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Aromatherapy
All about Aromatherapy, complementary therapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to relieve stress in the mind and body.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the mind, body and spirit.
How can Aromatherapy help me?
Aromatherapy works though the sense of smell and skin absorption to improve energy and focus and calm stress and anxiety.
What do I need for Aromatherapy?
Essential oils can be purchased from holistic shops, health food stores and online retailers. Make sure that they are 100% natural. You can get the same benefit by using lotions and creams. Depending on how you use them you may need other equipment such as diffusers, steamers or spritzers.
How do I use my essential oils?
Diffusers
Diffusers can fill a room with a particular sent or cleanse the air. Water is added to the diffuser along with a few drops of your essential oil. This then slowly releases vapours into the air.
Aromatic Spritzers
These are small spray bottles with an essential oil and water mix which you can spray on your pillow, clothes or onto your body.
Inhalers
Aroma inhalers are great to carry around with you if you suddenly have symptoms. Around the size of a lip balm stick, it contains a refillable cotton stick that you add a few drops of essential oil to. ItÔÇÖs best to have a stick for each essential oil you use so that they donÔÇÖt mix.
Facial Steamers
These are devices where you place your face over it so that you get the benefit of essential oil through steam. You can purchase these devices or you can simply use a bowl of hot water with a few drops of oil. Make sure you place a large towel over your head and bowl so that the steam doesnÔÇÖt escape.
Hot & Cold Compresses
Placing a hot or cold compress, depending on your condition, can be beneficial in treating aches, pains, sprains and bruises. Soak a clean cloth in a bowl of hot or cold water with a few drops of essential oils. Rinse and cover the affected area. Cover with cling film to keep the vapours from escaping.
Other methods for using essential oils include using bath salts, lotions and creams that contain natural ingredients.
What are the most popular essential oils?
The following is a list of the most popular aromatherapy oils with some of the conditions they benefit.
| Bergamot | anorexia, anxiety, depression, eczema, stress |
| Cedarwood* | anxiety, respiratory problems, skin issues, urinary tract infections |
| Chamomile* | acne, depression, digestive inflamation, inflammation, urinary tract infections |
| Clary Sage | anxiety, depression, menopause, menstrual cramps |
| Eucalyptus* | asthma, coughs, diabetes, fever, joint pain, migranies, sinusitis |
| Jasmine* | additction, depression, respiratory problems, tensio, stress |
| Lavendar | colds, flu, stress |
| Lemon | acne, arthritis, concentration, fever, headaches, |
| Lemongrass | anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, diarrhoea, digestive problems, headaches, high cholesterol, inflammation, nausea, stress, migraines |
| Marjoram* | anxiety, asthma, constipation, cramps, depression, digestion, fatigue, headaches, hyperactivity, sinusities, tension |
| Patchouli | anxiety, bloating, depression, fatigue, |
| Peppermint* | congestion, digestion, energy, focus, irritation |
| Rose* | anxiety, depression, digestion |
| Rosemary* | arthritis, congestion, dandruff, digestion, hair loss, headaches, itchy scalp, memory, migraines, muscle ache, sinsitis, |
| Sandalwood | anti-inflammatory, chest pain, tension, |
| Tea Tree | acne, athlete’s foot, cold sores, dandruff, nail fungus, psoriasis, skin inflammation |
| Ylang Ylang | hair growth, headaches, high blood pressure, nausea, skin conditions, stress |
NOTE:
- *These essential oils are not to be used if you are pregnant. Always check oils are suitable before use.
- Never use them undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes.
- Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Do not apply to or near the face of infants or children.
- Do not use internally, unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
Do essential oils expire?
Once the oil bottle has been opened, it comes in contact with the air which will slowly affect the oil. However, it is still useable for up to 3-4 years. Oils made from fruits such as lemon & orange will last only 1-2 years. Oils don’t come with an expiration date so when you purchase your oils its best to make a note on the bottle of the date it was opened. Make sure you put the lids back on tightly as soon as you use them, this will help prolong the use. You can tell if your essential oil is out of date by the smell changing or the colour of the oil.