AROMATHERAPY



	Aromatherapy

	What is Aromatherapy?
	Aromatherapy, sometimes also referred to as aromatic or scent medicine, is
	the art of healing the body using naturally distilled essences from
	different
	parts of plant to improve and enhance your everyday emotional, physical, and
	spiritual well-being. These essences are known as essential oils.

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	What are essential oils?
	These oils are the concentrated essences of the aromatic plant. They can be
	used as an analgesic (to alleviate pain), an anti-inflammatory (to reduce
	swelling), an antibacterial, an anti-fungal, an anti-viral (to prevent
	infections).
	Since scent stimulates the part of the brain that effects your emotions,
	essential oils can also soothe and calm....or energize and arouse.
	These essential oils are highly concentrated and are measured in drops. They
	should be housed in dark colored air tight bottles in a cool area, out of
	direct light. Unless noted, they should not be applied directly to the skin,
	but instead placed in a carrier oil such as almond oil, so as to avoid
	irritation.

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	How does aromatherapy work?
	Our sense of smell is about 10,000 times stronger than our sense of taste,
	but it is truly underappreciated. The olfactory system of your brain has a
	memory of scents and the longest recall of all the senses.
	Just think ... does the smell of baking bread bring back vivid memories of
	visits with a relative in your childhood.. ever catch a whiff of the
	cologne/perfume of an old lover? Memories that are attached to sent are
	stronger!!!!
	Scent also stimulates the limbic system of the brain which responds by
	releasing neuro-chemicals. Such as Seratonin and Endorphins. These chemicals
	calm us.. arouse us... alleviate discomfort.

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	How can I use Essential Oils?
	BATH:
	Swish 10-12 drops of a single oil or a blend into your bath water. Close yr.
	bathroom door to help retain all the scent, sink into yr. bath inhale and
	relax......
	INHALATION:
	Place 3-5 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Breathe Deeply!
	DIFFUSION:
	Replace those aerosol air fresheners. A few drops in a diffuser, you can buy
	electric devices, candle warmed, ceramic rings to place on lightbulbs, or
	just use a bowl of warm water. A few drops is all you need.
	COMPRESS:
	Place 3-5 drops of essential oil into a basin of water. Dip a clean folded
	facecloth into the water, squeeze and gently apply.
	MASSAGE:
	Blend 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (Almond, Apricot,
	Jojoba) and indulge in the power of touch.
	OTHER USES:
	Facial steams, foot soaks, insect repellent, household cleaning.... and much
	more... use your imagination.
	* Always decrease the drop amount when using Lemon or Peppermint in any
	application.*

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	Safety
	Since essential oils are 100 times more potent than their plant sources,
care
must be taken in how and when they are used.
Do not ingest oils by mouth
Keep out of eyes
Most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin Research any
essential oil in reference books, for specific precautions, warnings, etc.
As
with any natural substance, the possibility exists for allergy... start with
very small amounts and watch for reactions, then increase dosage, within the
given guidelines
Pregnancy
The following oils should be avoided during pregnancy: basil, birch, cedar,
clove bud, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper marjoram,
peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme
Skin Irritants
These oils may irritate the skin, and should be diluted in a carrier oil
before applying to the skin or used in a bath : basil, cinnamon, clove bud,
fennel, Siberian fir, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, thyme, tea
tree, verbena
Photosensitivity
These oils can cause skin sensitivity in the presence of ultraviolet light
and should NOT be used before exposure to direct sunlight: angelica,
bergamot, mandarin, lemon, lime, petitgrain, St. John's Wort, verbena
High Blood Pressure
The following oils should not be used by anyone with high blood
pressure: hyssop, rosemary, sage, thyme
Skin Allergies
If one is suffering from dermatitis or other allergic skin conditions then
these oils should be avoided: benzoin, rose geranium, jasmine, pine, ylang
ylang
Toxic oils
These oils should be avoided: bitter almond, mugwort, mustard, pennyroyal,
rue, sassafrass, southernwood, tansy, wintergreen

