Getting your feet wet in therapeutic aromatherapy, beyond burning a scented candle or soaking with a pleasing pre-packaged bath salt blend, can be a little daunting to many people. All those little bottles of pricey liquids, electric contraptions, and fancy-sounding blends - how does one actually use essential oils to improve their health, happiness and well-being? It's easier than one might think - getting started can open a whole new world of fun and effective natural remedies that can lift your mood, calm your nerves, and support healing of a great many common ailments. The trick, like beginning anything really, is just getting started. Start with some commonly used oils like Lavender and Tea Tree, and you'll open up the doors to a whole realm of natural medicine for you and your family. Read on for an introduction to a few of the many ways of using these wonderful gifts from nature.
Aromatherapy really has a bad name in North America. Kinda soft and fuzzy, and maybe a little too 'new age' for many folks. But essential oils share many traits with other natural medicines; they're really concentrated plant extracts that just happen to smell exceptionally good. 'Volatile-Plant-Extract-Therapy' would be a much more appropriate name. 'Volatile' simply means 'easily evaporated' - in this sense, essential oils are more like alcohol than oil. But unlike alcohol, essential oils are made up of very complex molecules that have a great breadth of healing properties. These properties vary greatly depending on the plant from which the oil was extracted. Many oils are known potent antibacterials, antivirals, anti-inflammates, and stimulate wound healing. Of course, their aroma's DO have profound effects as well; laboratory studies have conclusively shown this in clinical settings. Inhalation is the simplest method of using essential oils, and is an excellent place to start with aromatherapy.
When inhaled, essential oils effect our limbic system, the seat of the brain's emotional centers. Many oils have been found to sharpen concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and even reduce depression. How can we reap these magnificent benefits? There are a few simple, cost-effective ways to prepare essential oils for inhalation and experience these wonderful effects: the 'handkerchief method', making your own 'smelling salts', and making your own aromatherapy 'mister'. More advanced users will want to use an electric diffuser that disperses a fine mist of essential oil throughout your environment. With a little research, you'll be able to find the right oil or oil combination to suit your needs, and we'll go over several effective ones here.
Simple inhalation is very straightforward - for example, put a part or two of an oil or blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with some oils though - peppermint, for example, can burn the sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct contact). You can even leave the tissue, handkerchief, or piece of cloth in a room or your workspace and the oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects. Making your own 'smelling salts' is similar, and your preparation will last a while longer. To make the salts, fill a small vial with natural sea salt and part essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is not too critical - enough that there is detectable aroma, and not so much that the salt gets completely wet. Just unscrew the cap and inhale from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or, like the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your space, letting the aroma slowly fill the area. A 'mister' can be used infuse a room with aroma - just add essential oils to water in a small spray bottle (20 parts per 2 cups of water is a good starting point), shake before each use and spray. When you're ready for a greater impact from the aromatic use of oils, find a quality cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These units make fine mist of oil, creating a significant concentration in your environment, and can have valuable health benefits beyond stimulating the smell sense - they can purify the air in your home or office, and can help with many infectious illnesses when used as directed by a health practitioner.
Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation method: For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind - 4 parts of Rosemary, 3 parts of Lavender, 2 parts of Lemon and 1 part of Peppermint, OR 3 parts Clary Sage, 2 parts Bergamot and 1 part Sweet Orange. For calming anxiety - equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange, OR 3 parts Lavender, 2 parts Neroli and 1 part Bergamot. For creating a harmonious atmosphere - 3 parts Jasmine, 1 part Ylang Ylang and 1 part Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot. For simply bringing calm or inducing sound sleep, pure Lavender oil by itself may be perfect. These and other blends can make wonderful natural perfumes when diluted to 15% in Jojoba oil; Rose and Jasmine oils can be used this way by themselves.
