Posts Tagged ‘essential oil uses’

Aromatherapy Oils - Health Benefits Of Thyme Oil

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Thyme is an aromatic herb which is popularly used as an ingredient in cooking. The leaves of the herb have a special revitalizing aroma because of which it makes for an exquisite ingredient in many dishes.

The essential oil of thyme is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and the flowers of the plant. The leaves of the thyme plant have small glands in which there are chemicals that are extracted into the oil. Thymol, one such chemical, is the primary constituent of thyme oil. This chemical has powerful antiseptic properties, but is also quite toxic if ingested.

Uses of Thyme Essential Oil

  • The anti septic properties of thyme oil are widely considered to be one of the most potent. However, the properties of this oil are not limited to this. It is also an effective anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal agent. Thyme oil is strong enough to kill the typhoid and the anthrax bacteria. The oil is effective against bacteria that cause meningitis and tuberculosis. Thyme essential oil also offers effective protection against the staphylococci and salmonella bacteria.
  • Thymol has also been extensively studied and researched for its effects against the bacteria that cause plaque inside the mouth. Thymol is also an active ingredient of the mouthwash Listerine.
  • The essential oil of thyme is known to help strengthen the nerves while stimulating the brain. It improves both memory and concentration and helps release creative abilities of those experiencing a creative block. The oil is also popular for its properties as an expectorant. It is used as a cough suppressant and is a constituent of many popular brands of cough syrups.
  • Thyme oil can generate heat inside the body and can be used for people who suffer from bronchitis or chest congestion. When added to dried fenugreek seeds, thyme oil can be helpful in relieving migraine.
  • Thyme oil can be used as a carminative agent and is therefore a good treatment for stomach upsets. The oil also increases production of white blood cells, therefore improving the body’s immunity. The oil can also help in the excretion of accumulated uric acid, and in helping the body combat conditions like arthritis, gout, rheumatism and sciatica.
  • The oil can be topically applied to give warmth to areas in the body that suffer from the pain of rheumatism and neuralgic pains. It can help eliminate parasitic infections in the digestive system and can help reduce dyspepsia. The oil is also a good treatment for dandruff or a dry scalp.

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Essential Oils for Yeast Infection

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Essential oils are oils extracted from various plants and herbs through distinctive processes like steam distillation and expression. Essential oils are fragrant oils which are of great utility in curing various ailments.
Yeast infections are fungal infections, which are scientifically referred to as Candidiasis, as they are caused by yeasts of the Candida species. The major symptoms of candidiasis are redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort in the affected areas or parts of the body. The target organs for yeast infection are the skin, the mucosal membranes of the oral cavity, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, and the genital organs including the vagina and penis.

A Yeast infection may be treated by various methods like probiotics or boric acid suppositories. One of the upcoming, but highly effective ways to cure yeast infections is aromatherapy which employs various essential oils to treat fungal infections. Some of the essential oils that may be used to cure yeast infections are:

  • Tea tree essential oil: Tea tree essential oil, also called melaleuca essential oil is a golden color essential oil which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As such, it is used to cure infections caused by yeast attack. Tea tree oil works on the cell membranes of the yeast cells, thereby making them susceptible to the action of anti fungal agents. Tea tree oil attacks the cell membrane of the yeast cells, thereby making them weak by exposing the cell content to anti fungal agents. Tea tree oil must not be applied in concentrated form but should be diluted with carrier oils like olive oil as tea tree essential oil works better in lower concentrations.
  • Cinnamon bark essential oil: This essential oil is extracted from the bark of a plant belonging to the genus, Cinamomun verum. The essential oil fights various infections caused by bacteria and fungi. The cinnamon bark essential oil is particularly used to treat the yeast infections of genital organs like vagina.
  • You may also use lavender essential oil to treat yeast infections.

The usage of essential oils to cure yeast infection is as follows:

  1. First put five drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils in a container.
  2. Then add a few drops of distilled water to the blend of essential oils.
  3. Dip a cotton swab in the blend of essential oils and apply on the infected areas of the body.
  4. Discard the used cotton piece and cover the treated area.
  5. You are advised to repeat the process at least thrice a day.
  6. Make sure that you discuss these treatments with your doctor or an aroma therapist specialist before using them.

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Aromatherapy Uses while Traveling

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicinal technique that imparts physical, mental and also spiritual health. Aromatherapy helps you relieve various ailments including stress and disorder. It also serves as a mood booster.

You may be on a family trip, business tour, or a romantic holiday. Whatever be the reason for travel, the use of essential oils as a part of aromatherapy can be of significant importance. For example, when people travel abroad, they are prone to jet lag. In order to ameliorate the jet lag effects, you may massage your body with Marjoram and Lavender essential oils, mixed with almond or calendula oils. As such, essential oils can serve a variety of purposes even while you are traveling.

The uses of aromatherapy while traveling are as follows:

  • While you are traveling for business purposes, essential oils can significantly help you relieve ailments like headache and stress. You may inhale a few drops of Neroli essential oil to relieve tension and nervousness. If you suffer from headache, you may again employ essential oils to alleviate the affliction. You may mix Lavender and Peppermint essential oils with sweet almond oil and massage it on your forehead, temples, base and sides of your neck.
  • You may sprinkle a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow for a peaceful sleep.
  • When you are out of home, you are susceptible to stomach ailments. In order to cure indigestion, stomach aches, and other stomach ailments you may use a mixture of Peppermint and Lavender oil to massage your stomach.
  • In order to boost up your mood, you may use Rose and Jasmine essential oils. You may use a mixture of these oils in Jojoba oil as a potent perfume.
  • You may inhale Peppermint essential oil to relieve nausea and travel sickness.
  • If you are on a holiday and you feel that you are afflicted by sunburn or tanning, you may use Aloe Vera or Lavender essential oils to relieve the problem.
  • If you feel tired and enervated, you may go for body massage with Lavender essential oil, which would help you relieve body pain and also give a soothing effect to your body.
  • If you get any cuts or bruises, you may use calendula or Chamomile essential oils on the wounds for quick relief.
  • These are a few uses of essential oils that may be used as a part of aromatherapy while you are traveling.

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