Aromatherapy Health Benefits

A form of alternative medicine that incorporates the use of essential oils to help stabilize mood and improve health is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy as a scientific approach to medicine and even requires a prescription for use in some countries.

Volatile plant materials are used when forming essential oils and are not be confused as an herbal product. Essential oils work on the limbic system of the brain when inhaled and activate thermal receptors. They also help kill fungi and other microbes when rubbed into the skin by massage.

Therapeutic essential oils can be found at local pharmacies. These are the small bottles of various oils found on display at the pharmacy counter. Citronella is one oil that is commonly found and is used to repel insects

If you have ever seen the little displays of oils at your local pharmacy counter, these were probably Therapeutic essential oils can be found at local pharmacies. One common oil is citronella, which is used to repel insects. It is often sold in the form of a candle with a fragrance to ward off flying pests.

Many oils are considered to have aphrodisiac properties, and when combined with a nice, sensual massage they can spice up a romantic evening. These oils include: ylang-ylang, sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and yarrow are oils used for colds and flu. Yarrow also helps reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

Clove oil is a topical analgesic used in many dental offices around the world. It is an oily, tasty substance used on the gums to reduce pain during dental procedures. Some other uses for clove oil include: as an antiemetic (to prevent vomiting), antiseptic, and an antispasmodic. 

In Japan lemon oil has been found to be effective when tested on laboratory mice for stress reduction. Lavender is also used for stress reduction, as an antiseptic, and an insomniac agent. Lavender is also effective in treating minor cuts, burns, and relieving migraines.

Basil can help reduce migraines, sharpen concentration, and lessen some symptoms of depression. Many essential oils are used for their topical properties. These properties include: as an antimicrobial agent, antiseptic, antibacterial, or antifungal agent. Tea tree oil is one such versatile oil.

Black pepper is not just used to spice up food, it can help stimulate circulation as well as reduce muscle aches and pains. When rubbed directly on a bruise it promotes faster healing and fading of the discolored area. Bergamot has many useful properties and can be found in Earl Grey Tea. It can also be used for the following: as insect repellent, on cold sores, for chicken pox, and as a treatment for some skin disorders.

Essential oils have many useful healing properties, and can be purchased at reasonable prices. They can be well worth their cost if they can help cure (or at least alleviate) the symptoms they are known to be useful for.