Posts Tagged ‘Aromatherapy Oils’

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Aromatherapy Tips for Beginners

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Aromatherapy is a practice of using unstable plant liquids like essential oils and various aromatic compounds, which have a constructive affect on physical and mental health. The major components of aromatherapy are as follows:

  • Herbal concentrates: Herbal concentrates refer to by-products of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oils. Herbal concentrates are commonly used for skin care.
  • Essential Oils: Essential oils are non greasy oils, extracted from plants and herbs which may be used for blemishes and scares, smoothing age marks, toning, and spot treatment of acne and wrinkles, thereby giving you flawless skin tone and texture.
  • Infusion: Infusion refers to the aqueous extract of plant material.
  • Carrier oils: These are plant based triglycerides which are oily in nature. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils for usage of the latter on skin.

If you are using essential aromatherapy for the first time, you need to be cautious and check whether you are allergic to the various components of aromatherapy like essential oils. You may take a drop of essential oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the inside of your wrists or to the inner elbow. Then cover the tested area with a bandage for twenty four hours. If there is no redness or itching, it is absolutely safe for you to use aromatherapy.

While you buy essential oils for the first time, you must take several factors into consideration so as to choose the right essential oils. You must base your choice of essential oils on factors like your preferred fragrances and the desired effect from usage of essential oils. Also, there are certain essential oils that are not suitable for people of particular ages or people suffering with certain ailments. As such, you must be careful in your choice of essential oils.

You must also be careful in the usage and dosage of essential oils. If you are using essential oils in a bath, the dosage would be ten drops of essential oils in twenty drops of soap solution. On the other hand, if you want to use essential oils for facial massage, you should use two drops of oil diluted in the appropriate carrier oil.

You must also develop a knack to judge the purity of essential oils. There are certain products that may contain essential oil but may not be purely essential oils.

You may consult an aromatherapist to help you in choosing the essential oils and also guiding you in estimating the

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Aromatherapy Oil - Sage Essential Oil

Friday, June 26th, 2009

The actual name of sage is Clary Sage and since the medieval times, this herb has been one of the most used tonics for many ailments. Popularly known as a sure shot remedy for digestive disorders, there was a time when sage was used to clean eyes by taking out the mucous from them. Sage is picked from hotter climates to make for great smelling essential oils. The hotter the climate, the more aroma it gives out. It is mainly found in southern Europe.

Uses of Sage Essential Oil

  • Sage has been commonly used to treat various digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, kidney ailments and was used as a tonic for the upkeep and general good health of the nerves.
  • Scientifically known as ‘salvia officinalis’, sage literally means ‘to heal’. Considered sacred by the Romans, this herb was used liberally in cooking and was also taken in as a medicine. There was also a time in history when women were claimed to be heretics and witches because they saw the medicinal properties of the herb and used it to numb the pain during child birth. It has since been used as a traditional medicine in many parts of the world.
  • In many parts of the world, sage was considered to be a very potent aphrodisiac. It was also considered a means to increase life span. The herb is perennial and grows at high altitudes. It has deep blue colored flowers which contain high amounts of esters and ketones. Today it has been realized that sage oil should not be used in pregnancy because it is toxic and could cause an abortion by over stimulating the uterine muscles.
  • Today too, sage oil retains its reputation as a cure for digestive ailments. It is still considered one of the better natural aphrodisiacs and is also used as a sedative and a deodorant. Vapors of sage oil have been associated with feelings of euphoria and therefore it is also considered to be a great stress reliever.
  • Sage essential oil is a great remedy for pre menstrual syndrome, varicose veins, fatigue and problems related to menstruation and menstrual flow. Women going through menopause also find sage oil beneficial.
  • Sage has many analgesic properties and is an anti viral diuretic. It is also anti bacterial, anti viral and fungicidal.
  • Sage essential oil is prescribed for infertility, anxiety, herpes, thrush, angina, stress, and nervous debility. It also produces natural anti-oxidants and therefore helps prevent cancer.

