bath water to help soothe a headache while refreshing muscles, limbs and skin. Make a facial steam of spearmint oil in a pot of boiling water to help cleanse and refine pores.
Tangerine
Great astringent for oily skin. Very useful in beverages and desserts.
Aromatherapy: cheerful, uplifting.
Tea Tree
This herb is called "The Miracle Oil" because there are so many effective medicinal uses. It's a very effective fungicide and antibacterial oil. Used topically to heal skin afflictions including: burns, stings, and cuts. A powerful antiseptic, it destroys harmful bacteria while preserving healthy tissue thus promoting faster more effective healing with less chance of scarring.
Vetiver
A beautifully rich woody scent. Useful as a perfume fixative like sandalwood.
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
Ylang Ylang
This is a fully fragrant floral oil best for body perfume and massage oil. Its aromatherapy effect is said to be euphoric. Its sweet voluptuous floral scent is emotionally soothing. It has a strong attractive effect on others, arousing physical energies.
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