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AromatherapyAromatherapy is a therapy using aromatic oils which have been distilled, extracted or expressed from flowers, leaves, berries, seeds, or tree bark. It is the oils that give plants their aroma. These delicate oils contain natural chemicals (medicine) which are known to have many properties including:
As an aromatherapist I am able to decide which oils are best suited to the client. After carefully selecting my choice of 3-4 oils, a carrier or base oil is chosen for your skin type. Carrier oils are necessary to transport the aromatic oils into the bloodstream via the skin. These carriers which also moisturise the skin include the most commonly used grapeseed, sweet almond, calendula, evening primrose or hypericum. The most common use of aromatherapy is massage to promote relaxation but its uses are many and include inhalation, bathing, compression and being added to body creams and lotions. Many perfumes and aftershaves contain “natural” aromatic oils to promote a sense of well being. Aromatherapy is suitable for men, women, children & pets.
Aromatherapy in the homeWe buy flowers for people who are sick to make them feel better and to our loved ones to express love. It is the fragrant aromas that promote a sense of well being. The term Aromatherapy is used everywhere for promoting air fresheners, soap powders, bath, shampoo and shower products for this reason. Nature is filled with colour and smells. Since birth we have absorbed all the beauty of nature and taken it for granted. Lilly of the valley reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother grew it in her garden and it brings back lots of happy memories. Lavender has always been a popular herb to grow and was used throughout the middle ages to kill disease just by waving bundles of it in the air. The flower heads were dried and used to keep moths away in linen cupboards and now today lavender is widely used to make herbal cushions designed to promote relaxation. My suggestions for a healthy lifestyle include having an aromatherapy first aid box. Check my product page for prices. Always buy products from reputable sources and make sure that essential oil aromatherapy bottle labelling also includes its latin name. If you are pregnant or suffer any major health problems I suggest you seek professional advice first. Example: Lavendar – lavandula augustifolia I suggest having 10 ml bottles of the following essential oils; *Lavender- good all rounder including being excellent for sunburn, cuts, stings, bites and headaches. Can be used neat. *Tea Tree- kills germs, great for cold and flu symptoms. cleaning worktops, cuts and grazes, fleas and head lice. Can be used neat. Lemon- Cleanses, deodorises good to use with tea tree for colds and flu. Peppermint- Use with caution! For topical application mix 2 drops only with 5ml sunflower or olive oil. For migraines apply the above mix at the back of the neck and temples. Place around ants’ nests to keep them away. Rosemary- Add 3 drops to 5ml sunflower or olive oil to bring relief to arthritic conditions or muscular complaints. People with alopecia benefit from a couple of drops added to shampoo to stimulate the scalp encouraging hair growth.
Methods of use *Lavender and* tea tree are the only ones I recommend to be used neat on the skin in emergencies. Essential oils are synergistic so all blend well together. Below are some ideas on usage: 5-7 drops added to an already run warm bath.- 3 drops lavender, 3 drops rosemary, 1 drop lemon . Good for relaxation mentally and physically. 3 drops of tea tree, 3 drops of lemon, 1 drop of peppermint. for cold and flu symptoms. 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of lemon, 1 drop of peppermint, for painful joints.
Inhalation 2 drops of lemon or tea tree on a tissue for cold, sore throat or flu symptoms. 2 drops of lavender on a tissue or placed on the pillow for sleeping (too much will have the opposite effect and wake you up!!). 2 drops of peppermint on a tissue for headache. 2 drops rosemary on a tissue for concentration (exams etc).
Massage Use olive oil, sunflower oil or grapeseed (whatever cold pressed oils you have in the cupboard). 20ml (4 teaspoons) selected cold pressed oil. 7 drops essential oils. You could use the same combinations of oils as for bathing. 20 ml should do an average full body treatment. If you are just doing a back use half the quantities. The above recommendations are for adults only and if you do suffer with any major illnesses I suggest you seek professional advice first. If you wish to receive advice regarding babies or children or have a problem you would like to share with me please email me sharon@solholistic.com |
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