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The Essential Oils
Basil (P, SS)
Eases mental fatigue, stimulates poor memory and enhances alterness....
beneficial as a digestive aid.... relieves headache pain
Bergamot (SS, S)
Great for nervous/depressed emotions.... antiseptic for skin conditions...
regulates appetite...assists convalescence
Cedar, Himalayan (P, SS)
A very calming oil...eases bronchitis and respiratory ailments...combats
cellulite
Chamomile, Roman
Aids skin conditions... eases migraines...relieves
insomnia..soothing..anti-inflammatory use as a compress for ear-aches
Clary Sage (P)
Avoid if epileptic avoid alcohol, it may exaggerate the effects Produces
vivid dreams...eases migraines balances female hormones....eases menstrual
discomfort/PMS/menopause... retards excessive perspiration
Eucalyptus (P)
Stimulating...anti-viral.. eases respiratory ailments...soothes sore muscles
and sunburn pain... anti-bacterial properties inhibit spread of infection
when used in a diffuser
Frankincense
Meditative.. tightens and tones skin... anti-aging.. stimulates cell
regeneration... sooths and calms nerves... treats urinary tract infection..
antibacterial
Geranium, Rose
Regenerates and rejuvenates skin cells and tissue.. anti-cellulite....eases
stress.. balances hormone problems during menopause..relieves PMS
Ginger (SS)
Relief from arthritis pain, sprains, muscle aches and pains... keeps sport
muscles supple... eases motion sickness, hangovers, jet lag... sexual tonic
Grapefruit (S)
Reduces cellulite & water retention ... helps obesity.... relieves hot
flashes and PMS ...antidepressant
Jasmine Absolute (P)
Aphrodisiac.. long-lasting scent.. elevates spirits.. decreases
depression/nervous tension.. strengthens male reproductive system ... aids
impotency... physically/emotionally relaxing
Lavender
treats insomnia... antibacterial for skin rashes and burns.. eases pain of
insect bites and stings... relieves headaches and migraines.. calming ..
mild
enough for children
Lemon (S)
refreshing stimulant.. astringent and antiseptic.. tonic to the lymphatic
and digestive systems... conditions skin and nails... anti-aging agent
Lemongrass (SS)
energizes... great for exhaustion.. beneficial in treating digestion and
stomach gas.. good for stimulating, deodorizing foot baths .. insect
repellent
Neroli
anti-anxiety.. antidepressant... gentle sedative for insomnia... eases
palpitaions...hypnotic/euphoric.. smoothes skin, stretch marks and scar
tissue.. anti wrinkle... anti-spasmotic
Orange (SS, S)
mild sedative for anxiety and depression... plumps up aging and dry skin..
calming to overcome sadness...
Patchouli
sensual rejuvenator. prevents wrinkles and chapped skin .. anti-aging..curbs
appetite..anti-bacterial
Peppermint (P, SS)
do not use before bedtime very awakening and stimulating... treats nausea and
indigestion... eases travel sickness
Rose Absolute
heart warming aphrodisiac... relieves sexual debilities..
frigidity/impotency.. treats anorexia.. elevating to the mind.. confidence
improving.. creates a sense of peaceful well-being
Rosemary
increases sensitivity...increases creativity.. lifts exhaustion... awakens
your heart
Sandalwood
aphrodisiac... aids awareness and meditation... peaceful and inspiring
Tea tree (SS)
strengthens the immune system... powerful anti-viral.. anti-bacterial..
anti-fungal
Vetiver
good for stress and nervous tension... calming and balancing... treats dry,
mature, irritated skin... aids in rheumatism.. circulation tonic
Ylang Ylang (SS)
most euphoric aphrodisiac..sexual energy .. relaxes body, mind and spirit...
aniti-depressant... relieves palpitations and anxiety
Key to symbols:

* P - avoid during pregnancy
* S - may iritate sun-exposed skin
* SS - may irritate sensitive skin


SYNTHETIC OILS VS NATURAL OILS.

