This section will provide information on using Aromatherapy.
What is Aromatherapy:
Essential oils are derived from plants. As essential oils are inhaled into the lungs, or absorbed through the skin, this releases neurochemicals that have relaxing, invigorating or pleasurable effects on the body. This is the practice of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy Goes Back a Long Time!
Egyptians may have been the first to use aromatherapy. They made infusions from fragrant plants to create ointments and scented oils. They used oils for embalming as well as perfume. The Bible also has recipes for making scents that were used in spiritual practices. Aromatherapy was used for treating emotional conditions and illness. Use of essential oils is traced back to the 4th century. The Greeks, Arabs and French also used oils for various purposes. A French cosmetic chemist started the scientific study of essential oils for therapeutic benefits in the 1920s.
True Essential Oils:
Essential oils are processed without chemicals. They are cold pressed, or steam distilled. This preserves the healing properties of the oils. When chemicals are used to process oils, or when synthetic properties are used to copy the scent, it looses it’s therapeutic value. Always check the label to make sure that it is 100% pure. If it is called a fragrance, it is not pure.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are oils that are also cold pressed, with out chemicals. Good carrier oils are vegetable or base oils. Base oils are vegetable, nut, or seed oils. Vegetable oils have nutrients and provide a good lubricant. The carrier oil helps to distribute the essential oils and will stretch the effect of the scent. Consider using Grapeseed, Almond, Apricot, Avocado, Jojoba, Safflower or Wheat Germ oil. If you put 10% of Wheat Germ oil in your carrier oil, it will help to preserve the carrier oil, and prevent spoilage.
Synergy
Synergy means “joint work”. When you combine several essential oils together, it creates a more powerful effect. When using more than one oil, it is important to use the correct balance of oils in order to get the effect that you desire.
Household Oils
Lavender: Everyone should have Lavender in their home. It has many uses. Lavender is an excellent antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier.
Tea Tree: It is an all around antiseptic as well as antibacterial, and antifungal property. It’s great for sunburn and athlete’s foot.
Eucalyptus: This oil can be used in many ways. It is has an antiviral property that makes it good for preventing colds, it clears the sinus, an is an effective insect repellent.
Rosemary: Rosemary is effective as a mental stimulant, and also for treatment of muscle conditions. It also works well for migraines, arthritis and is used in beauty routines.
Geranium: This oil is excellent for use with the emotions. It helps one to relax and is a sedative. It’s also has antiseptic properties as well as floral fragrance for blends.
Natural Perfume
Essential oil may be used for fragrances. Follow your nose and decide which oil that you would like to use. Making your own fragrance can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. You may put a few drops of essential oil in spring water and apply it to your skin, or you may use vodka. It is recommended that you use the highest proof of vodka that you can find since this is the most pure form of alcohol. (Of course, do not ingest!)
For splash cologne, use one or two oils in an atomizer filled with water. A blend of 5 or 6 drops of oil is sufficient. But use your own judgement to adjust the scent to your own liking.
There is a science to making your own perfume with essential oils. A particular group of oils make up the high notes, the middle notes and the base notes. Refer to a book on aromatherapy to get more in depth information on making perfume.
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Freshen Your Home
Have a pet?? Pets bring comfort and love into our home, and often they bring their own special scent to a room as well. You can freshen your carpet by using essential oils along with with baking soda or borax powder. For each tablespoon of powder, you will need 1 drop of essential oil. Add the essential oil to the powder in a blender and mix well. Store it in a sealed jar. It should sit for a day before you use it. Just distribute it on your carpet and after a few minutes vacuum it up.
To keep the closets smelling fresh, put essential oil on cotton balls and set it on the shelf.
You can use a spray bottle with
water and essential oils to freshen any room. Antiviral Essential Oils to clean with are Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus and Lavender,Lemon, and Grapefruit, to name a few. Just a couple of drops on a cloth and wipe down the surface to be cleaned. Laundry:
If you would like to help disinfect the laundry when there are colds going around, add Eucalyptus to the wash.
To add a nice fragrance to your wash, add Lavender or Lemongrass.
Insect and Moth Repellent:If you put a few drops of these essential oils on a couple of cotton balls in your room it will help deter insects. Citronella 9 drops, peppermint 3 drops.
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Children and Aromatherapy
My favorite way to use essential oils with children is with an infuser, adding oils like ylang ylang, orange and sandalwood. This blend is calming yet uplifting. Citrus is a natural spirit lifter and works well with children that are feeling a little fussy. Lavender can calm children before bed.
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Important Tips:
Please be very cautious about using essential oils on the skin of a child. Scenting a room or their laundry is an indirect way to enhance a child’s experience with essential oil.
Always test a small patch of skin before using any essential oils in case of irritation or reaction.
Never use essential oils on skin if you are pregnant without consulting doctor first. Essential oils enter your blood stream through your skin.
Most essential oils should not be used directly on skin with the exception of lavender and tea tree. Use a carrier oil or dilute the essential oil in water before applying to skin.
I do not recommend ingesting essential oils.
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NOTICE:
Never self treat for physical problems without first seeing a doctor. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical care. The suggestions in this newsletter are commonly used in aromatherapy, but there is no guarantee of the effectiveness for any individual. Always consult a doctor before using aromatherapy if you have any health problems.
