Health and Beauty Tips

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils made from plants and flowers. It is a healing art that aims to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils, are said to produce different emotional and physiological reactions. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporised in an oil burner.

Although aromatherapy has been practised in some form or another in various cultures for thousands of years, the modern version was developed mainly in France.

Aromatherapy hasn’t yet undergone the same scientific scrutiny as other complementary therapies, but research so far shows that it can be an effective treatment for some complaints. Used in a professional way aromatherapy has little or no negative effects.

The nostrils open up inside the skull to form the nasal cavity, which sits directly beneath the brain. Embedded in the ceiling of the nasal cavity are the olfactory cells. Each cell has tiny, moist hairs that trap odour molecules. It is thought that an odour is translated into electrical impulses by these cells, then passed on to the brain via the two olfactory bulbs. The message is interpreted by a part of the brain called the cerebral cortex. The sense of smell is poorly understood, but we do know that it is linked to the oldest, most primitive part of our brain and seems to have a direct link to our emotions.

According to aromatherapy theory, the essential oil molecules bring about changes in the brain. These brain changes, in turn, bring about alterations in various body systems, such as digestion or blood pressure. Some researchers believe that when people experience mood changes or physical changes, it is because the smell has triggered a memory. For instance, if a person feels relaxed when they smell cinnamon, it might be because cinnamon conjures up pleasant childhood memories.

However, practitioners maintain that inhaling an essential oil will usually trigger a predictable response, even if the person doesn’t have any memories associated with the smell.

Aerotherapy/Room Diffused: Air conditioning system—in a 12-16 ounce heavy-duty spray bottle add 20-25 drops of desired essential oil or blend & fill with water. Spray directly into A/C vents & filter on a weekly basis.

Bath: Full bath—fill bathtub with warm water & add 10-15 drops of the desired essential oil or blend just before entering, swirl water to distribute evenly. Soak for at least 20-30 minutes while breathing deeply & relaxing. Do not take a soap shower after bathing, since this will interfere with the aroma & the benefits of the essential oils.

Essential Oils & Synergy Blends: Olfactory/Smell apply 1-2 drops of the oil or blend to fingertips & rub between fingertips before gently applying to nostrils,or you can apply 1 drop to palm & rub hands together.

Cup hands over nose & gently breath in deeply for a few seconds.

Foot Bath: Fill a pan with warm water & add 4-6 drops of desired essential oil or blend. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes (can be used instead of balneo bath).

Headache Blend: Apply 1 drop between fingertips & gently apply to the left & right temple before following the above olfactory/smell directions.

Herbal Teas: Let water steam, not boil, & remove device from heating source. Add tea, cover with lid, & let it sit for 5-10 minutes. For 5 cups of water add 1 level tablespoon of tea. For 1 cup of water add 1/2 teaspoon of tea.

Humidifier or Dehumidifier: Follow appliance directions, fill with water & add 20-30 drops of desired essential oil or blend.

Inhalers: Bring bottle to nostrils & take deep breathes.

Massage Oil: Massage oil is a mixture of essential oils diluted in a carrier oil.

Apply small amounts of massage oil, as needed, to area being massaged.

Peppermint: This oil is known for its decongestant, stimulating, & refreshing properties. It is also used to treat many kinds of digestive upsets, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, & migraines. This should not be used on the face!

Pine Needle: Used for sinuses, general debility, infections of the respiratory tract, except when spasms are part of the condition. Do not use if you have bronchial asthma or whooping cough.

Rosemary: This oil is said to strengthen the memory & concentration, as well as to relieve headaches.

Do not use if you have high blood pressure (HBP), as it will raise it.

Ti-Tree: This oil has excellent germicidal & antifungal properties, which offers a wide range of uses including the treatment of colds, flu, herpes, thrush, athlete’s foot, warts, & infections.

Valerian: Natural chemicals called valepotriates act as muscle relaxers, making this essential oil useful for menstrual cramps & muscle spasms. It is an excellent relaxer & has been scientifically validated to be effective for insomnia.

Ylang-Ylang: This oil has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. It is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac & for the treatment of high blood pressure (HBP). This oil is also used for depression, insomnia, tension, & oily skin. This should not be used by anyone with low blood pressure (LBP) as it will further decrease it.

Basil: This oil has a calming yet uplifting effect & is excellent for those who are tired & worn out by being over-worked.

Clary Sage: This oil has a soothing & sedating effect while at the same time it works to strengthen the nervous system. It is one of the best muscle relaxers, useful for muscle cramps &/or pain. This oil should not be used during pregnancy.

Cypress: This is an astringent oil which tonifies the venous system & is often used to treat varicose veins.

Fennel: This is an appetite control for some upon smelling. Smell for hiccups, nausea, & vomiting. It is also effective for colic.

Geranium Rose: This oil has a cooling & calming effect for anxiety & tension. It has a balancing effect on the skin, making it suitable for dry, oily, or problematic skin.

Ginger: This oil is an antiseptic, analgesic, expectorant, & laxative. It aids the memory, cheers one up, & soothes a sore throat. It also settles the digestive system, relieves cramps, & muscle spasms.

Juniper Berry: This is very effective in the treatment of cystitis & is used in skin preparations to aid in reducing oily skin, acne, & opening blocked pores.

Lavender: This oil has a balancing effect on the nervous system, relieves headaches, & helps to fight insomnia. It can also be used as an antiseptic.

Lemon: This oil has antiviral & antibiotic properties. It has an astringent effect on the skin. It may be used by itself or in blends for boils, broken capillaries, oily skin, herpes, & insect bites.

Marjoram: Effective for headaches, all muscular pains, bruises, spasms, sprains, & strains. Smell to lower high blood pressure (HBP) & it can be useful in insomnia synergies & blends.

Energy/Alert Blend: An “energizing” synergy of Rosemary, Ginger, Peppermint, & Lavender is useful at times of needed energy or alertness. Since it has Rosemary it is not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure (HBP). It is ideal for those with low blood pressure (LBP).

Headache Blend: This very effective synergy of Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, & Clary Sage alleviates headaches upon application.

Muscle Ache Blend: This blend of Lavender, Sage, Clary Sage, Pimento Berry, Black Pepper, & Birch assists in alleviating muscle tension & pain. Do not use during pregnancy!

PMS Blend: This blend of Fennel, Gerranium Rose, Marjoram, & Juniper Berry will help you during those uncomfortable PMS days!

Sinus & Cold Blend: A combination of Eucalyptus, Pine Needle, Cypress, & Lavender. It is known for its ability to fight infections. Great to use during the cold & flu season!

Stress, Depression and Anxiety Blend: This is a synergy of the very relaxing aromas of Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, & Patchouli. Results can be felt with seconds of smelling.

Study Blend: This is a blend of Rosemary, Peppermint, & Lavender. Use only when studying & then again when it is time to recall the information for the exam.

Some oils should be avoided by people with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy and pregnancy.