Archive for February, 2011

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Aromatherapy Bath | Aromatherapy Benefits

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

The fast life of today’s modern world is resulting in several stress-related disorders. One way to combat this stress is to indulge in aromatherapy baths. You are advised to pour a few drops of an essential oil in the bath tub and soak in it and bathe for some time. In an aroma bath, the idea is to relax and soothe the nerves. Mental stress and strain leads to hypertension, fatigue, irritability, diabetes, loss of memory, and loss of concentration and so aroma baths are effective in keeping the mind and body healthy.

Aromatherapy has emerged as a great alternative therapy for curing various ailments over the recent years. In order to overcome some of the stress-related conditions, one of the best solutions provided by aromatherapy is an aromatherapy bath. An aromatherapy bath is also referred to as aroma bath. Further, in such baths, aromatherapy oils that have a soothing and calming effect on the nerves are used. The advantages of an aromatherapy bath are as follows:

  • An aroma bath relaxes the mind as well as the body.
  • An aromatherapy bath helps in keeping the skin healthy and young.
  • While taking an aroma bath, you inhale the vapors of the essential oil you are using. Since essential oils have some great medicinal properties, these vapors cure you of many other ailments such as those related to the respiratory system. They also help in making your immune system stronger.
  • Aroma baths help in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections of the skin.
  • Aroma baths greatly help in relieving muscular pains and cramps.
  • Aromatherapy baths help in the treatment of depression and anxiety, making you agile, alert, and happy.

However, you need to keep in mind certain points while going for an aromatherapy bath:

  • Check the temperature of the bath water by immersing your hand into it. It should be warm enough to suit you.
  • Since all the essential oils are very volatile, make sure that you pour the oil in your bath tub just before entering into it.
  • In order to make optimum use of the vapors of the oil, do not forget to draw the curtains near your bath tub. It will enable you to inhale most of the essential oil vapors.
  • Use the essential oil as advised by your aroma therapist or the one that suits you most.
  • You can find aromatherapy bath and body works in stores as also online. However, it is important to always consult a professional aroma therapist before using any oil. Also, keep in mind that to keep yourself healthy and mentally fit, regular work outs and a balanced diet are also very necessary.

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Aromatherapy as Natural Anti Inflammatory

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Aromatherapy has gained tremendous popularity worldwide during the recent years. Today, aromatherapy is widely used as an alternative therapy for the treatment of several common as well as chronic ailments in a natural manner. Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are extracted from plants and herbs with medicinal value. For relieving muscular pains, arthritic pains and even gout pains, aromatherapy usage is recommended.

You may suffer from pain and inflammation of muscles due to several reasons such as an injury, muscular cramps from work outs, overwork, or while playing sports. There are several wonderful essential oils that are used in aromatherapy as anti-inflammatory agents and are potent pain relievers. For relieving pain and inflammation, aromatherapy specialists may use essential oils for topical application or internal usage, depending upon the type of inflammatory disease and the corresponding essential oil. For this, the natural anti-inflammatory essential oil is first diluted with some carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil before application on the body. This is essential as most essential oils are very strong in nature and may cause irritation on the skin. Some of the most commonly used natural anti-inflammatory essential oils are as follows.

  • Lemon grass essential oil: One of the most effective anti-inflammatory oils to cure inflammatory afflictions is lemon grass oil. It is a fresh smelling oil, extracted from the leaves of a perennial aromatic grass by the process of steam distillation.
  • Eucalyptus essential oil: Another essential oil that can be used to cure inflammatory diseases is eucalyptus oil. It is obtained by the distillation of the leaves of the eucalyptus plant, which is extensively cultivated in Asia and Europe.
  • Ginger essential oil: Ginger essential oil is a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent on account of the presence of a substance called zingibian. It reduces pain in the muscles and other inflammatory conditions such as headaches, arthritis, rheumatism, and migraines, among others.
  • Cinnamon essential oil: Cinnamon oil is of immense medicinal usage, including its ability to cure inflammatory diseases, especially those that affect the digestive system.

Other aromatherapy oils that can be used to cure inflammatory diseases are citronella essential oil and clove essential oil. An integrated treatment to relieve inflammatory diseases is to couple the usage of aromatherapy oils with anti-inflammatory diet. An anti-inflammatory diet must include a lot of fruits and vegetables. It proposes restrictions on the intake of refined carbohydrates and undesired fats and advocates the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, nuts, seeds, ginger and certain spices.

