Archive for category Aromatherapy

Discovering The Proper Aromatherapy Oils to Meet Your Needs

Using essential oils in aromatherapy can be exceedingly beneficial for you, but if you don’t choose the right ones to use then the benefits would possibly not be so great. You have to choose your aromatherapy oils conscientiously. Not only do you need to contemplate the kind used, but you also need to think about the quality. The type of oil and the quality are essential to get the results that you want.

The quality of the oil is something to seriously think about when choosing your product. Better quality oils have multiple benefits. They have got a longer shelf life than lower quality oils. Poor quality can basically spoil swiftly. If you don’t use them then you lose them. If you buy top quality oils and you store them correctly they can last quite a long while. Fundamentally you get more for your money. Better quality oils also let you get more for your cash because you can use less of them to generate results. With lower quality oils you customarily have to use more to generate results because they’re often watered down or contain fillers that dilute them.

When choosing aromatherapy oils you also have to consider the basically smell. You can make your choice based primarily on the properties of the herb or based on the actually scent of the oil. A few people never look into or research the properties of an oil. They finish up just selecting the scents they like. That is fine and a perfectly good way to choose the oils that you are going to use. Scents can trigger a memory and a feeling for you and if that is what works then that is fine.

Knowing the properties of different common aromatherapy oils can help you to make your call on what oil or oils you may use. Some common oils include the following:

Basil- This oil can excite the mind and augment your mood.

Chamomile – This oil quietens and can help you to better control your emotions.

Cinnamon – This oil boost psychic abilities.

Eucalyptus – This is great for disposing of negative energy.Lavender – This oil has a calming oil that helps create balance.

Lemon – This oil contains antioxidant properties and can repel insects.

Orange – This oil boosts the mood.

Peppermint – This oil excites the mind and can balance your mood.

Marjoram – this oil can elevate the mood and help clear away depressing or gloom and also stimulates the psychic mind.

Jasmine – This oil acts as an aphrodisiac.Rose – This oil boosts creativity and can help sex drive.

When selecting aromatherapy oils you have got to also consider how you’ll be using the oils. Some oils may result in negative effects when employed in certain ways. For example, lemon cannot be used without delay on the skin because it may cause irritation. Inhalation of ylang-ylang for too long of a period can bring about negative effects. Pregnant women should not use basil or Cyprus. Epileptics must avoid fennel which can trigger episodes. This with raised blood pressure should avoid rosemary.

Making issues about all of the different properties of the oils you choose is highly important to guaranteeing you choose the right ones. You have to think about everything from alerts to the quality of the herb. When you make smart concerns about the aromatherapy oils that you use then you must end up with good results.

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6 Simple Aromatherapy Remedies For Common Ailments

Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, as natural remedies for our every day ailments. It is easy to use, generally inexpensive and does not have the side effects of over the counter medications. From headaches to acne, aromatherapy can offer most everyone a gentler alternative. This article will explore 6 common maladies and how aromatherapy can offer you some natural relief.

1. Headache

I think just about everyone has suffered from headaches at some point. Whether it’s the occasional annoyance or the ‘down for the count’ pain, headaches can definitely affect your mood and slow down your day. Instead of popping a pill, which may upset your stomach, thin your blood or be hard on your liver, why not give peppermint oil a try! Place a dab of peppermint oil on your temples, behind your ears and across your hair-line (along your forehead). Peppermint aromatherapy helps to relieve muscular tension as well as stress, and often times, that is the original cause of the headache. Or at least a strong contributing factor.

2. PMS

Having Pre Menstrual Syndrome is a great strain on both the physical body, as well as your emotional state. To help relieve the many symptoms that PMS encompasses, use a blend of lavender and bergamot oils. These two will help lessen cramping & ease the physical stress you are experiencing. Adding a few drops of either lemon or orange can really help with uplifting your mood too! You can combine these essential oils in a diffuser or mix them with a touch of olive oil or your favorite, unscented lotion, and apply them anywhere. I find that using this mixture on my lower abdomen really works for cramping.

3. Colds and Flu

Sinus pressure, congestion, upset stomach and pain are just a few of the symptoms that can drag us down during cold and flu season. Try taking a hot bath and adding eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and lavender to the water. Eucalyptus is an excellent decongestant and immune booster, peppermint helps with sinus pressure and soothing your tummy and lavender aids in relaxation and helping you to get restful sleep.

4. Athletes Foot

Athletes foot is a fungal infection that can be quite stubborn to get rid of. And once you’ve had it, it seems to just keep coming back! Many times, especially in the case of recurring infection, over the counter creams and sprays just don’t work. Try using tea tree oil or lavender oil mixed with a little olive oil and massage into the feet each night before bed. Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-fungal, lavender is a gentle skin healer and olive oil helps to moisturize dry, cracked feet. It is a great benefit to do this twice a day, so you may want to use the tea tree oil at night (as it has a strong antiseptic smell) and the lavender during the day.

