Aromatherapy and Health Benefits - The Natural Healing Power

Aromatherapy is a complimentary therapy that helps to restore the body and mind to a balanced, healthy state, using healing essences extracted from plants, shrubs and trees.

In aromatherapy these essences are usually applied to the body by way of a gentle massage, although they can be used effectively in many other ways. Apart from their healing powers, these aromatherapy plant essences exude powerful scents which have an effect on the memory and sensory nerves. As a result, aromatherapy treats the whole person, both mind and body. It is a very helpful way of treating the stress-related problems that many of us seem to suffer now that our lives have become so pressured.

Health benefits of aromatherapy -

Aromatherapy helps us to keep healthy by improving the circulation, soothing the nervous system, reducing waste products and lessening the effects of stress. It can to help chronic conditions such as migraine, eczema, rheumatism and sinus problems, offering more relief to some sufferers than others. Obviously, there are acute conditions which you wouldn't treat with aromatherapy, such as heart attacks and appendicitis.

Aromatherapy oils which are safe to use if used with care are - benzoin, bergamot, black peeper, clary sage, camomile, sweet funnel, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, ginger, marjoram, geranium, eucalyptus, grapefruit, tea tree, lemongrass.

Aromatherapy oils in various home remedies -

1. For cellulite - Make a blend a four drops of juniper, four drops of fennel and four drops of lemon oils in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Massage this into the cellulite affected areas daily after your bath, when the skin is warm and receptive.

2. For sunstroke - Add four drops of juniper, four drops of fennel and four drops of peppermint oil to a cool bath. Soak for 15 minutes. Then, rub a little neat lavender oil into your temples at regular intervals. The bath will help to reduce your temperature and the lavender oil helps your headache.

3. Dry or cracked lips  Make up a carrier oil of 2 fl oz (50 ml) apricot kernel oil and 2 fl oz (50 ml) of avocado oil. Add six drops of sandalwood and six drops of rose oil. Rub this to the lips, repeating the application regularly.

4. For sunburn - if the sunburned area is small, apply the lavender oil and repeat as necessary. If the area is large, add twenty drops of lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for 10-20 minutes. You can make a soothing spray by adding 10 drops of lavender oil to 1 pint (300 ml) of cool, clean water.

5. Small cuts - Apply lavender or tea tree oil to the cut. These are both antiseptic and don't sting.

How to Use Aromatherapy at Home?

Regular use of aromatherapy is a gentle and effective way of maintaining good health. You can help your body to function more efficiently, and alleviate the effects of stress and tension, by using aromatherapy in a number of different ways.

1. Massage - This is the most relaxing and therapeutic way of using aromatherapy at home. Essential oils are blended and then worked into the body using massage techniques that stimulate the whole system while improving the circulation and relaxing the nervous system.

2. Bathing - An aromatherapy bath is also a pleasant way to round off a tiring, stressful day. When essential oils are added to water they stimulate the skin and have a muscle relaxing effect. Aromatherapy baths are extremely beneficial in nervous tension, headache, fatigue, cold and flu, menstrual pains, muscular aches and pains.

3. Steaming and inhalation - Steaming with essential oils can be used to deep cleanse and moisten the face, helping to maintain a healthy, supple skin. The oils can also be inhaled from a handkerchief or tissue; very useful for carrying around to relieve a cold or headache. You can also try a few drops on your pillow to allow you a decent night sleep.

4. Compresses - Aromatherapy compresses can be helpful in the treatment of bruises, irritated skin conditions, muscular aches and pains. Usually you would soak the compress in approximately 300 ml of water to which 10 drops of essential oil have been added. Occasionally neat oil on a small compress can be very effective, especially for abscesses and bruises.

5. Surround yourself with scent - Essential oil burners allow you to perfume a room and improve your wellbeing at the same time. Depending on the oil you choose you can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere or a refreshing, zesty, uplifting one.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

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