Most of you will have seen cheap bottles of 'fragrant' oils or bottles of
'blended Essential oils' as well as bottles of 'Pure Essential oils'. Each
one has it's own uses.

FRAGRANT OILS: These are the synthetic oils. Scientists have been able to
reproduce about 90% of the natural occurring Essential oil. This is what a
fragrant oil is. It is the remaining 10% of the natural Essential oil that
holds the therapeutic content of the oil, and that 10% is what distinguishes
the two. Fragrant oils have NO therapeutic content, they smell nice
sometimes better than the Essential oils!) but that is all that they should
be used for. They work well in oil burners, in baths, in pot purri, as a
perfume and various other uses, but will have no healing effect other than
to smell nice.

BLENDED ESSENTIAL OILS: These are made from Pure Essential oils, but have
been diluted with a 'Carrier oil', usually Sweet Almond, jojoba, Safflower
or Apricot Kernel oils. These oils are blended because Essential oils are
too strong to apply directly to the skin, they must be diluted first. The
Blended oil has been diluted so it is safe to apply directly onto the skin.
These have therapeutic qualities, which are usually printed on the label.
They may also be blended to make them cheaper, such as Rose, Neroli,
Jasmine, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang

PURE ESSENTIAL OILS: These are the Essential oils in their 100% pure
state. These oils should NEVER be applied straight onto the skin, and many
Essential oils will have safety data printed onto the label if they have any
harmful effects. (there are a few exceptions to the "never put oils directly
on the skin" rule... which I will go into later) When purchasing an
Essential oil there are 4 ways to help tell if you are buying the pure oil:

1). Look for the words "100%" and "Pure Essential oil". This is only a
guide as many brands of fragrant oil have 100% pure written on them, and
some brands of Essential oils ( such as the brand I use ) don't have 100%
pure on the label. There are also sneaky people who use the "100% Pure
Essential Oil" as their brand name....( and if the word 'fragrant' appears
anywhere, chances are it isn't an Essential oil.)

2). Smell the oils, Pure Essential oils smell like the plant it comes from.
If the scent is slightly fake, very sweet or in the case of Rose really
strong, it is more likely to be a fragrant oil.

3). Look at the price, Pure Essential oils are expensive, due to the
quantity of plants needed to produce the oil ( for eg. it takes approx 15
roses to make 1 drop of Rose oil.) Each oil should have a different price,
as some are cheaper to produce than others. As a general rule... if they are
under $5 (Australian money... not sure of the prices in other countries)
they are probably either blended or a fragrant oil.

4). There are no Essential oils of Strawberry, Dewberry, Rainforest or
Nanna's Garden.

This is a guide only... but it helps to work out which ones are "fake" and
which ones are "real". The store keeper may not know the difference, as
they buy products from a distributor, and many haven't a clue what they
are... they just know they sell well :)


AROMATHERAPY VS 'NORMAL' MEDICINE.

Many people take Aspirin for headaches although many tests have proven that
Aspirin can cause stomach upsets, thin the blood, cause liver damage and
contribute to anemia. Yet people take many of these a day to relieve
headaches, and think they are safe.

Antibiotics are used for infections because they kill bacteria. However
there are good bacteria living in our bodies, without which our bodies cannot work efficiently. Antibiotics kill off all bacteria, and many people
suffer from thrush and other illnesses as a result. The other concern with
antibiotics is that each time they are used, the body builds up a resistance
to them, much the same way our bodies build up a resistance to the Smallpox
or Measles virus when we are vaccinated. Stronger doses of antibiotics are
then needed to fight the infections, and the circle continues.

Aromatherapy works on the holistic approach. It treats the whole body at
the one time. Aromatherapy has no negative side effects when used properly,
and is non-addictive.

