Even before the term alternative medicine was formally used, aromatherapy was already being practiced 5000 years ago by Egyptians. At that time, oil was extracted from aromatic plants through infusion and used for embalming, cosmetics and medicinal purposes. This knowledge was passed on to the Greeks and served as the basis for more discoveries, including the relaxing and stimulating effects of the fragrance of some flowers. Going back further, ancient man's dependence on the environment for all his basic needs and survival led him to discover natural ways of food preservation and the treatment of various conditions using herbs and aromatics.
1. Eastern Roots
The use of aromatics is also reflected in a Chinese herbal book by Shen Nung dated 2700 BC, showing specific details on more than 300 plants and their various applications. Ancient Chinese also burned incense and wood as part of religious practices that a good number of their modern counterparts still observe today. Aromatics was also a part of acupressure, massage and other therapies identified with the Chinese.
2. Modern Health Treatment
Today, many individuals place a high premium on health and well-being. The cost of traditional or conventional medicine such as surgery and medicare, however, has made a high number of people turn to aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, and other forms of alternative medicine.
3. Basics
- Facilitates an equilibrium of physical, mental and spiritual health through natural means
- In some cases, these alternative treatments are now considered as strong and effective complements to regular medicine
- The main component of aromatherapy is essential oils
- Essential Oils are highly concentrated essences known for their healing effects
4. Essential Oils
These aroma-producing oils come from the flower, as in the case of a rose; leaves (basil is an example); twig; bark; fruit rind and other plant parts. Experts say that the extraction process can be time-consuming, complex and require much patience. Recognition and acceptance of these factors is important: getting about 5 teaspoonsful of oil could entail the use more than 220 pounds of rose petals. This process is what makes pure essential oils costly, although their effectiveness is not compromised because a treatment can entail the use of only a few drops to generate the target effect. An option is the less-expensive synthetic oils, although they do not offer the healing properties of their natural counterparts.
5. How It Works
Essential oils work by stimulating the olfactory system and later the brain or limbic system. The fragrance, other properties and effects of the oil determine how these body systems and their parts are stimulated. During amassage , these oils are inhaled and absorbed by the body at the same time, penetrating the skin and eventually reaching the organs and body systems. The absorption can be as short as 20 minutes and possibly extend to 2 hours or more, making some experts advise to avoid a shower or bathing immediately after themassage to maximize the desired effect.
6. Effects Last Days, Not Hours
The longevity of a fragrance also varies from 3-24 hours to 2-3 days and even longer to about a week. Eucalyptus, peppermint
thyme, and bergamot are among oils with a short-lived scent, while the scent of hyssop, lavender, balm, and other oils last between 2-3 days. Jasmine, sandalwood, ginger and cedarwood are among the oils that take as long as one week before completely evaporating.
7. Achieve A Sense Of Calm
The desired health balance of an individual also requires the creation of a balanced perfume, or a combination of the three types of oils based on longevity. These various combinations or aromatherapy blends can be mixed into a warm bath to relax and calm an individual, eliminate stress and depression, energize and sooth the body or aching part. The healing or calming effect of a massage can be enhanced by applying essential oils. However, this would require the use of carrier oils to prevent irritation or any other negative skin reaction. Some of these carrier oils, which help dilute essential oils, include avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheatgerm oil, almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Aromatherapy---Using-Essential-Oils-For-Good-Health/12365
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to maintain health and well being. Chamomile oil is one of the commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy. It has relaxing and sedative benefits and smells of fruity apple and straw. It is prepared through steam distillation of the flower.
Benefits of using chamomile oil
Mental - Calms the mind and eases fear, anxiety, anger, worries and tension during times of physical and emotional stress. Brings peace and patience and enhances overall feelings of calmness and relaxation. Chamomile herb, taken in the form of tea, helps in treating insomnia.
Physical - Provides a nervine action, relieving pain associated with the nerves such as neuralgia, headaches, toothache, and earache. A gentle relaxant for menopause and menstrual cramps and pains. Chamomile is a good remedy for gastrointestinal problems. Provides relief to those suffering from gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, peptic ulcers, flatulence, and inflammation of the bowels. Also useful for genito-urinary tract problems. Possibly useful for liver problems such as jaundice. Has mild effect on children facing teething problems and earache.
Skin - Chamomile is also used in treating skin problems, providing soothing calming and cleansing action -- useful for burns, blisters, inflamed wounds, ulcers, boils, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, wounds, and hypersensitive skin problems. Also used for dry, itchy skin, puffiness and allegeric conditions in general. Reportedly smoothens out broken capillaries, blisters -- improving elasticity and tissue strength. It can also be used to lighten fair hair.
Using Chamomile oil
- For bath or massage, add 10 drops to a warm bath for relaxation. Diluted with a carrier oil, it can be massaged in, and used as a compress for headaches.
- It is also an excellent household disinfectant.
- A calming massage of Roman Chamomile diluted with a carrier oil relaxes sore overworked muscles or inflamed joints.
- Diffuse fragrant Roman Chamomile in a Crystal Diffuser to ease headaches and nervous tension.
About the Author/Author Bio:
Sharon Hopkins Sharon Hopkins manages sites on aromatherapy offering information on
Aromatherapy essential oils, concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits. Further classified as carrier oils, massage oils, cooking oils.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Chamomile-Oil/10390
A universally known fact is that aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants. One of the most commonly used essential oil in aromatherapy is that of Basil. Basil got its name from the Greek word "basileum" meaning "king". Considered as "king among plants" as it was one of the ingredients on the list of oils blended to massage kings.
Basil is an important herb as its uses are two-fold, for cooking as well as to cure a variety of ailments. The herb covers and offers a plethora of medical benefits. If added early while cooking, it loses its flavor; hence it should be used as soon as it is plucked from the plant. It ought be added towards the end of cooking. It exudes a warm, gentle unique flavor and fragrance in cooking.
The leaves of basil are steam-distilled to create oil. Medically, it provides relief to sore gums, ulcers, chest infections and digestive problems. It has been used as a brain stimulant and an antispasmodic, making it wonderful in the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough.
Basil is said to have uplifting and refreshing properties. 2-3 drops of basil oil is known to relieve mental fatigue, tension, stress, mild anxiety, loss of appetite, flatulence, nausea, sinusitis, cold, fever, earaches, eases rheumatic, arthritic and muscular pains.
A potpourri of dried basil leaves and flowers creates a fragrant atmosphere wherever kept. It is also used as an insect repellent, as burned sprigs of basil drive away mosquitoes. If you keep a potted plant of basil on the windowsill, it will deter flies from entering your home.
Basil oil, when mixed with massage oil and gently rubbed over the stomach, helps to ease many types of digestive problems. Basil should be used sparingly on skin as it could cause irritation. If you want to add a few drops to your bath, dilute it with a carrier oil, or mix it with a skin cream or lotion.
It should NOT be used during pregnancy. Basil helps with depression, increases alertness, aids in concentration, relieves headaches, head congestion and migraines. Basil regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps. The herb blends well with rosemary, lavender, bergamot, clary sage, geranium and citrus oils.
About the Author/Author Bio:
Sharon Hopkins Sharon Hopkins manages sites on aromatherapy offering information on
Aromatherapy essential oils, concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits. Further classified as carrier oils, massage oils, etc.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Basil---More-Than-A-Kitchen-Plant/10380