Aromatherapy has been around and has been practiced in one form or another for thousands of years. It is the art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to promote the health of body, mind and spirit. In addition to the physical benefits, essential oils can have subtle effects on the mind and emotions. The essential oils taken from flowers, herbs, spices woods and fibers and used in Aromatherapy have been described as their "life force"- they are essential to the plants' biological process, as well as being the substances which gives them their scent. Synthetic oils, even if chemically similar, are not identical to pure essential oil extracts. They will lack natural trace elements that make essential oils so powerful.
As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach and an active treatment. It is a natural, non-invasive treatment system designed to effect the whole person not just the symptom or disease. Aromatherapy works by assisting the body's natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself.
Some common aromatherapy oils and their benefits:
Chamomile the essential oil from the chamomile flower has been described as fresh, grassy, warm, woody, sweet, floral, tea-like, peaches and prunes. Chamomile has a complex scent that is all of the above. Used in aromatherapy for its calming, sedative and rejuvenating affect.
EucalyptusHelpful in treating respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. Also helps to boost the immune system, and relieve muscle tension.
Ylang YlangHelps one to relax, and can reduce muscle tension. Good antidepressant.
GeraniumHelps to balance hormones in women, good for balancing the skin. Can be both relaxing and uplifting, as well as antidepressant.
Peppermint:
Useful in treating headaches, muscle aches, digestive disorders such as slow digestion, indigestion, and flatulence.
LavenderRelaxing, and also useful in treating wounds, burns, and skin care.
Lemon/CitrusUplifting, yet relaxing. Helpful in treating wounds, infections and house cleaning and deodorizing.
Sage
Natural pain killer, helpful in treating muscular aches and pains. Very relaxing, and can help with insomnia. Also very helpful in balancing hormones.
Tea TreeA natural anti fungal oil, good for treating all sorts of fungal infections including vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athletes foot, and ringworm. Also helps to boost the immune system.
Chamomile the essential oil from the chamomile flower has been described as fresh, grassy, warm, woody, sweet, floral, tea-like, peaches and prunes. It is a complex scent that is all of the above. Used in aromatherapy for its calming, sedative and rejuvenating affect. Relaxing, and can help with sleeplessness and anxiety. Also good for muscle aches and tension. Useful in treating wounds and infection.
RosemaryStimulating and uplifting, good to help mental stimulation as well as to stimulate the immune system. Very good for muscle aches and tension.
Essential Oils, Botanicals/Herbs Groupings: (A brief summary of some of the benefits.) - Relaxing/Calming
- Lavender (healing properties), Geranium (good for dry, oily &problem skin), Rose Hips, Chamomile (also helps relieve headaches, aids insomnia), Rosewood
- Energizing
- Rosemary, Peppermint, Lemon
- Stimulating/Uplifting
- Orange, Rosemary, Lemon, Sage, Tangerine, Ylang-Ylang
- Antiseptic
- Tea Tree (good for acne), Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender
- Soothing
- Sage (antiseptic, astringent, healing properties), Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile
Scent Groups: - Citrus
- Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime, Tangerine
- Herbal
- Rosemary, Sage, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Rosewood (smells like cedarwood with a touch of rose)
- Floral
- Rose, Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine
- Earthy
- Patchouli (earthy with a light floral scent)
- Rich & Spicy