Aromatherapy massage and topical application - Ideally, this is done with a partner, but self-massage will work as well. Creating your own massage oil is a straightforward process - just dilute 10 - 20 drops of essential oil (single or blended) per ounce of carrier oil. There are a variety of carrier oils available; Sweet Almond is a great all-around oil and is recommended for general aromatherapy massage. As for the massage, itself, any technique will do - let your intuition be your guide. The blends listed above will work effectively as massage oils as well, when diluted in a carrier, though here are a few more fun recipes: For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, add - 8 drops Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Ylang Ylang. For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops of Rose. Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot. Note that topical application of citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime, etc.) should be avoided on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight in the following few days - these oils are known to be photo-sensitizing, and can make the skin more susceptible to burning by UV rays. The feet are excellent receivers of essential oil energy; this is the basis of reflexology. Many oils that can irritate sensitive skin elsewhere can be applied 'neat' (undiluted) to the bottoms of the feet; the tops of the feet are more sensitive, though this area will also have significant energetic results.
Don't be afraid to create your own blends! You will certainly find particular oils that you enjoy - and aromatherapy is like that. It is the oils you find most enjoyable that are likely those that are most effective for you. An important starting note is to change the ratios of oils you are blending very slowly. Start with one drop of each oil in a small vial, mixing them and allowing a few minutes for them to blend before adding more oil 1 drop at a time. In general, citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness while calming at the same time. Herb oils (Peppermint, Rosemary and Basil) tend to be invigorating, while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline - many oils have complex properties and will affect individuals differently - use your nose as a guide.
Medical aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to treat specific medical conditions, requires a bit more knowledge in many cases. There are a few excellent examples of employing oils for common needs: Lavender works very well for minor burns; it is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin regenerate. Blended half and half with Tea Tree, it can be used in place of other antibacterial agents on small cuts and scrapes. Helichrysum italicum oil is a remarkable healer of bruises and sports injuries; it can be used undiluted or at a 5-10% dilution in Hazelnut oil. Melissa oil is documented as an excellent treatment for the herpes virus. For support for common colds, inhale equal parts Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus. For support in clearing chest and sinus conditions, use Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. These blends can be added to a carrier oil and rubbed into the chest, inhaled from a steaming bowl of water (with the eyes closed!) or used in a diffuser. The greatest promise for medical essential oil use lies in their profound ability to eradicate bacteria and viruses - this is where the need of an experienced professional arises, however. As with any medication, matching the correct oil and it's application with the illness is critical, otherwise the oil may have no effect, and the patient may not heal. When done properly, however, remarkable results have been achieved. - 14130
Aromatherapy really has a bad name in North America. Kinda soft and fuzzy, and maybe a little too 'new age' for many folks. But essential oils share many traits with other natural medicines; they're really concentrated plant extracts that just happen to smell exceptionally good. 'Volatile-Plant-Extract-Therapy' would be a much more appropriate name. 'Volatile' simply means 'easily evaporated' - in this sense, essential oils are more like alcohol than oil. But unlike alcohol, essential oils are made up of very complex molecules that have a great breadth of healing properties. These properties vary greatly depending on the plant from which the oil was extracted. Many oils are known potent antibacterials, antivirals, anti-inflammates, and stimulate wound healing. Of course, their aroma's DO have profound effects as well; laboratory studies have conclusively shown this in clinical settings. Inhalation is the simplest method of using essential oils, and is an excellent place to start with aromatherapy.
When inhaled, essential oils effect our limbic system, the seat of the brain's emotional centers. Many oils have been found to sharpen concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and even reduce depression. How can we reap these magnificent benefits? There are a few simple, cost-effective ways to prepare essential oils for inhalation and experience these wonderful effects: the 'handkerchief method', making your own 'smelling salts', and making your own aromatherapy 'mister'. More advanced users will want to use an electric diffuser that disperses a fine mist of essential oil throughout your environment. With a little research, you'll be able to find the right oil or oil combination to suit your needs, and we'll go over several effective ones here.
