Best In Aromatherapy

Things You Should Know About Aromatherapy and Children

2011-11-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

As in case of adults, aromatherapy works wonderfully in case of children too; a cool aromatic bath in a tub is always eagerly awaited by your children. Many essential oils can be used to treat many ailments and conditions of your growing children. However, care must be taken in treating children with essential oils, although there are many numbers of safe ones. If used in original concentration, essential oils may work adversely and cause skin burn and irritation.

Most common dosage for any aromatic essential oil would be one-third to one-half the adult dose, or a 1-percent dilution (five or six drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil), and don't forget that citruses may irritate the skin.

Chamomile, Melissa and Fennel are usually used as massage oil, or taken as herb tea. These essential oils are known to soothe a variety of tummy-aches and the problems that can lead to Stomachaches, such as frayed nerves, Anxiety and over excitability. More common problems like Colic, gas pains, Nausea and food allergies are also treated by essential oils.

A Chamomile, Fennel and Melissa herb tea with licorice helps stop crying and fussing in infants with Colic. Essential oils relieve muscle spasms caused when babies swallow air as they eat. Herbal gripe water is still being used all over the world to get rid of Colic pains. A carminative water mix contains Fennel, Chamomile, Caraway, Coriander and bitter Orange peel, all known to kill bacteria and relieve flatulence.

Most digestive problems are reduced by a simple tummy massage using one of the oils. Tummy-Rub essential oil can be formulated as follows:
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop Fennel essential oil
- 2 drops Dill essential oil
- 1 drop Melissa essential oil
- 1 ounce carrier oil
Mix together and massage the tummy gently.

A suggested treatment for children before bedtime is a warm Lavender and Chamomile essential oil bath. Most children just love taking aromatherapy baths, particularly if they have their own personal blends.

Popular fragrances include Orange, Grapefruit and Tangerine – all antidepressants and relaxants. Nature's gentle but powerful relaxant teas such as Melissa, Lavender and Chamomile has the property to calm a nervous, over stimulated, over excited child, make headaches go away and gently induce sleep.

Placing a cool compress of Lavender essential oil on the forehead will give much needed relief from a headache, sleeplessness or over exertion. Frankincense essential oil used as a vaporizer or as massage oil is safe and effective for respiratory congestion or infection. Other safe essential oils for children include Mandarin, Marjoram, Neroli, Jasmine and Petit Grain. Tea of Yarrow, Catnip, Peppermint and Elder flower rare known to reduce the symptoms of measles, chicken pox or mumps; Ginger with a touch of Lemon juice is also effective.

The soreness of mumps is lessened by syrups and gargles made from teas of Thyme, Rosemary or Sage. Antiviral essential oils made from Melissa and Bergamot has proven effective against the mumps and chicken-pox viruses. For teething pain in toddlers and young children, give Chamomile tea and rub the gums with a little diluted clove oil on your finger.

The following formula may be used for swollen tonsils, mumps and other lymphatic swelling in the neck area:

Neck Wrap
- 2 cups warm water
- 8 drops Lavender essential oil

Mix the water with the essential oil. While the water is still warm, soak a soft cloth, preferably Flannel, in the water and wring it out. Wrap the cloth around the neck. Cover with a towel to hold in the heat. Remove before it gets cold. Repeat as many times as you wish.

Essential oils are universal in nature, as they are known to work in every condition, in all times of the year. Essential oils prove very handy in times of distress and need; a few drops of essential oil are all needed to reduce the symptoms in children.

Aromatherapy : A Scent Away For Great Relationships

2011-10-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that a scent can make you more mellow and increase dramatically the relation with you and your mate? Can you calm the kids down instantly? Do you wish that you would feel and look more in control for the big meeting? Thousands of people around the world have discovered the powerful benefits of Aromatherapy. And you can do it to.

With the stress involve in our way of living today, we get psychological and physiological consequences to our fragile health. We spend more of our hard earned money on over-the-counter medication or on prescriptions to help cure our little and bigger pains.

The power of Aromatherapy could help you lead to a better outlook of life And keep more money in your pocket.