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Aromatherapy Recipes | Essential Oils Recipes

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular today as a natural healing technique. It makes use of essential oils which are derived from plants and trees. These oils have unique therapeutic properties which help in treating a variety of illnesses and health conditions. Initially, people had to visit spas and aromatherapists for such treatment. However, today many people practice it in the comforts of their homes. Aromatherapy oils are easily available and there are many simple aromatherapy recipes which can be used. An aromatherapy recipe is easy to follow and products can thus be made and used effectively at home.

An aromatherapy recipe basically involves the use of a blend of essential oils in correct amounts. The product arising out of this aromatherapy recipe can then be used in various ways such as inhalation, bathing, or massage. Aromatherapy is known to be highly beneficial in reducing stress. One of the most popular and easy aromatherapy recipes for stress, anxiety and sleeping problems involves the use of mint, clary sage and eucalyptus essential oils. Take three drops of eucalyptus oil, two drops of mint oil and three drops of clary sage essential oil. Alternatively, you can also use two drops each of orange, Melissa, geranium and bergamot essential oils. These infusions may be added to warm bath water for a relaxing and soothing effect. Each of the oils may be added to warm water and mixed well. Soak in the water for about an hour. To relive pain and tension in the feet add two drops each of tea tree and bay leaf oil and four drops of ginger oil to a tub of warm water and mix well. Soak the feet in this for about 15 minutes. You can then follow it up with a foot massage using lavender oil. Another effective essential oil recipe for a foot soak is a blend of three drops each of marjoram, lavender and tangerine oil and one drop of chamomile oil.

Essential oils recipes also work well for a relaxing head massage. Combine six drops each of lavender, eucalyptus and lemon oils, three drops of lemon oil and about 60 milliliter of grape seed oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp, forehead and hair and massage using circular motions of the fingertips. Allow the oils to stay on for the night and wash with a mild shampoo the next morning. Aromatherapy can also be used for acne treatment. Take two drops of bergamot oil, one drop of geranium oil, seven drops of tea tree oil and some jojoba oil. Mix well and apply to the acne-affected areas.

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Aromatherapy at Home | Aromatherapy Healing

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Aromatherapy is an alternative healing technique which involves the use of plant and tree oils to bring about mental and physical health. It is essentially a treatment method which relies on the healing properties of certain scents. An aromatherapist is one who is trained in this discipline. One can also practice aromatherapy at home in a number of ways.

The oils used in aromatherapy are derived from the roots, leaves, bark, flowers, seeds and fruits of various plants and trees. These are known as essential oil and are highly concentrated in nature. They can also be dissolved in alcohol. Many essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and rose are commonly used for various health purposes. Each essential oil has its own healing properties and most of these oils can also be combined with each other. This helps to increase the effect of the original oils and also adds to the healing properties. Essential oils, due to their concentration, are used in combination with carrier oils. The carrier oil helps to dilute essential oils to make it safe for use on the skin. Some popularly used carrier oils include jojoba, grape seed and olive oil. Aromatherapy healing can be done by adding just one or two drops of essential oil to suitable carrier oil. Perfumed or synthetic oils must not be used with essential oils as they have no beneficial properties. Some essential oils can also be used directly on the skin. Aromatherapy treatment works by stimulating the sense of smell and also through penetration of the oils into the skin.

Aromatherapy uses are many and a large number of people use it regularly to treat various illnesses or health problems. Some conditions that are known to benefit from use of aromatherapy include stress, arthritis, insomnia, anxiety, depression, pre-menstrual symptoms, headache, migraine, colds, fever, digestive trouble, skin ailments, insect bites and minor burns. There are many ways to practice aromatherapy at home. Stress and respiratory problems can be alleviated by adding a drop of the essential oil on a handkerchief and inhaling it. Massages with essential oils are known to be highly beneficial in relieving stress and muscle tension. One can also add a couple of drops of essential oil to warm bath water. Headaches, swellings and sprains can be treated by adding essential oil to a cold compress and placing it over the affected area. Essential oils can also be used in diffusers.

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