The amazing world of aromatherapy
Herbalists use aromatherapy and essential oils, along with medicinal herbs, to help heal and protect the mind, body, and spirit.
Aromatherapy is a term first used by French chemist RM Gattefosse in 1937. It is the art and science of using scents and aromas, especially essential oils, to treat health problems and emotional distress.
Aromatherapy is often used as a companion to herbal medicine and together they can help heal everything from headaches to toenail fungus.
Aromatherapy is a good way to use the healing arts on a daily basis.
Aromatherapy is especially effective when a person is anxious or suffers from panic attacks. Try lavender and neroli with aromatherapy to get rid of stress naturally.
Schedule a massage and aromatherapy session with a professional aromatherapist whenever you feel overwhelmed. A healing touch and the right aroma can make any situation better.
You can also use aromatherapy at home to treat most health problems. All it takes is a small bottle of essential oil - no other equipment is necessary. Just sniff the aroma directly from the bottle, or put a few drops in a warm, wet cloth and breathe in the scent.
You can also use essential oils in a pot of hot water, or invest in a diffuser. Many types of diffusers are for sale online and in health food stores.
Please note that if you have pets, do some research. Many essential oils are dangerous cats, dogs, and other animals. Make sure your pets have access to fresh air when you use scented products, whether they are natural or not. Read more about natural healing and pets.
Aromatherapy for stress and anxiety
Aromatherapy is used for stress related problems, depression, insomnia, lung problems, colds, headache pain, hangovers, nausea, and other diseases. Here is a short video I made about using essential oils to treat anxiety and stress related symptoms.
Does aromatherapy really help?
Yes! Try an experiment sometime and see for yourself if scents can affect your mood.
Stop by a bakery and inhale the aroma of fresh baking bread. Pull over to the side of the road and breathe in the scent of freshly mowed grass. Visit an apple orchard during harvest season, close your eyes, and imagine apple pies baking in the oven. I feel better just thinking about it.
As they say, “Take time to smell the roses.” Aromatherapy with essential oils works under the same principle.
Choose the best essential oils for good results.
Always use high quality products. This does not mean buying the most expensive essential oils, but sometimes you do get what you pay for. After practicing aromatherapy for a month or two, you will be able to tell a good oil by its aroma.
Low quality products smell off. Good essential oils do not have added chemicals or fragrances. Read the labels before making a purchase!
Aromatherapy is often used along with massage. Together, these healing arts have much to offer. Photo of an aromatherapy massage session provided by Wiki media.
Always chose a good cold-pressed carrier oil.
Carrier oils are used in aromatherapy to dilute essential oils.
Essential oils are potent substances. Most essential oils can cause irritation when used on the skin without diluting. Good carrier oils include olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, almond oil, walnut oil, safflower oil, and coconut oil.
The best carrier oils are cold pressed (cold pressed oils are extracted by running the vegetable material through a press). The resulting carrier oils are free of additives and chemicals. These type oils are also best to consumption!
Many oils sold for cooking are not cold pressed. They are processed to get the most oil from the plant with chemicals and high heat. This makes the oils unhealthy! Try to find some cold pressed oils to use as carriers in massage oils and for cooking! Your body will thank you.
Cold pressed oils have NOT been heated or treated with chemicals and have many healing properties of their own. We like cold pressed green peanut, sunflower, and olive oils for cooking. We use grape seed and almond oils for massage oils and ointments.
Scent affects our memories, emotions, moods, and hormones.
Scent influences the endocrine system responsible for hormone levels, metabolism, insulin production, stress levels, sex drive, body temperature, and appetite. Aromatherapy is a natural way to treat the thyroid and other endocrine glands.
Scents and their effect on the human body are the main focus of aromatherapy. Essential oils are used in a diffuser or diluted and applied to the skin. They may also be used in herbal baths and massage.
Aromatherapy and scientific studies
Studies show that aromatherapy, when used in a hospital setting can reduce blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Tests done with a blend of chamomile, neroli, and lavender essential oils showed significant benefits for intensive care patients.
Aromatherapy is useful for treating many things. Dementia, menopausal symptoms, burns, high blood pressure, and even cancer patients can benefit from aromatherapy.
*Dilute essential oils before use. Do not use in the early stages of pregnancy or on babies. Use only a few drops of essential oils at a time. Blend only two or three different oils together at one time. Do not take essential oils internally.
Never use essential oils near the eyes. Do not use near open flames. Some essential oils have flammable properties. Use in moderation and always monitor results closely. Before using essential oils, always consult with a healthcare professional especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/aromatherapy-pdq
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3588400/
https://www.science.gov/topicpages/a/aromatherapy.html#
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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