All You Need To Know About Aromatherapy And Essential Oils
Homeopathy and the wellness industry may be a relatively recent phenomenon
, but aromatherapy and essential oils have been around since the time of the pharaohs. These were blended in their royal baths and burnt in their holy temples.
As we fast forward several thousand years, aromatherapy and essential oils are still very much around, with their benefits ranging from the relaxation of one's muscles to the relief of aches and pains. They also aid in the rejuvenation of one's skin and hair and the enhancement of one's mood and state of mind.
Essential oils, by definition, are the very essence, or life force, of plants. They boost growth and help prevent diseases, as well as attract pollinating insects and repel predatory ones.
Aromatherapy, on the other hand, is the utilization of these essential oils and fragrances for healing or curative, as well as aesthetic, purposes.
Theophrastus, an ancient Greek philosopher and botanist, said "Oils applied externally affect the body internally." Essential oils can be applied via warm or cold compress, inhalation, massage, or aromatic bath, where the soaking in warm, scented bath water and the inhaling of its aroma have the power to instantly calm and invigorate. This is highly beneficial to one's overall well being.
Although Mother Nature is rich in countless flora from which essential oils"both known and those yet to be discovered"may be distilled, below are just some of the more familiar ones and the benefits attributed to them:
Basil, rosemary and peppermint stimulate the nerves as well as the brain, and are also good for those with bronchitis and sinus problems. Rosemary also helps lower cholesterol levels, increase low blood pressure, and is also used to treat migraine, influenza, arthritis, and can be applied as a salve to burns.
Bergamot alleviates depression and lifts up one's spirit. It relieves anxiety when inhaled, and is likewise an effective antiseptic and disinfectant in the treatment of skin conditions such as boils, body ulcers, chicken pox, herpes and psoriasis.
Chamomile relaxes and helps to combat stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Geranium is a soothing massage oil that helps prevent cellulite.
Ginger, quite the strong oil, has been known to treat arthritis and nervous tension, as well as colds, cramps, poor circulation and rheumatism.
Rose hip and lavender soothe burns. The former restores one's youthful look, while the latter relieves insect bites and cures migraines and muscular pains. Lavender in bath water is said to aid in the reduction of cellulite. Also, those with oily hair can add two drops of this essential oil to the final rinse after shampooing to put an end to their problem.
Aromatherapy and essential oils may be safe and all-natural, but in their concentrated form, these oils may have adverse effects when applied directly onto the skin, so it is highly recommended that they be diluted in a carrier or base oil before use.
Safflower, sesame and sunflower are easily absorbed carrier or base oils that may be used by all skin types. Jojoba is known as the best base for oils to be smoothed into the skin.
Note: Always test one or two drops of oil on a small patch of skin first, to be sure one does not have an allergic reaction to it.
As you can see by this list, which is only a starting point, essential oils can be used to help alleviate many symptoms naturally and in a pleasing scented way.
by: Ryan Round
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