The practice of using essential oils for the purpose of improving health is called aromatherapy, because it is the essential oil which provides the fragrances (aromas) in the plant kingdom. But essential oils are also used in inhalation, massage and even internally to obtain their healing and beautifying effects.
On the following pages are some everyday aromatherapies for some common problems:
* Hair and scalp problems.
Dandruff, dry hair, oily hair, even when the kids bring home lice -- these conditions respond well to specific blends of essential oils such as thyme, sage and lavender diluted in a carrier oil (one which usually has no scent and provides no direct healing properties, like wheat germ oil). These are also completely natural remedies, which means that people who react badly to chemicals can use these natural scents to gently heal or ease their symptoms/conditions.
* Facial lotions, creams and toners.
Essential oils possess a number of therapeutic qualities. Lavender, neroli and patchouli, among others, have the ability to rejuvenate the skin.
Many of the essential oils are antiseptic and fight infectious germs. Other oils have an astringent, cleansing effect and can be included in your formula if needed.
Sensitive skin responds well to rose and neroli, which are anti-inflammatory, while sandalwood and cypress help to treat broken veins.
The carrier oils, such as avocado and wheat germ, with their high vitamin content, make useful additions to help mature, cracked or dry skin.
Skin tone improves with better circulation and toxins are eliminated more easily when essential oils and massage are part of your daily life.
* Mouthwashes and gargles.
These natural preparations can save you money and are also better than most commercial preparations. For respiratory problems and general infections, inhalations are a way of introducing the essential oil into the bloodstream. They can stimulate the body's own defensive action in helping to destroy invading bacteria. The steam heat, combined with oils such as eucalyptus, act on the infection, fighting viruses and fungi in the nose and respiratory system.
Gargles of recommended essential oils can be used to fight infections, and mouthwash made with essential oils can help to treat mouth ulcers and infected gums. To strengthen gums, try fennel, lemon and sage.
* Aromatic baths.
These can be treats as well as treatments. They can be stimulating and refreshing in the morning or relaxing and soothing in the evening. With the correct blend of essential oils, such as basil or rose, they can be regenerating.
Waking up in the morning is one thing, wanting to get up to go to work is another. If you are that kind of person, and you rely on unhealthy coffee and/or cigarettes to get you going, you should go to your health food store and buy small bottles of peppermint oil, juniper oil and rosemary oil.
Tomorrow morning you can make up this wonderful "jump-starter."
Fill the tub halfway with warm water. Add:
5 drops rosemary oil, 5 drops juniper oil and 2 drops peppermint oil
Swish the water around to disperse the essences and get in and lie down. Relax for 10 minutes. Get out and dry yourself, eat a nutritious breakfast, including protein and fresh fruit, and feel the difference in your day.
Unless you're unusual, there are times you have aching feet -- so achy, in fact, you wish they belonged to someone else. You don't always have time to lie down or put your feet up, so try this great "foot fixer."
All you need is a basin half filled with warm water and add the following:
5 drops juniper oil, 2 drops rosemary and 3 drops lavender
Slip your aching feet into the tepid water and let the mixture roll over and between your toes. In 10 minutes you'll feel like your feet have slept all night. Massage them gently for a minute, towel dry and you're ready to face the world on both feet.
Here are some of the most commonly used essential oils and their uses. Always buy natural essences and store them in a cool place in dark-colored bottles.
* Clary sage.
This is obtained from herbs and flowers. Its most common uses are for depression, menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome. This plant has euphoric effects when evaporated into the air or used in a massage. It is known as one of the most effective substances for relieving depressive states.
* Lavender.
This is obtained from flowering tops. It is one of the mildest, yet most effective, of the essential oils. Burns, headaches, indigestion, insect bites and stings can be soothed with this "magic oil." Lavender also appears to stimulate cellular growth and contributes to rejuvenation.
* Peppermint.
This oil is obtained from the leaves of the plant. The herb has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems. The healing ability is concentrated in its essential oil, which contains menthol. It is also of great value for colds, flu or sinus congestion. Dilution is important; two or three drops of the essence in a bowl of hot water is sufficient. Use no more than two or three drops on a bit of brown sugar for internal use.
* Rose.
Its essence is obtained from the flowers. It has been recommended for liver, stomach and blood difficulties and drives away melancholy. It is also considered useful against alcoholism.
* Rosemary.
Its essence is obtained from the leaves of the plant. It is a nervous-system stimulant, cardiac stimulant and it improves respiration, digestion, kidney and liver function, blood circulation and the power of the adrenal glands. Because of its stimulating effect on the blood and lymph glands when applied to the skin, rosemary oil is useful for all kinds of aches and pains.
* Sandalwood.
Its essence is obtained from wood. In aromatherapy, it is a useful antiseptic for throat infections and infections of the urinary tract. Frequent baths with sandalwood keep the immune system at peak levels and helps prevent invasion of viruses and bacteria.
* Tea tree.
Its essence is obtained from the leaves. Its most common uses are for dermatitis and other skin conditions, burns, cold sores and athlete's foot. As an antiseptic it is one of the most powerful of the aromatics, being used in lip balms, soaps, dental products, etc.
* Ylang-ylang.
Its essence is obtained from the flowers. It has a pronounced effect upon the body systems, in the physical sense, and it has an even more pronounced effect upon the emotional system.
* Anise.
Its essence is obtained from the seeds of the plant. It is an old-fashioned herb with many valuable properties. It will help to prevent fermentation of food in the stomach by promoting digestion. Its licorice-like flavor has made anise a special herb in cooking cakes and soups as well as in beverages and medicines.
* Basil.
Its essence is obtained from leaves and flowering tops. It is used in the ancient healing system known as ayurvedic medicine. In the bath, basil essence is uplifting and refreshing, but it has a strange effect on the skin -- hot and cold at the same time. It is also a great insect repellent.
* Benzoin.
Its essence is obtained from the resin. It is of benefit in all conditions such as coughs, flu, bronchitis and stuffy nose. It is also used externally in skin conditions characterized by redness.
* Bergamot.
Its essence is obtained from ripe and unripe fruit. It is used for emotional problems. Its uplifting, antidepressant action works against tension, worry and anxiety for men and women alike.
* Black pepper.
Its essence is obtained from the unripe fruit and berry of peppercorn. In homeopathic practice, it is used to treat ailments such as headaches and coughs.
For more information about aromatheraphy contact the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, Box 17622, Boulder, CO 80308; The American Alliance of Aromatherapy, Box 750428, Petaluma, CA 94975; The American Phyto-Therapy and Aromatherapy Association, Box 3679, South Pasadena, CA 91031.
REFERENCES
Lavabre, Marcel F. Aromatherapy Workbook. Rochester, Vt.: Inner Traditions Publishing, 1988.
Tisserand, Robert T. The Art of Aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books, 1977.
By Maria Liberati, Better Nutrition
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