But what is Aromatherapy exactly?

Aromatherapy is the art and practice of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to restore or enhance health, beauty and well being. Aromatic molecules interact with the tops of your nasal cavity and gives the signal to the limbic system (the emotional switchboard of the brain). The limbic system is directly connected to the part that controls the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress level and hormone balance.

And it works. For example, we use Vicks for our colds, sinusitis and sore throat. It contains Eucalyptus. For me, it's the only treatment that I find effective for Bronchitis, despite antibiotics treatment.

Let's talk about Lavender. Lavender is multi use oil; it has strong psychological effects and physiological cures.

We find Lavender in the France. That flower has a fresh, sweet, floral scent. It has calming effect; smell it when you are stressed in the traffic, or at work, or right before an exam because Lavender has calming proprieties for panic attacks, stress, anxiety and even depression! It's a gentle narcotic for mental and physical strain.

Some couples use Lavender base candles during giving birth to have the most calming experience, for the mother and for the new born. Other people burn a candle on a regular basis, after a surgery to help cope with the pain. You can also do it to calm the kids in the house! Or, for an anticipated quiet night at home with you lover...

Lavender is a good antibiotic for the skin. If your child has cuts and burnings, you can apply creams or lotion with enough concentration of the oil to prevent infection. It also reduces scaring.

Another good aromatic oil is Rosewood. It origins from a native tree in Brazil. It has a psychological effect of balancing, uplifting and enliving. You can use it before an interview, or a business meeting, or even before a hot date! If you are feeling down or lack of "joie-de-vivre" this aromatic essence can change your state of mind and make you look like an enjoyable person (save on alcohol or drugs here!).

Rosewood is also good to treat sensitive of aged skin, because it stimulates the regeneration of the skin.

You can use Aromatherapy in different forms; candles, shower gels, soap, bath mousse, diffuser, potpourri, spray for the room, etc... whatever you feel comfortable with. There is a good selection on products: FloraCalm, PureForest, Vitafruits and AquaSpa.

You can use aromatherapy for different emotional well-being; you can treat anger, anxiety, confidence, depression, burnout, loneliness, concentration, etc...

With all the chemicals that float in the air, in the water and in our food, those can produce chemical imbalance in the brain and change our moods and alter the relation that we have with the people in our lives.

The use of aromatic products is a cheap solutions for better health and an happier life.

All those aromatic products can help you have better relationship with your mate (or the opposite sex), with your business associates, at social events, in your home, etc.... to be able to obtain more out of life because of the uplifting attitude that you'll get. Be careful of buying too cheap; make sure that you are buying quality products with enough concentration to get the beneficial effects.

Wishing you great moments!

by: Caroline Therancy

The Basic Facts Of Angelica Essential Oil

2011-10-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Angelica essential oil is extracted from the plant Angelica and it is sweet herbal smelling oil that has a spicy undertone and is also known as European Angelica.

Properties
Angelica essential oil is of medium viscosity, and is extracted from the rhizome, the seeds and the herb itself.

Extraction
Angelica essential oil is extracted from the roots, rhizome and seeds and steam distillation is employed to achieve this.

Chemical composition
Angelica essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes the following: Borneol, Linalool, Bergaptene, Limonene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Sesquiterpenes, Angelic Acid, Sitosterol, Phenolic Acids, Coumarins and Angelicin.

Precautions
Angelica essential oil may over stimulate the nervous system and the essential oil extracted from the root can cause photo-toxicity which in turn could cause irritation should the skin be exposed to the sun.

Safety during pregnancy has not been determined and it should also not be used by diabetics.

Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Angelica essential oil include the following: Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hepatic, Stimulant, Stomachic, and a general tonic.

Uses
Angelica essential oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following problems: dull congested skin, irritation, Psoriasis, accumulation of toxins, Arthritis, Gout, Rheumatism, water retention, Bronchitis, Coughs, Anemia, Anorexia, Flatulence, Indigestion, Fatigue, Migraine, Nervous Tension and Stress Related Disorders.

