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Aromatherapy Article About
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of complimentary alternative
medicine (CAM). CAM is a group of medical and health care
systems, practices and products that are not presently
considered to be a part of conventional western medicine.
Aromatherapy is not widely practiced, but could help
manage the medical treatments and stress of HIV and AIDS.
Aromatherapy dates back thousands of years., and was
initially used as spiritual practice. Ancient Chinese,
Indian, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures used smoke,
aromatic scents, and oils to attract Gods and ward off
evil spirits.
In ancient China it has been documented as far back as
3000 B.C. Plants were th the main sources of medicine
until the early 19 century. Early Chinese currency was
printed on silk and was perfumed. The citrus plant, which
originated in China, uses its oil for mood alteration.
Ancient Egyptian priests practiced the extracted oils
from flowers for perfumes and cosmetics. The scents were
used in religious practice and hygiene practice.
Romans used essential oils in baths and massage oils.
There was even a special section of town dedicated to
perfumeries. If you enter a catholic church today you
will smell frankincense and myrrh. These strong volatile
oils are still aromatherapy. burned in modern religious
ceremonies.
Aromatherapy has become less popular since the
introduction of chemistry and western medicines. However,
that is not to say that there is no place for its use
today. Aromatherapy is not a cure it can improve mood and
decrease stress.
Not all oils provide the same level of benefit. In fact
some can have negative effects. It is important to use
treatment appropriately. Always consult your care
provider before starting any alternative treatment
Including aromatherapy.
- Lavender, one of the oldest plants
used for aromatherapy, grows in the mountains of Southern
France, the Canary Islands, and Persia. The leaves and
flowers of the plant are used in distillation , and
considered one of the most versatile plants as far as its
applications.
Lavender can assist with anxiety, depression, insomnia,
headache, and stress.
- Rose: There are many different rose
scents. Each one is a bit different and you have probably
experienced each through different perfumes and lotions.
Rose can be cooling and soothing. It can decrease sadness
and depression.
- Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon: Citrus have
a fresh clean scent that energizes the body. It can help
manage sluggishness and stimulate the nervous system. A
few drops of natural lemon juice in hot tea, olive oil,
or honey is thought to help digestion and stimulate the
mind.
Basil oil is often used to decrease stress, mental
exhaustion, and memory loss. Basil can stimulate
circulation, alleviates headaches, and sinus related
pressure. Basil can also help manage nausea and
indigestion associated with chemotherapy. Use basil oil
on sore muscles associated with menstruation, colds, and
the flu.
- Rosemary: This strong scent comes from
the fresh leaves and stalks of the plant. It has a clear
and strong scent. Rosemary has been thought to stimulate
the mind, treat weakness. A few drops of essential oils
in shampoo to awaken the senses in the morning.
Rosemary blends well with lavender.
Note: Avoid
rosemary if you are pregnant, suffer from seizure
disorder and have high blood pressure.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper has a
stimulating effect. This essential oil can be used in
bath water, massage oils, and for its warming properties
in cold winter months.
- Peppermint: Distilled in the North
West, this oil is found in many everyday products such as
chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, mouthwash, and teas.
Peppermint is found in pharmaceutical products used to
treat sore muscles, aches and pains. It has antiseptic,
sedative, and cooling properties. Menthol is the ingred
ient in peppermint responsible for it’s cooling
effects. Inhaling the vapors of pepp ermint is thought to
clear the mind of negative thoughts.
Peppermint is used to treat nausea, motion sickness,
fevers, colds, flu, respiratory disorders, and can help
clear the sinuses. When added to bath water, peppermint
may cool a fever. Try a cold compress of peppermint and
water on a wash cloth to alleviate the itching of a
mosquito bite.
- Frankincense can helps decrease
anxiety and nervous tension. It is believed to elevate,
sooth and have a warming effect on the mind. It is an
ideal sent to incorporate in meditative practices because
it’s effects slow and deepen breath.
- Geranium is distilled from the leaves
and stalks of the plant. This flower has a light, floral,
fresh sweet and fruity scent. Has calming, balancing and
uplifting effects. Geranium may be helpful when feeling
depressed, nervous, or fearful.
Geranium blends well with b asil, rose and citrus scents.
- Ginger is extracted from the root of
the ginger plant. Ginger is thought to relieve n ausea,
in crease appetite and aid digestion . As a massage oil
it can alleviate pain and congested areas. Some use
ginger to promote courage, confidence, and success.
- Roman Chamomile: This essential oil is
thought to relieve stress and anxiety. It is a medium to
strongly scented oil that has a bright, crisp, sweet, and
fruity scent.
TIPS
* Always use diluted oil.
* Perform a skin patch test before using any oil.
Then wait 24 hours before using. If you have nut
allergies, remember some oils are diluted with nut oils.
Read the bottles.
* Some scents should be avoided if you have asthma or
epilepsy. Consult a professional before you begin
aromatherapy.
* Less is more.
* Not all oils are suitable for aromatherapy.
* Children need adult supervision when using essential
oils
* Never ingest oils. Aromatherapy is for external use
only.
* Essential oils are flammable. Keep away from open
flames.
Complete article can be downloaded here
***DISCLAIMER: The material presented on this website
is for informational purposes only and should not be
considered medical advice. Consult your physician for the
proper medical treatment for your condition.***
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