Archive for April, 2009

Types of Aromatherapy Oils

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

There are myriad aromatherapy oils which will aid you to relax, rejuvenate, relieve pain or stress and benefit in many health factors. Aromatherapy essential oils are concentrated aromatic liquids extracted from a wide range of plants; each one has its capacity to mitigate your distress or fatigue or any other symptoms of lack of well being. Today the use of essentials oils have undergone scientific study and are utilized according to their chemical properties and classifications.

What are the types of aromatherapy oils? - They can be categorized as aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, ketones, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, esters, lactones, hydrosols, absolutes, infused oils, and carrier oils.

Aldehydes are helpful in fighting inflammation, viral infection and help in sleeping. Herbs including lemon balm, lemon grass, eucalyptus and citronella have characteristic lemony and sweet aroma. They are useful in lifting up of spirits and balance the physical and emotional aspects.

Essential oils are extracted from plants through steam distillation. It has therapeutic value. Some of the essential oils are harmful for aromatherapy such as bitter almond, mug worth, mustard, arnica, onion, pennyroyal rue, garlic, horseradish  and worm wood.

Alcohols are another type which is used in aromatherapy. They revitalize and ward off viral attack. Rose, rose wood, , myrtle, patchouli, ginger, peppermint and sandalwood are some the alcohols which are used. They help in releasing pent-up emotion, calm the nerves and have enlivening affect.

Phenols are useful in fighting bacteria, boost immune system and bring vigor to the person. Clove, cinnamon, thyme, cumin, and oregano are some of the phenols, which help to overcome fatigue, nervousness and aid creativity.

Ketones are first of several forms of aromatherapy chemical compounds used. They are helpful in healing wounds, aid new cell growth, destroys mucous, and are also used in nail polish. Herbs such as rosemary, eucalyptus, camphor and sage are effective in bringing psychic balance and peace to the anguished heart.

Terpenes such as black pepper, lemon grass and nutmeg encourage spiritual guidance, assist with anxiety and evoke joy and warmth in the heart.

Sesquiterpenes have qualities which inspire the body and, calm agitation and cheer up the spirits. Tansy, chamomile, and yarrow and immortal are examples.

Ethers are a main collection of aromatherapy compounds that calms the high strung nerves, and enhances clearing of toxins and are got from parsley , clove, sassafras and anise.

There are absolute essential oils which are more concentrated than essential oils are extracted through chemical expression. They can contain trace elements and can cause allergic reaction in some. They are highly concentrated and thick.

Apart from these there are hydrosols which are generally called floral water. They are mild and can be used when a mild form of essential oil is needed.  Organic hydrosols can be used as skin toners or perfume mists.

Infused oils are made by infusing the aroma and flavor of the herbs while heating them in carrier oils. They are good for aromatherapy can be made at home. They can be used for massages or be heated in an oil burner.

Carrier oils serve as a base and are usually low scented, like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil. It enhances the benefits of the essential oils without risking irritation. They form the base for face oils, massage oils o r aromatherapy perfume

Tea Tree Oil Uses

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Tea tree oil or melalecua oil is an essential oil with a camphor-like odor. It may be pale yellow or colorless. Tea tree has gained popularity in aromatherapy for its medicinal qualities and health benefits. It has been used by aboriginal people of Australia and has a long history of use in aromatherapy.

What is tea tree? - Its Latin name is Melalecua alternifolia and it is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales and Australia, although they are now propagated in California. The indigenous people of Australia use tea tree as traditional medicine by inhaling the oil from crushed leaves to treat cold and coughs. The active ingredients of tea tree oil are terpineol, cineol, pipene, terpinenes, and various alcohols. The common name, `tea tree’, was given by British explorers who used it to brew tea. However, this should not be confused with tea oil used in sweet seasoning and cooking.

What are the properties of tea tree oil? - Tea tree oil is essentially antifungal, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and bactericidal, along with a variety of qualities which make it an effective essential oil in aromatherapy. The properties include balsamic, cicatrisant, expectorant, immune- stimulant, and diaphoretic. It is considered to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide. It smells incredibly strong but can be combined with other essential oils to mask the odor. It is used chiefly for its medicinal properties.

What are the benefits of tea tree oil? - Tea tree oil is highly powerful against all three types of infectious organisms —bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It should be used only on the skin as it can be toxic to the liver if consumed. It can also be diluted to prevent sensitivity. It is a valuable immuno-stimulant. It can be used to treat glandular fever and for people who are slow to recover from illness.

You may use it to treat acne. You can mix 5% of tea tree oil with 95% aloe vera gel and apply for clear skin. You can use the same solution for rashes, bruises, burns, blisters, and to soothe bug bites. You may also try a tea tree oil bath. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your bath and you will find relief from skin infections, fungal diseases like ringworm, athlete’s foot and candida albicans.  It helps to strengthen the body’s ability to resist fungal infections. It can be used for shingles and chicken pox. Dab a single drop of tea tree oil on the affected area to reduce heat and pain.