Summary
Angelica essential oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system and general detoxification of the body. It can also be used to great effect on respiratory ailments and is a great help in stomach related problems including Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Nausea, Discomfort and Indigestion.

Burners and Vaporizers
In vapor therapy of Angelica essential oil can be used to help clear lungs, Bronchitis, and Pleurisy and ease shortness of breath.

Blended Oil and in the Bath
Angelica essential oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, Detoxification, Digestive problems, helps with Colds and Flu as well as fighting fungal growths.

Blended in Base Cream
As a constituent of a blended base cream, Angelica essential oil can be used to assist with circulation, Arthritis, Gout, Sciatica, Migraines, Colds and Flu as well as helping to encourage the natural production of esterogen and this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.

Aromatherapy For Beginners

2008-09-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

The ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing oneself with the use of plants and its parts like roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the amalgamation of two words "aroma" and "therapy" that mean "fragrance" and "healing" respectively.

Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our body, hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us. Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and should not be used directly onto the body. They should be blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc, for best results.

If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching or redness, oil is safe for external use.

Basic oils that any beginner can start with:
- Lavender - Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy. Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative. Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if blended with your usual bath oil.

- Rosemary - Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar tissue formation.

- Bergamot - Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant and deodorizer. Could be a slight irritant to skin.

- Peppermint - A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant.

- Tea Tree - A versatile antiseptic that is very gentle on the skin. Remedy for infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's foot, gum disease. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic oil.

- Lemon - Great for dispelling a somber mood, lemon oil can be used to treat insect bites, alleviate tension, headaches and stimulate immune system.

- Tangerine - Works well to create a bright, uplifting atmosphere. It's soothes and calms insomnia and promotes digestion.

- Floral oils - Great stress relievers. Add floral oils like rose, jasmine along with carrier oils to your bath oils for a soothing massage.

- Germanium - Eases stress, acts as antidepressant, adrenal, hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative and antiseptic. Helps during PMS.

- Clary Sage - Relieves PMS. Soothes and relaxes mind and body. Works as antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative.

- Clove - Relieves toothache pain, asthma, sinusitis. Avoid using it directly on the skin. Acts as antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus - Cools the body in summer and warms in winter. An effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion, cough and neuralgia. Also works as antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.

by: Sharon Hopkins
Sharon Hopkins is the Webmaster for http://www.aromatherapies.net, which is an Online guide to Aromatherapy, alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.

The Wonder Called : Aromatherapy

2008-09-11T01:33:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy, a misnomer or reality

Aromatherapy was coined by the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1920s to describe the practice of using essential oils taken from plants, flowers, roots, seeds, etc. for healing.

As a matter of fact Robert Todd Carrolls The Skeptics Dictionary says the term Aromatherapy is misleading. The observation is on the fact that aromas of oils do not directly bring cure or healing, they are used to identify the oils, to determine adulteration, to stir the memory. In fact, therapeutic value is in the essence of the oil its chemical properties. Besides, aroma is not used in every cure or in other words vapors are used in some cases of aromatherapy only. Generally in aromatherapy, oil is rubbed onto the skin or ingested in tea or other liquid or even cooking is done using herbs.

Over at QuackWatch.org, Stephen Barrett, M.D., has looked into the dubious claims of most aromatherapy providers. Among the companies he has looked into is Aroma Vera, Inc., of Los Angeles, which claims that "essential oils have the power to purify the air we breathe while they relax, stimulate, soothe or sharpen our senses . . . a wonderful antidote to the air pollution and scentsory imbalance of modern life." It also claims that inhaling the scents "balances the biological background," "revitalizes the cells," and produces a "strong energizing effect on the sympathetic nervous system."

Joint Adventure, of Rogers, Arkansas, states that essential oils can be used for "many different purposes from athletes foot to enlightenment and almost every point between!"

Still part of Dr. Barretts growing dossier is a practitioner claiming that the technique "addresses the nervous system and the energy fields of the body. It soothes the body, cleans the body, clears the body, and tones the body." The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, states that there are about 300 essential oils and that they constitute an extremely effective medical system.