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Aromatherapy Oil - Lemongrass Essential Oil

Friday, June 26th, 2009

A grass found in tropical regions, lemon grass is a plant that gives out a citrus smell and hence takes its current name. This is a perennial grass that has long shoots and tufted roots. The blades may go up to a height of ninety centimeters. The grass smells of lemon peels and the essential oil extracted from it gives out a citrus lemon odor. The grass is widely used in cooking and the taste is quite pungent.

The quantity of oil that can be derived from the grass depends solely on the age. The older the grass the less is the oil contained. The oil however, is an aromatherapy favorite because of the refreshing fragrance and healing properties. This oil is most commonly used as an antiseptic and is a part of many cosmetics as a deodorant. Lemongrass oil is also recommended for relaxing foot baths and massages. A foot bath with lemongrass essential oil can help rid the feel of foul odor and sweat causing bacteria. It is also a great remedy for fungal infections, due to its anti fungal properties and can cure ringworms.

  • Properties

The oil that is extracted from lemon grass is yellowish in color and has a thin water consistency. The aroma of the oil, when diffused can be quite strong initially but quickly becomes sweet because it diffuses very fast into every corner of the room. This sweet scent of lemongrass almost makes it an essential ingredient in naturally manufactured beauty products.

  • Uses of Lemongrass Essential Oil:

Lemongrass essential oil has a lot of benefits and that is the reason it so popular with aromatherapy enthusiasts. It acts as an excellent natural insect repellent. In fact, many people uproot the blades and hang them in doors and windows to prevent insects from entering, so strong are its repellent properties. The oil is also a regular additive to personal care products like shampoos. In shampoos, lemongrass oil helps make your hair smooth and bouncy. It is especially recommended for those with dull and damaged hair. You will also find lemongrass essential oil in acne fighting creams and solutions. Like tea tree oil, lemon grass oil is also bactericidal and fungicidal. However, directly applying the essential oil to the skin is not a great idea. The oil can in fact cause skin irritations. Therefore is has to be properly diluted before application and a physician should be consulted before the oil can be

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Aromatherapy Essential Oils use in Everyday Life

Friday, June 26th, 2009

Aromatherapy, one of the best known and utilized alternative therapies is not as easy as the name suggests. Aromatherapy generally utilizes the aroma of various naturally obtained compounds like salts, ethers, and essential oils. While ethers and salts are very effective aromatherapy substances, essential oils are perhaps the most commonly used ones.

There are many different oils used in aromatherapy and almost all of them are today available commercially, along with utensils that help vaporize them. Due to the increasing stresses and strains on our everyday life, a lot of people turn to aromatherapy to soothe and quiet the mind. However, it is not advised to use these aromatherapy essential oils and compounds without the instructions of an experienced practitioner.

Each essential oil is made of herbs, flowers and plants which have different healing qualities. The source of each oil determines the effect of the oil. Some oils are stronger and more volatile than the others and some have more harmful effects when used in conjunction with other remedies than good effects. Therefore it is suggested that you either gain professional training in aromatherapy yourself or consult someone who has knowledge about essential oils before you begin using them everyday.

There are some essential oils that have many relieving effects like lavender and tea tree oils. These oils are not only beneficial but are also extremely easy to use and are very easily available in the market. The oils can be used daily to cure many common maladies.

However, these oils are too potent and should not be used alone. It is recommended that they be used along with a carrier oil that enhances their healing qualities.

Tea tree oil is widely accepted as one of the oils that has the richest medicinal content. It is anti bacterial, antifungal, anti viral and also an analgesic and an antiseptic. Lavender oil too soothes the skin, relaxes the mind and reduces inflammation and pain, acting as an effective analgesic. The aroma of lavender helps in reducing tension and eases off stress. It is also used on the skin to reduce blemishes. Many use lavender oil to make their skin glow and improve the tone of the skin.

Tea tree oil on the other hand can help reduce cold sores. It can also be mixed with water to be used as a mouthwash. If your gums bleed, then using tea tree oil mouthwash rids you of this problem too.

When you mix tea tree oil and olive oil and pour a couple of drops in the diaper of your baby, the rashes caused by diapers can b

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