Aromatherapy explained (simply)

People think of Aromatherapy as being smell therapy, but this isn't the
case. The essential oils can used in many different methods, I will be
explaining those later... but the reason people think of them as being smell
therapy, is that the blood vessels in your nose are very close the
surface of your skin....so the molecules of "healing goodness" can be
absorbed into the body quickly (and they do smell nice...well....some of
them!)

the healing effects can also pass through the skin anywhere on your body,
and enter the blood stream, where they work on the troubled areas of the
body.

Essential oils, unlike prescription drugs, work only on those areas that are
"broken" ie. they do not go into healthy tissues, and start working
there... they travel around your body, and look for the illnesses, and
target them, leaving the rest of your body alone. It is because of this,
that if you run lavender oil into your fingertip, it will help your infected
toe...even though the oil never touches the actual toe. (and your headache,
and cut finger!!!)


There are 8 main ways to use the Essential oils, they are as follows:

INHALATION:

1). Straight from the bottle - Headache, memory booster, nausea etc.
2). Oil burner - Kill airborne bacteria (prevents colds spreading to
others),
insomnia, stress etc. Put 3-5 drops in a water filled well of the oil
burner, and
replace as needed. NEVER burn Essential oils without water... it
damages
them
3). Drops on a tissue (carry with you or place under pillow etc.) - colds,
coughs,
migraine etc. 1-2 drops on a tissue will be ample
4). Drops in sink/bowl of hot water - colds, respiratory infection,
catarrh (runny
nose) etc. stick your head over the sink/bowl, with eyes closed and
inhale the
vapour. No more than 5 drops to half a sinkfull of water (which is
all you
need)

BATH:

1). Hot/warm bath - colds, muscle cramp, stiffness etc. 10 drops Maximum
2). Cold bath - Fever. 10 drops Maximum
3). Foot bath - Athlete's foot, blisters, aching feet etc. Use a bucket
or bowl big
enough to comfortably put your feet in. 5 drops Maximum
4). Shallow bath - Thrush, Piles etc. a bath deep enough to cover the
problem
area. 5 drops maximum

{If using peppermint oil, you may want to use only half the recommend
drops.... as my Aromatherapy teacher said "It runs amok amongst your
genitals" it has a cooling effect that you may not wish to have touching
sensitive areas!!!}

You will need to swish the water around. There is a product called
Solubalizer that may be useful. It makes the oil dissolve in water,
although the same effect can be to mix the oil with isopropyl alcohol
(rubbing alcohol) or vodka, which will make it water soluble. 5 drops to
1tsp alcohol.


MASSAGE:

1). Massage diluted oil onto effected area - varicose veins, strains,
constipation
Muscle aches etc.
2). Massage diluted oil all over body - Stress, insomnia, anxiety etc.

Both, use a 3% dilution for normal skin, 1% for face or sensitive skin
(explained further below)

INTERNALLY:
Most Essential oils are toxic and should NEVER be taken internally. It is
safest to assume that ALL Essential oils are toxic and therefore none should
be taken internally. Many Aromatherapy books suggest a mouth wash or a
gargle for gum problems or throat infections, however it is dangerous and
other methods work just as well. There are many different species of the
same oil, for example Birch has 2 varieties, white and sweet. White birch
is nontoxic, but sweet birch is fatally toxic. I would not use ANY
Essential oils internally, especially in their pure state, as there are
many other methods of application which are much safer.

{as I was saying in a previous post, even rubbing an oil on your toe will
help a sore throat, so it isn't worth ingesting something that is
potentially harmful, although I have gargled with Bergamot oil mixed with
warm water}

DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN:

There are only four Essential oils which may safely be applied directly onto
the skin an all should have a patch test done first. All essential oils are
acidic, have you ever seen what they do to plastic?

Place a drop of the oil onto the back of your wrist, cover with a Band-Aid
and leave for 1 hour. If no irritation has occurred you may use it. If
irritation does occur, bathe the area in cool water and dilute the oil with
a carrier oil. Only the four Essential oils listed below may be applied to
skin directly, and only onto an effected area ie. a cut or burn. DO NOT
use as a massage oil, or slather it all over your skin:
Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea tree and ylang ylang.