5. Stress

I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have some kind of stress in their life. Work, family, money, health issues, the list goes on. How can you deal with that everywhere you go? Aromatherapy of course! I carry a small bottle of mixed essential oils with me to use when needed. Whenever I begin to feel a bit stressed out, I just pull it out of my purse or pocket and take a few, deep whiffs. There are some fantastic pre-made blends available but you can also make your own. If you find it too difficult to carry a bottle, you can use a cloth or handkerchief in your bag, briefcase or pocket. Place a few drops each of lavender oil and lemon or orange oil. Just pull out your hankie and breathe deep. Or you can also use peppermint or spearmint oil and lemon or orange. Each person is unique, so what smells best to you will be exactly what you need. Lavender is soothing and relaxing, the citrus family is uplifting to the spirit and the mint family helps to perk you up if you’re feeling low or depressed. Experiment to see what you like best.

6. Acne & Oily Skin

Oh those darn pimples. We all get them from time to time but those who have oily skin are especially prone to breakouts. Luckily, aromatherapies are a gentle way to treat the problem. Lavender oil is a natural anti-bacterial and will help to keep your skin clear. Lavender is also a skin healer, so it can help with repairing acne damaged skin. Lemon oil is a great wash for oily complexions and is also soothing. Blending some lemon oil or lavender oil in a spritzer bottle with water or witch hazel and misting your face morning and night, is a refreshing way to keep you skin healthy and acne free.

As you can probably see, aromatherapies have so many uses! Headaches, athletes foot, acne, the list goes on. With the ease of use and the natural health benefits, it’s no wonder they’re becoming the remedy of choice. I encourage you to explore the world of aromatherpies for yourself and feel the wonders of natural healing, first hand.

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Tips for Using Aromatherapy for Natural Stress Relief

Among the many natural stress remedies I recommend, aromatherapy has got to be one of the easiest and most pleasant to use. It’s all about using essential oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots and other plant parts for improved mental and physical health. These essential oils can be absorbed through the skin although I suggest inhaling their aromas to promote quick mood enhancement and natural stress relief.

Many studies have shown that aromatherapy may bring relief to those suffering from stress. Let me explain how in simple laymen terms. When you inhale essential oils, their scent links directly with the limbic system in the brain through the olfactory nerve. This triggers the production and release of neurotransmitters that relax the central nervous system and reduce stress.

Aromatherapy is a passive form of natural stress relief with few if any side effects. It’s convenient because you can reduce stress as you go by inhaling an aromatherapeutic scent while doing something else. It’s also complementary to other natural stress relievers like massage and meditation. Stress relief doesn’t get much easier than this! That’s why aromatherapy is one of my favorite stress remedies.

There are a wide number of essential oils available for effective stress management, each with its own therapeutic value. Here are some of the most popular:

Basil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for natural stress relief. It may help reduce mind fatigue and negative thoughts and improve concentration and enthusiasm levels.

Eucalyptus has a pleasant and soothing smell that’s a powerful stress fighter! It can counter lethargy, restlessness and confusion while increasing your energy, creativity and ability to think clearly.

Cinnamon Essential Oil comes from cinnamon tree bark. It may help with mental anxiety and enhance optimism.

Rosemary reduces mental or physical strain and is helpful for increasing productivity.

Lavender’s sweet floral scent invokes feelings of calmness when inhaled under stress. Add a few drops to a handkerchief that you can inhale a few times for instant stress relief. Lavender is also good for restoring balance, clearing the mind and general relaxation.

Cedarwood is good for chronic worriers. You may focus and concentrate better and be more productive.

Orange Essential Oil is very stimulating to the mind and is effective for anxiety, burnout and apathy.

Marjoram assists with anxiety and stress reduction and fights depression and fatigue.

In addition, the following list may help you select the best essential oils for you as stress remedies:

* For anxiety try Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Neroli, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Juniper, Neroli, Ylang Ylang
* For depression try Bergamot, Clary Save, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Vetiver
* For restlessness try Chamomile, Lemon, Marjoram, Rose, Sandalwood, Valerian, Vetiver, Valerian, Ylang ylang
* For nervous tension try Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Pettigraine, Ylang Ylan

Ideas for Using Aromatherapy

There are tons of ways to reap the natural stress relieving benefits of aromatherapy essential oils. Try these suggestions on for size:

* Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener
* Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in potpourri pot
* To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns
* Add a few drops of oil to your pillowcase before you sleep
* Use a nebulizer, diffuser or incense to unleash the stress relieving scents
* Inhale the scent directly from the bottle

Besides ease of use, essential oils and related aromatherapy products are widely available as remedies for stress. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive, easy and convenient stress remedy, aromatherapy and essential oils may be your ticket to a less stressful existence.

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