Scented Ways To Get Cured

Aromatherapy: The scented way to get cured

The Basics of Aromatherapy:
Each of the essential oils used in Aromatherapy can be used either alone or in combinations to create a desired effect. Before using essential oils as part of an Aromatherapy treatment, it is important to understand the effect that the oil(s) have, and how it works. The oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers, twigs, leaves and bark, or in the rind of fruit. For example, in roses it is found in the flowers, in basil it is in the leaves, in sandalwood in the wood, and so on. The methods used to extract the oil are time consuming and expensive and require a high degree of expertise. Given that it takes in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoonful of oil, it is a process probably best left to professionals. Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils are expensive, but they are also highly effective - only a few drops at a time are required to achieve the desired effect.

How Essential Oils Work:
Essential oils have an immediate impact on our sense of smell, also known as ‘olfaction’ when essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional centre of the brain or limbic system.

The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing and blood circulation as well as the endocrine glands that regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems. When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body.

Essential oils have differing rates of absorption, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours, so it is probably best not to bathe or shower directly following a massage to ensure maximum effectiveness.

The Notes of Essential Oils:
Their note often describes essential oils. The three categories of classification are top note, middle note and base note and these terms relate to the rate at which they evaporate - or how long the fragrance will last.

a) Top Notes are the most stimulating and uplifting oils. They are strongly scented, but the perfume lasts only for approximately 3 - 24 hours. Examples of some of the top notes are as follows: basil, coriander, eucalyptus lemongrass, peppermint, sage and thyme.

b) Middle Notes are the next longest lasting, at about 2 - 3 days and affect the metabolic and body functions. The perfume is less potent than that of top note oils. To name they are as follows: Balm, chamomile, fennel, juniper, lavender and rosemary.

c) Base Notes are the slowest oils to evaporate, lasting up to one week. They have a sweet, soothing scent and a relaxing, comforting effect on the body. Cedarwood clove
ginger, jasmine, rose and sandalwood are some of them.

Creating Aromatherapy Blends:
To create a balanced perfume, a combination of all three notes will produce the best results. It is important to state that when making Aromatherapy blends, there are no fixed rules. The more familiar you become with the fragrances and their effects, the easier it will be to create combinations that are right for you!

1) In the Bath:
Run a warm bath and ensure the door and windows are closed. When the tub is sufficiently filled, add up to 10 drops of essential oil to the water, circulating it throughout. As the oil is moved, the scent will rise with the steam of the water.
Now get in, take your time, and enjoy the wonderful aroma while you soak!

a) For a relaxing and calming Bath:
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Cedarwood

b) Recipe to relieve nervousness:
6 drops Geranium
4 drops Basil

c) Recipe for Insomnia:
4 drops Chamomile
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli
2 drops Marjoram

d) Recipe for an Energising Bath:
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Frankincense


2) A Soothing Foot Bath:
For tired, sore, worn out feet, the aromatherapy footbath provides great relief! Fill a container (big enough to house both of your feet) with very warm water and add a few drops of essential oil and then sit back and relax.

3) Aromatherapy and children:
Chamomile, melissa and fennel used as massage oil, or taken as herb tea, soothe a variety of tummy-aches-and the problems that can lead to stomach aches, such as frayed nerves, anxiety and over excitability. Colic, gas pains, nausea and food allergies are also good candidates for these remedies. A study from Israel found that a chamomile, fennel and melissa herb tea with licorice helps stop crying and fussing in infants with colic. Researchers think that essential oils relieve muscle spasms caused when babies swallow air as they eat. 19th century parents gave colicky babies a gripe water of dill, fennel or anise, and East Indian and Lebanese mothers still use dill to ease colic. European carminative water contains fennel, chamomile, caraway, coriander and bitter orange peel, all known to kill bacteria and relieve flatulence.

A relaxing treatment for children before bedtime is a warm lavender and chamomile essential-oil bath. Most children love taking aromatherapy baths, particularly if they have their own personal blends and may want to get involved in choosing and blending scents. Popular fragrances include orange, grapefruit and tangerine-all anti-depressants and relaxants. A child suffering from a headache, sleeplessness or overexertion will find relief in a cool compress of lavender placed on the forehead. Other safe essential oils for children include mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine and petitgrain. Treat a fever, measles, chicken pox or mumps with a tea of yarrow, catnip, peppermint and elderflower; ginger with a touch of lemon juice is also effective. The soreness of mumps is relieved by syrups and gargles made from teas of thyme, rosemary or sage. Antiviral oils of melissa and bergamot have proven effective against the mumps and chicken-pox viruses. (If you use melissa, be sure it is the real thing and not citronella or lemongrass; these don't have the same healing properties.) Use these essential oils in a steam or make a tea from the herbs. For teething pain, 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.

These suggestions for your safety are not to be considered complete and all-inclusive.