The Alternative Medicine Known as Aromatherapy
62The Alternative Medicine Known as Aromatherapy
There are many forms of alternative medicine one of which is aromatherapy. The practice is centered around volatile plant materials, known as essential oils as well as other aromatic compounds that are made from plants and used to have an impact on an individual's physical or psychological health.Essential oils are not the same as herbal preparations because oils are distilled from the plant elements of root, stem, leaves, and flower. The oils are rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, esters, aromatic compounds, non-terpene hydrocarbons, and other organic sulfides. There are many uses for essential oils including being used along with massage therapy, as a topical application and as a preparation to be inhaled in steam. There are many other ways to apply these essential oils including by aerial diffusion, and also oral, rectal and vaginal routes.Aromatherapy is practiced all over the world including China, France, Germany and the United States.There are many claims made by those using aromatherapy including that it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antispasmotic, and antioxidant properties. There are many uses for essential oil such as to lift someone in depression or to relieve headaches by using Basil or by using citronella or bergamot as a insect repellant. Clove oil has been used in dentistry as a topical analgesic and also as an antiseptic, and a antispasmodic. Many individuals swear by Eucalyptus oil when they have a cold or the flu. Lavender oil is often used as an antiseptic or to soothe the irritation from minor cuts and burns.Different parts of the plant is used in the essential oils for instance the fruit of the Hops plant is used and the flowers are used from Chamomile and Cannabis plants. The leaves are used in the Salvia, Lemon balm, Lavender, and also the Eucalyptus plants.Many individuals use aromatherapy as a holistic way of caring for their body. The oils can alleviate tension and ease fatigue while invigorating the body. If you are anxious, depressed or fatiqued using certain essential oils can help to relax you and when inhaled the oils are absorbed through the lungs and travel to the bloodstream where they can affect the brain and nervous system. Essential oils have not only therapeutic and psychological value but physical benefits too. It is being recognized today as one of the fastest growing fields of alternative medicine. Hospitals and clinics are now using aromatherapy to ease pain and to calm patients.Self-care products are also available for individuals to use. It is important to note though, that if you are using an essential oil for the first time that it is a real good idea to read all instructions and safety rules before using especially if you have any health concerns. When making your purchase of essential oils always be sure to buy from reputable companies that stand by their products and provide refunds. Check to be sure your product is pure and natural.Aromatherapy
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- Treating Minor Conditions At Home With Aromatherapy
Treating Minor Conditions At Home With Aromatherapy You can treat minor health conditions from home using aromatherapy after buying only a few supplies and a few essential oils. The products you will be making and using will be both pleasant to smell and therapeutic. It is important that before you make any aromatherapy product at home that you thoroughly understand the essential oil that you will be using and the safety guidelines for using the oil. Essential oils are safe to use in the home as long as you are using them in the manner intended, and that you are not taking it orally. As a general rule of thumb do not use aromatherapy products on women that are pregnant unless there is a doctor approval. Always cut the amount of essential oil in half when using it on children who are younger than twelve, or someone who is very ill, frail or elderly. Never stop taking prescription drugs in favor of using aromatherapy products without a doctorís knowledge. Not all illnesses can be treated with essential oils. Individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or multiple sclerosis are not currently able to be treated using aromatherapy because they require more therapy than can be offered by aromatic chemicals. Some of the symptoms of those disorders can however be treated to bring some measure of relief. Aromatherapy can treat circulation issues that result from diabetes and water retention issues that are a part of what happens with those who have chronic kidney disease. Individuals who are under stress will also benefit from aromatherapy. You can treat the following medical conditions successfully with aromatherapy: acne, asthma, bladder infections, burns, chest congestion, cuts, depression, dermatitis, dry skin, earache, eye strain, fatigue, athleteís foot, headache, herpes, hives, a weakened immune system, nausea, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, improve your memory, treat menopausal symptoms, muscle pain, nerve pain, poison ivy, PMS symptoms, sore throat, toothache, varicose veins, and warts. One of safest and most common ways to use essential oils is to use them in massage therapy. As with any home remedy, use good sense when it comes to illness or injuries and check with a doctor if you have any doubt as to the if the remedy you are using is appropriate. Anyone with a chronic or serious illness should seek proper and immediate medical care. There are excellent sources in your community and online where you can find recipes for home remedies using aromatherapy. Seek the counsel of a licensed practicing aromatherapist if you have any questions about how to use essential oils. When purchasing essential oils make sure they are pure and natural and unaltered and that you purchase them from a reputable company. Never apply essential oils directly on the skin without first diluting them with carrier oils.
- The Many Uses For Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
The Many Uses For Essential Oils in Aromatherapy Part of the reason that aromatherapy is so popular today is that there are so many different products made that are designed to benefit individuals both physically and psychologically including essential oils. There are many ways to use essential oils that can be both therapeutic and fun. When you use aromatherapy it can enhance your well-being on so many levels: your senses, your health, skin improvement, to relax, as a cleaner and also as medicinal purposes. Essential oils are used in every day life in most lifestyles because they are versatile, easy to use and can be fun as well as beneficial for your health. You can use certain essential oils in steam for inhalation purposes to help when you are suffering from a cold or influenza. Oils that are good for inhalation purposes are cajuput, cinnamon, eucalyptus, pine, and also rosemary. When inhaling steam you must remember to keep your face and nose approximately 12" away from the source of the steam. Use caution: if you notice any irritation or are uncomfortable, cease inhaling. Do not use the steam inhalation method constantly as irritation may result. You can also use oils that are of a relaxing or energizing nature. You can also use the steam inhalation method to freshen up any room in much the same way as you would to inhale it with using up to 10 drops of oil and then let the steam rise without inhaling it. You can also use an aromatherapy diffuser for the same result. To freshen your laundry, a household drain, your vacuum bag filter, trash can or even a drawer place a few drops of oil in and smell the freshness. Many essential oils can be used to repel insects such as mosquitoes. Oils used for this purpose are citronella, lavender and peppermint. Not all oils are safe to use around pets, so be sure to check oil instructions before use. Other oils may not be suitable for fragile surfaces so use caution. Oil is most thought of when people think of getting a massage. You can use up to 20 drops of an essential oil in one ounce of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. Be very careful to keep essential oils away from the genitals and the eye areas. Essential oils must never be applied unless they are diluted in carrier oil. Essential oils can also benefit you when used in your bath. You can place approximately 5 to 7 drops of essential oil into 1 oz. of carrier oil. When you are ready for your bath run the bath water, mix the essential/carrier oil mixture and then add it to the running bath water. Always read all instructions before using any essential oil. When used properly essential oils can be an important part of your aromatherapy experience.
