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Aromatic energy

peter 27 June 2008 General Lifestyle 12 views No Comment  Print This Post

Aromatherapy oils bring immediate improvement to everyday health and beauty problems. Discover the power of these potent plant remedies.

Aromatherapy is a natural and powerful way to treat a wide variety of everyday health problems and to maintain your well-being. In fact, essential oils, distilled from plants and herbs, have been used for medicinal purposes since 2000 BC.

These potent remedies can be simulating or relaxing. Some oils are able to lift depression, others are reputed to be aphrodisiacs, while some will heal and balance the skin.

The majority of oils have antiseptic, anti-viral, and in some instances, antibiotic properties (although they should never be taken internally).

Aromatherapy works on two levels. Firstly, it can revive you emotionally and psychologically.

This is because aromatic molecules have a direct pathway, via the olfactory system, to the limbic area of the brain which is your emotional centre.

Secondly, aromatherapy performs at a physical level, the molecules entering the skin and traveling through the bloodstream.

The quality of the essential oils you use is vital. It is the complex molecular structure of the individual oils that gives them their therapeutic properties. It is advisable to buy oils that are distributed by professional aroma therapists through clinics, chemists or health food shops.

As well as being able to choose from a wide range of individual oils, ready-blended formulations that combine a number of oils are readily available. These have been prepared by an aroma therapist and are designed to treat a specific ailment or condition, such as FMT.

Aromatherapy oils may be potentially toxic if used to excess. They are best used with the advice of a trained aroma therapist. You should not use them every day and you should not use more than the recommended amount at any one time.
They are very concentrated and the majority of them should not be applied directly to the skin without diluting them first.

Some oils should NOT be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure you must only use aromatherapy oils with the guidance of a trained aroma therapist.

Remember to keep essential oils tightly’ sealed in amber glass or metal bottles and store in a cool place out of the way of children. Essential oils are highly flammable. There are a number of enjoyable and simple ways in which yon can use essential oils:

In the bath
Add 6-8 drops to a warm bath (not hot, as this may damage the oil) and swirl around to disperse. Soak for at least 10 minutes with the door closed and breathe deeply.

Massage
You will need a ‘carrier’ oil such as grapeseed, almond oil or jojoba oil, available at the pharmacy counter or health food store. For a facial massage, add 2 drops to 5ml (one teaspoon) of the base oil. For a full body massage, use 15 drops to 50ml of the carrier oil.

Environment
You can surround yourself with the therapeutic molecules by dispersing them into the atmosphere. They will also scent your home or office and have an antiseptic and anti-viral action. The short-cut way is to place a drop or two of oil in a plant spray filled with warm water and spritz the rooms.

Electric and candle vaporizers, which release the oils into the atmosphere, are available from health food stores. Some specialists prefer the electric versions, which use an airstream to spread the oils within the atmosphere, as extreme heat can damage them.

Inhalation
Put 3-4 drops onto a tissue and inhale deeply.
These are some of the most popular oils and their uses:

Cedarwood
This oil gives a warm, comforting scent to a room. With antiseptic qualities, it is useful for catarrh and can relieve aching muscles. Tones the skin and is useful for cellulite. Good for oily and combination skins and acne.

Camomile
Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and very calming, camomile soothes nerves, insomnia, menstrual disorders and irritated skin.

Citronella
From the lemon grass plant, this invigorating oil works well in vaporizers. Discourages mosquitos. Citrus oils such as citronella should not be used on the skin before sunbathing.

Cypress
Good for massage, particularly where there is cellulite as it increases the circulation and helps to combat water retention. Also useful for stress.

Eucalyptus
Antibiotic, antiseptic and anti¬inflammatory, eucalyptus is widely used to treat head colds. It can also ease rheumatism and arthritis.

Geranium
Good to use in massage and for the treatment of cellulite as it has diuretic properties. With an immediately uplifting floral scent, this anti-depressant can be added to the bath on cold winter mornings. Widely used by aromatherapists in massage to treat hormonal and menstrual problems. Also eases eczema and psoriasis.

Jasmine
This energizing oil makes a wonderful aromatherapy bath and massage. Particularly suitable for sensitive skins.

Juniper
A cleansing diuretic oil, juniper is used by aromatherapists to treat hormonal, digestive and urinary problems. Use in the bath to ease aching joints and in massage to treat cellulite.

Lavender
A calming oil which treats headaches and insomnia, aches and pains. Good for facial massage. Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal, lavender is also renowned for its ability to speed the healing of wounds.

Lemon
Stimulating, antiseptic and antibiotic, lemon oil is used by aromatherapists for digestive disorders, gallstones and anxiety. Added to massage oils, lemon will improve blood circulation and skin tone. Should not be used before sunbathing.

Neroli
Obtained from orange blossom, neroli is reported to be an aphrodisiac. It also eases PMT and hormonal disorders and calms the nerves. Makes a fragrant bath. Popular for facial massage as it boosts a tired, sluggish complexion.

Patchouli
Antiseptic, antibiotic and anti¬fungal, patchouli is used to treat acne and scalp disorders. It also makes a sensual, fortifying bath and is helpful in massage for improving cellulite.

Peppermint
Stimulating and refreshing. peppermint will ease headaches and migraine. Best suited to massage for its invigorating action

Pine
Antiseptic and antibiotic, pine eases the symptoms of colds and flu. Use it in a vaporizer or in the bath.

Rose
Soothing and an anti-depressant. rose otto eases PMT and fatigue. It is a wonderful facial and scalp massage in times of stress and will improve dry skin.

Rosemary
A very stimulating and antiseptic oil, rosemary is an all-round tonic It relieves headaches and aids clear thinking. Good as a facial massage to treat problem skins. Excess can induce epilepsy if susceptible.

Sandalwood
With antiseptic and soothing qualities, sandalwood is also known as an aphrodisiac. It lends a sense calm and can ease PMT. Use as a facial massage to treat flaky, irritated complexions or acne.

Tea tree oil
Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral, tea tree oil can be used in the bath to help treat thrush. It will provide protection from colds and flu. Effective against dandruff.

Ylang ylang
Antiseptic, uplifting and an anti-depressant, ylang ylang is also reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Ylang ylang relieves feelings of anxiety and stress and is also good for balancing combination skins. It should be used with caution initially as it can provoke an allergic reaction or headaches.

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