In the Skeptics Dictionary, Carroll concludes: I would not reject aromatherapy out of hand, however, when I have a cold and a stuffy nose, Ill use Vicks VapoRub, a mixture of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil. Strictly speaking, I suppose I am a practicing aromatherapist. However, when I look at what people who call themselves aromatherapists claim, I have to conclude that aromatherapy is mostly a pseudoscientific alternative medical therapy. It is a mixture of folklore, trial and error, anecdote, testimonial, New Age spiritualism and fantasy. What aromatherapy lacks is a knack for sniffing out nonsense.

I agree with Carrolls findings. I recently bought a Marjoram scent from Aromas Naturales, a company based in Spain and with ISO 9001 certification. I first had my dad use it at night, to test its claim that it will eliminate snoring. My purchase had a 40day guarantee. Guess what? I ended up not returning it, although I was highly skeptical at first. I even bought another jar for myself.

Bottomline is, it hasnt totally eliminated snoring from what my family members tell me, but it sure has eliminated a major portion of it. And my mom attests to that. She sleeps better now in my dads room.

by: Rilsto Mathe
Visit: http://www.aromatherapygroup.com

Aromatherapy Nebulizers And Diffusers

2008-08-28T01:20:00.001-07:00

Aromatherapy is based on the properties of essential oils which are used to produce a calming, refreshing or uplifting mood. In addition, these oils have many therapeutic effects and can help cure many common ailments. Some of the common methods of administering these oils are by inhalation, diffusion, massage or bathing. In this article, we shall discuss the administration of essential oils by the use of aromatherapy nebulizers and diffusers.

What is a Nebulizer?

The best way to absorb the properties of a plant’s oil is through direct inhalation and the Nebulizer does just that. This device literally "spits" out a barely visible stream of atomized particles from the essential oils of your choice. It basically consists of a standard pump with a glass receptacle for oil attached to it. The pump forces air into the oil in the receptacle and propels it through several channels, twists, and intricate canals to atomize the oil. This atomized oil is then released into the atmosphere where it is inhaled by the user. Aromatherapy Nebulizers are safe, effective, quiet, and economical. They are good for both home and office environments.

What is a Diffuser?

Aromatherapy diffusers disperse fragrant and therapeutic essential oils into the air by heating them. As the molecules of the essential oils are diffused into the atmosphere, they're inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. There are different types of diffusers in the market such as steam, candle and electric diffusers. The difference between them lies in the method by which the essential oils are heated.

Nebulizer or Diffuser - Which one is better for me?

Whether to choose a nebulizer or diffuser will depend on your requirements. A nebulizer dispenses essential oils by physically breaking them up into tiny droplets. This course naturally suspends and ionizes the oil into extremely fine molecules, causing them to remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Since there is a continuous mist emitted it should not be used for more than a few minutes at a time. A diffuser on the other hand, usually involves the evaporation of essential oils due to heat. The aroma is not as concentrated as that from nebulizers but because it is in vapor form it will cover a larger area.

To sum it up, nebulizers deliver a more concentrated dose of essential oils and are good for small areas whereas diffusers deliver a less concentrated dosage and should be used if you wish to cover a larger area. The choice is yours.

By Sharon Hopkins
Webmaster of http://www.aromatherapies.net opens doors to therapeutic healing and relaxing using essential oils made from various parts plants and herbs. She also writes for other sites on Massage Therapy, Yoga, Hair-n-Skin-Care site and many other health sites.

Basics of Aromatherapy

2007-11-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, Aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.

Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions.

At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.

Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these essential oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.

Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience. Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents.

So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and essential oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions. The next step is to introduce those essentials oils into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and essential oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.

Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted essential oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skilfully achieved by blending required parts of different essential oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience.

How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain essential oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil.

The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same essential oil depending on surroundings, time or mood.
If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific.

Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:

As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:
• Is it sharp and stinging?
• Is it subtle and smooth?
• Is it balanced and tuned?
• Is it light or heavy?
• Is it warming or cooling?
• Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc?

These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:
• Do you like or dislike it?
• Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?
• What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?
• Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?
• Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?

Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. How ever, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.