- How to Buy and Store Essential Oil Safely
How to Buy and Store Essential Oil Safely When making a purchase of essential oils you will find that you will get the most for your money if you are careful to purchase from reputable companies who have a good history of dealing honestly with their customers and who have a reputation for selling pure, natural essential oils that have not been diluted, or otherwise altered. It is especially important when using the essential oils for health purposes that you buy only the pure, natural essential oils. Here are some tips for buying and storing your essential oils safely. Always ask the seller where they get the essential oils from (who is the supplier)? Never buy oil if you notice that it has been stored in plastic or clear containers. They should be sold and stored only in glass containers. The glass should be a dark glass because light can damage essential oils. When making your purchase make sure you are careful not to purchase synthetic essential oils these are not the same as pure and natural essential oils. They will tempt you because they are less expensive but are not the same quality. If you should use a synthetic essential oil you are more likely to experience headaches or allergic reactions. Essential oils should never be all one price. Each pure natural essential oil is priced based on the plant it comes from and how it distilled as well as how much of the plant is available. This is why some essential oils are more expensive than others. Ask for references or testimonials when checking out a company to purchase your essential oil from. Many online companies offer testimonials right on the Website. Check with the better business bureau (BBB) for the state that they are located in if they are a company residing in the U.S. On the BBB you can check for reports of customer dissatisfaction and dispute resolution. It is important not to transfer your oil to a container other than glass. If you put essential oil into a plastic container some essential oils can actually dissolve plastic. If you try to store some essential oils in plastic container even for just a temporary time period you may find that the oil has dissolved the plastic, contaminating the oil. If you try to store the essential oil in a bottle with a dropper you may find that you have a plastic melted mess on your hands. You can store your essential oil for several years if properly stored. Refrigerate citrus oils such as lemon and orange oils because they are vulnerable to losing their smell if not refrigerated. Scents such as benzoin, clary sage, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver actually get better with age and can help to fix the scent of other aromas that are combined with them. These essential oils can become more valuable with age.
The History in Brief for Those Interested in Aromatherapy
The History in Brief for Those Interested in Aromatherapy
Most individuals who are interested in aromatherapy are aware that it is a practice where plant oils are used to make a person physically or psychologically feel better. The term aromatherapy did not describe the use of volatile plant oils until approximately the 20th century. The history of the use of essential oils in aromatherapy is varied and interesting.The practice of using the oils dates back though to almost 1,000 years. The people of China were among the first to understand the use of aromatic plants as they made use of burning incense in order to create harmony and balance. The Egyptians then invented a rude distillation machine that could extract cedarwood oil. History is clear on the fact, that the Egyptians used cedarwood oil, clove oil, oil of cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh to embalm their dead. The Egyptians used both distilled and infused oils. Much like today, the Egyptians used oils for herbal preparations to be used in spiritual ceremonies, for medicinal purposes, and for fragrance and beauty.History mentions the use of essential oils by the Greeks and in particular by Hippocrates, who was commonly called the "father of medicine" who used both aromatic and medicinal plant oils. The Romans too the knowledge gained by the Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks and recorded the 500 or so plants; or specifically Discorides, a Roman, wrote a book, titled: De Materia Medica. In the book the properties of 500 or so plants were described in detail.Advances were made in distilling the oils in the 12 century in Germany when lavender was distilled for its medicinal purposes. Followed by the pharmaceutical industry being born in the 13th century. During the 15th century there grew a larger base of knowledge about the use of plants for essential oils and more plants were distilled to create new oils such as the frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and also rosemary. The actual term, "essence" came from an alchemist named, Paracelcus. It wasn't until the 16th century that individuals could buy essential oils and they were termed as being an "apothecary". Later in the 20th century the use of essential oils began to be recognized for its medicinal use by a French chemist, RenÈ-Maurice GattefossÈ. He was later credited with coming up with the term, "aromatherapy" as he wrote an article titled: AromathÈrapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones vÈgÈtales. Much later the English version came into existance and it is still in print today. The English version is titled: GatefossÈs Aromatherapy.Advances continued to be made in aromatherapy in the 20th century by other well-known aromatherapists including Jean Valnet, Madam Marquerite Maury, and also Robert B. Tisserand. Other popular books were written on Aromatherapy including, The Practice of Aromatherapy, and The Art of Aromatherapy, which was the first book on the subject to be printed in the English language.Aromatherapy?
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Comments
Nice hub:)I love aromatherapie, but some oils are so damn exspensive:)










qlcoach says:
15 months ago
I agree with this Hub. Wonderful aromas can lift us up. For me, I like the sweet smell of early night after a beautiful sunset. Thanks for sharing this Hub. Please check out my new hub, Faith, Hope, Light. Gary Eby, author and therapist.