There is no need to apply any essential oil directly onto the skin, an
essential oil blended 3% into a carrier oil will have exactly the same
healing properties as a full strength oil... so not only do you run the risk
of burning the skin by applying them neat, you are also wasting oil :) --


COMPRESS:

1). Drops of oil in cold water for cold compress - fever, swelling etc.
2). Drops of oil in hot water for hot compress - Headache, period pain
etc.

To make a compress, half fill a bowl or sink of either hot or cold water,
and add 3-5 drops of essential oil.... soak the cloth in this water for a
few moments, wring out, and apply to the effected area.

PERFUME:

1). Use same dilution as massage oil, use a carrier oil of Apricot kernel
or other
light oil. Dab behind ears, wrists etc.

SKIN / HAIR TONIC:

1). Use this when an oil is not suitable, for example on an oily scalp, or
to dry out
a cut. use 5 drops essential oil into a teaspoon of Isopropyl
alcohol (rubbing
alcohol) or vodka

Dilutions:

Babies 0-12 months 1 drop of Rose or Lavender or chamomile in 1
teaspoon
of carrier oil, or in a bath.
Infants 1-5 years 2-3 drops of Rose, Lavender, Chamomile,
Sandalwood,
Tangerine, Ylang Ylang or Neroli in 1
teaspoon of carrier
oil or in a bath.
Children 6-12 years Use as for adults, but half the concentration.


3% dilution
For 100 mls of carrier oil use 60 drops of Essential oil.
For 25 mls of carrier oil use 15 drops of Essential oil.
For 5 mls of carrier oil ( 1 teaspoon) use 3 drops of Essential oil.

1% dilution
For 100 mls of carrier oil use 20 drops of Essential oil.
For 25 mls of carrier oil use 5 drops of Essential oil.
For 5 mls of carrier oil(1 tsp) use 1 drop of Essential oil.

For normal use do not exceed 3% Essential oil dilution.
For use on face or other sensitive skin use a 1% Essential oil dilution.

Pregnancy - use half the dilution and none of the contraindicated oils.


the contraindications:

Contraindications:
Aromatherapy oils are concentrated and should not be applied to the skin or
taken internally. There are also other times when Essential oils should be
treated with caution or not be used at all, these are called
Contraindications. The following is a list of the contraindications for the
various Essential oils.

OILS NOT TO BE USED AT ALL! These oils are dangerous for anyone except a
qualified Aromatherapist to use. They are either extremely toxic or cause
severe skin irritation even in a diluted state. These oils are:
Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus,Camphor(brown & Yellow),
Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon(bark), Costus, Deertongue, Elecampane,
Fennel(bitter), Horseradish, Jaborandi, Melilotus, Mugwort, Mustard,
Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine(dwarf), Rue, Sage(common), Santolina, Sassafras,
Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme(red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and
Wormwood.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE USED IN SMALL DOSES FOR NO LONGER THAN 2 WEEKS. These
oils are fairly toxic or may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting and
headaches and should be used with extreme caution:
Ajowan, Anise star, Aniseed, Basil(exotic), Bay laurel, Bay(west indian)
Calamintha, Camphor(white), Cascarrilla bark, Cassie, Cedarwood(virginian),
Cinnamon(leaf & bark), Clove(bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel(sweet),
Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper(black), Pine, Sage(spanish),
Tagetes, Tarragon, Thyme(white), Tuberose, Tumeric, Turpentine and Valerian.

OILS THAT IRRITATE THE SKIN IF USED IN HIGH CONCENTRATION. These oils
should be used in half the reccomended dilution, and no more than 3 drops in
a bath. These oils are:
Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil(sweet) Black pepper, Borneol, Cajeput,
Caraway, Cedarwood(Virginian), Cinnamon(leaf), Clove(bud), Cornmint,
Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, peppermint, Pine(needle,
Scotch & Longleaf), Thyme(white) and Tumeric.