Simple inhalation is very straightforward - for example, put a part or two of an oil or blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with some oils though - peppermint, for example, can burn the sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct contact). You can even leave the tissue, handkerchief, or piece of cloth in a room or your workspace and the oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects. Making your own 'smelling salts' is similar, and your preparation will last a while longer. To make the salts, fill a small vial with natural sea salt and part essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is not too critical - enough that there is detectable aroma, and not so much that the salt gets completely wet. Just unscrew the cap and inhale from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or, like the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your space, letting the aroma slowly fill the area. A 'mister' can be used infuse a room with aroma - just add essential oils to water in a small spray bottle (20 parts per 2 cups of water is a good starting point), shake before each use and spray. When you're ready for a greater impact from the aromatic use of oils, find a quality cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These units make fine mist of oil, creating a significant concentration in your environment, and can have valuable health benefits beyond stimulating the smell sense - they can purify the air in your home or office, and can help with many infectious illnesses when used as directed by a health practitioner.
Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation method: For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind - 4 parts of Rosemary, 3 parts of Lavender, 2 parts of Lemon and 1 part of Peppermint, OR 3 parts Clary Sage, 2 parts Bergamot and 1 part Sweet Orange. For calming anxiety - equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange, OR 3 parts Lavender, 2 parts Neroli and 1 part Bergamot. For creating a harmonious atmosphere - 3 parts Jasmine, 1 part Ylang Ylang and 1 part Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot. For simply bringing calm or inducing sound sleep, pure Lavender oil by itself may be perfect. These and other blends can make wonderful natural perfumes when diluted to 15% in Jojoba oil; Rose and Jasmine oils can be used this way by themselves.
Aromatherapy massage and topical application - Ideally, this is done with a partner, but self-massage will work as well. Creating your own massage oil is a straightforward process - just dilute 10 - 20 drops of essential oil (single or blended) per ounce of carrier oil. There are a variety of carrier oils available; Sweet Almond is a great all-around oil and is recommended for general aromatherapy massage. As for the massage, itself, any technique will do - let your intuition be your guide. The blends listed above will work effectively as massage oils as well, when diluted in a carrier, though here are a few more fun recipes: For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, add - 8 drops Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Ylang Ylang. For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops of Rose. Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot. Note that topical application of citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime, etc.) should be avoided on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight in the following few days - these oils are known to be photo-sensitizing, and can make the skin more susceptible to burning by UV rays. The feet are excellent receivers of essential oil energy; this is the basis of reflexology. Many oils that can irritate sensitive skin elsewhere can be applied 'neat' (undiluted) to the bottoms of the feet; the tops of the feet are more sensitive, though this area will also have significant energetic results.
Don't be afraid to create your own blends! You will certainly find particular oils that you enjoy - and aromatherapy is like that. It is the oils you find most enjoyable that are likely those that are most effective for you. An important starting note is to change the ratios of oils you are blending very slowly. Start with one drop of each oil in a small vial, mixing them and allowing a few minutes for them to blend before adding more oil 1 drop at a time. In general, citrus oils (Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness while calming at the same time. Herb oils (Peppermint, Rosemary and Basil) tend to be invigorating, while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline - many oils have complex properties and will affect individuals differently - use your nose as a guide.
Medical aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to treat specific medical conditions, requires a bit more knowledge in many cases. There are a few excellent examples of employing oils for common needs: Lavender works very well for minor burns; it is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin regenerate. Blended half and half with Tea Tree, it can be used in place of other antibacterial agents on small cuts and scrapes. Helichrysum italicum oil is a remarkable healer of bruises and sports injuries; it can be used undiluted or at a 5-10% dilution in Hazelnut oil. Melissa oil is documented as an excellent treatment for the herpes virus. For support for common colds, inhale equal parts Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus. For support in clearing chest and sinus conditions, use Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. These blends can be added to a carrier oil and rubbed into the chest, inhaled from a steaming bowl of water (with the eyes closed!) or used in a diffuser. The greatest promise for medical essential oil use lies in their profound ability to eradicate bacteria and viruses - this is where the need of an experienced professional arises, however. As with any medication, matching the correct oil and it's application with the illness is critical, otherwise the oil may have no effect, and the patient may not heal. When done properly, however, remarkable results have been achieved. - 14130
About the Author:
The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy supplies & essential oil formulas through the website.
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