You can use it to ward of cold and cough. It can be used in baths and in massages to build the strength prior to any operation or surgery. You may use inhalations in burners or vaporizers. You can mix it with protective creams for diaper rash.

Precautions. Tea tree oil should be used as per your skin type. If your skin is sensitive use it in diluted form.<

Aromatherapy for Hair Loss

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Every time you find a bunch of hair coming off in your brush while combing or find locks of hair dropping during the bath, you are saddened. You look for answers, but never find one which satisfies you and helps you regain your lost hair. Fret not, aromatherapy holds the answers to beautiful and lustrous hair.

It is normal for some hair to be shed each day, but if this hair loss is excessive, your hair can become thinner and sometimes cause baldness. It can happen to men, women, and children.

What are the causes of hair loss? - There are a number of factors that causes hair loss. It can occur due to stress, hormonal problems, medication, fungal infection in the scalp, and underlying diseases like lupus or diabetes. Women may lose hair three months after they have had a baby.  Improper care of the hair can also cause hair loss.

How can I recover my lost hair? - Aromatherapy offers the best of remedies for hair loss. The essential oils and aromatic products used in this natural therapy provide a valuable treatment for loss of hair.

Some of the beneficial essential oils for the hair loss are bay, cedar wood, grape fruit, jojoba oil, lavender, lemon, rosemary, and roman chamomile. You can add two drops of either of the oils to water or to a good vegetable oil like coconut or sweet almond oil. Massage the oils into your scalp, wrap your head with a warm towel and leave for two to three hours, or overnight. Wash off the oils with a mild shampoo so that you do not damage the sebum balance.

You can add six drops of bay and lavender essential oils to four ounces of carrier oils such as sesame, soybean, or almond oil. Massage this mixture on to your scalp for about 20 minutes.  Add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you use every day. Massaging your hair will help improve blood circulation and enable hair re-growth.

You can try a blend of the essential oils of thyme, Atlas cedar wood, lavender, and rosemary. Mix them well in a jar. Now to this mixture add half a teaspoon of jojoba oil and four teaspoons of grape seed oil and mix thoroughly. Massage this mixture onto your scalp for two minutes and wrap your head with a warm towel. Leave overnight and wash with a gentle shampoo in the morning. Following this procedure regularly for a period of four to seven months will help hair re- grow, and retard balding and midlife thinning of hair in men.

You can also try the essential oil of arnica, or calamus, which stimulates hair growth. Prime rose oil when applied on the scalp improves hair growth. The herb basil when used with fenugreek increases circulation and treats hair g

Aromatherapy for Insomnia Cure

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

If you are unable to fall asleep or have trouble staying asleep, you could be suffering from insomnia. You might even find it difficult to keep your eyes closed or rest your eyes for a few minutes. This sleeplessness can last from a few days to months on end. A persistent inability to sleep can lead to serious health complications. It will also adversely affect your professional, personal, and social life. Is there a cure? The answer may lie in aromatherapy.

What causes insomnia? - Insomnia can be caused by another underlying disorder, due to changes in sleep patterns or timings of sleep, severe depression, stress, or fatigue. It can make you feel exhausted and induce muscular weakness, hallucinations, or mental fatigue. Insomnia can also be caused due to psychoactive drugs, stimulants, certain medications, hormonal shifts, general anxiety disorder fears, work problems, the abuse of prescription sleeping aids, nightmares, sleep walking, or disruptive behavior while sleeping.

How can aromatherapy help? - There is a plethora of medications available for insomnia. You can find sedatives, sleeping pill, and other hypnotic drugs to cure the disorder. However, these sometimes come with their own set of undesirable side effects. Aromatherapy is one of the best natural cures for insomnia.

Aromatic plants and essential oils extracted from the plant parts offer the best remedy for insomnia. There are no side effects except sweet sleep and rest. You can have a relaxing bath with essentials oils of Roman chamomile and geranium before sleep. These oils help you to let go of your tensions and sleep better. You can add a few drops of chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, or majoram to your bath or sprinkle a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale.

Aromatherapy recipes for insomnia

  • Combine 10 drops of roman chamomile, with five drops of clary sage, and five drops of bergamot. Take two drops of this blend and soak a tissue or kerchief and place between your pillow and pillowcase. This works wonders as you become oblivious to the day’s cares and worries.
  • Mix two drops of jasmine with three drops of roman chamomile, four drops of lavender, and six drops of spikenard. Add this to a diffuser in your bedroom and enjoy the splendid aroma wafting through as it rocks you to sleep.
  • You can massage your body with a blend made of equal parts of neroli ol and sweet almond oil to facilitate sleep and pleasant dreams. You can also run a warm bath with 10 drops of patchouli, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang added to it.  Lemon balm is also very effective in fighting insomnia.

These natural aromatherapy essential oils are relaxing, soothing, antidepressant, and sedative. They calm nervous tension and anxiety. They are non-irritant and no-toxic. They are useful in combating shock, irritability, panic, headaches, spasms, depression, and other issues which cause inso