OILS THAT CAUSE IRRITATION ON SENSITIVE SKIN. These oils may cause eczema or
dermatitis with people who have very sensitive skin. ( For people with
senstive skin always test the oil on the back of your wrist, and leave for
an hour. If irritation occurs bathe area with cold water and try a weaker
concentration.) These oils are:
Aniseed, Basil(french), Bay laurel, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cade, Cajeput,
Cananga, Cedarwood(virginian), Chamomile(Roman and German), Citronella,
Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon
balm(Melissa), Litsea cubeba, Loveage, Mastic, Mint(pepper & spear),
Orange, Peru balsam, Pine(scotch & longleaf), Styrax, Tea tree,
Thyme(white), Tolu balsam, Tumeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena,
Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.

OILS THAT ARE PHOTOTOXIC. These are oils which can cause the skin to darken
if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use these oils at all if the area
will be exposed to sunlight. These oils are:
Angelica root, Bergamot, Cumin, Ginger, Lemon, Lime, Loveage, Mandarin,
Orange and Verbena.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED DURING PREGNANCY. Due to the effects of these
oils on the reproductive organs, and the sensitivity of the foetus, certain
oils should not be used at all during pregnancy. These oils are:
Ajowan,Anjelica, Anise star, Aniseed, Basil, Bay laurel, Calamintha,
Cedarwood(all
types), Celery seed, Cinnamon(leaf), Citronella, Clary sage, Clove, Cumin,
Cypress, Fennel(sweet), Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Labdanum, lovage,
Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Penyroyal, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary,
Snakeroot, sage, Tarragon and Thyme(white)

OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. These oils should not
be used:
Black pepper, Hyssop, Lemon, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Sage(spanish &
Common) and Thyme.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. These oils should not
be used:
Chamomile(Roman & German), Lemon balm, Lavender(true), Marjoram(sweet) and
Ylang ylang.

THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR DIABETES. Anjelica.

THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR KIDNEY PROBLEMS. Junpier.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE NOT BE USED WITH HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENTS. These oils are
not to be used by anyone recieving homeopathic treatment:
Black pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. These oils will
increase the effects of alcohol:
Aniseed, Clary sage and Fennel.

THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH DEPRESSION. Basil.

OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH EPILEPSY. These oils should not be used:
Fennel, Hyssop, Sage and Rosemary.

All of the above information was provided by Obsidian


AROMATHERAPY REMEDIES

Energizing

For Waking Up
In your morning bath add 2 drops Peppermint, 4 drops Rosemary, and 2 drops
Juniper.

Household

Laundry
6 drops Lavender or Lemon or Grapefruit in final rinse or on handkerchief
in dryer.

To Clean Fridge
5 drops Orange or 5 drops Grapefruit in a litter of water.

Smokey Rooms
Several drops Grapefruit on lamp or cotton wool

Relaxation / Stress Reducing

To Relax While Flying
Put 1 drop Lavender on handkerchief.

For Calming
In the evening, take a bath adding 4 drops Lavender and 4 drops Marjoram.

To Relax
Bath in 5 drops Lavender & 5 drops Rosewood & 5 drops Sandalwood.

Skin

Acne
6 drops each of Camphor and Lavender into 2 ounces of carrier oil. Apply 1
drop to each pimple.

Cellulite
Mix 10 drops each of Cypress and Juniper in 4 ounces of carrier oil.
Massage well into affected area.

Cellulite
Mix 20 drops each of Cypress and Juniper in warm bath. Soak for ten (10)
minutes.

Minor Burn
Mix 4 drops Lavender with one teaspoon aloe Vera gel and spread on affected
area.

Detoxifying Bath
Add 2 drops Lemon, 4 drops Juniper, and 2 drops Geranium to your bath
water.