The art of aromatherapy had been practiced for thousands of years. Strong evidence was found to link aromatherapy to many ancient traditions. Though aromatic oils have been used to treat and cure various ailments and conditions for centuries, the formal study on their properties only started in 1928.
In its simplest form, aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for therapeutic purposes. They are normally employed to relieve a person from stress and a variety of stress-related conditions. They are also used for promoting an individual’s general well being and in invigorating the body and the psyche.
Aromatherapy works by inducing the olfactory nerve cells with aromatic oils, which then carries out the message to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling memory and emotions.
Aromatherapy is concerned in the workings of both the physical and emotional aspects of the person under treatment. Physically, aromatherapy helps in relieving specific conditions through the stimulation of the nervous, immune and circulatory system. In emotions however, they may evoke pleasant memories and uplifted moods.
Although the medical community is not in agreement over whether aromatherapy in itself is instrumental to healing various medical conditions, the idea of recovery through aromatherapy is widely accepted.
Essential oils are derived from the distillation of the elements of a plant like the leaves, roots, flowers, stems and bark. They hold the true essence of the plants from which they originally came in high concentration. Though termed as oil, essential oils normally do not have the real properties of oil. Some essential oils are yellow like that of the lemongrass and orange and many are clear.
These oils are used in a variety of methods: through inhalation when diffused into the air via an oil burner or purpose made diffuser, by adding them in the bathwater and by the application of the diluted oil on the body.
The use of oil in aromatherapy is only restricted to those with unadulterated qualities. The purest of the essential oils alone have the therapeutic values. Always opt for good quality oils if able. Remember, Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed.
Here are 20 of our favorite oils to help yours and your family healing.
Arnica: A go-to for busy parents and carers, athletes and everyone in between, arnica oil is considered a natural solution for muscle aches and soreness, accelerates bruise healing.
Bergamot: With its bright, citrusy scent, bergamot—which comes from Citrus bergamia fruits (a hybrid of oranges and lemons)—i reduces stress and uplifts a negative mood. Contains flavonoids that may organically support cholesterol levels. (A word of caution: Bergamot essential oil may render your skin photosensitive, so stay out of the sun when using it.)
Chamomile: Chamomile essential oil may be just the ticket if you are feeling irritable and frustrated. Believed to increase well-being feelings and decrease nervous tension, it’s used to relax—both at bedtime and when you’re struck with menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon: , Best used for an emotional lift, soothes anxiety and promotes ease and comfort. Use it to combat constipation and safeguard skin against insects.
Clary Sage: Used to bolster attention and improve memory, the essential oil is also called upon to decrease menstrual cramps.
Eucalyptus: Congested? Use eucalyptus. May loosen mucus and quiet a cough, help lower joint pain and functions as a natural breath-freshener.
Frankincense: Arthritis, asthma and psoriasis. Believed to by some to slow and deepen breathing, excellent meditation aid.
Geranium: Used to reduce fluid retention, curtail cellulite and balance hormones.
Ginger: Used to to alleviate heartburn and relieve gastrointestinal distress
Grapefruit: Used to reduce jet lag and mental fatigue
Lavender: Promotes a good night’s sleep. Used for minor wounds such as bruises, cuts, scrapes and sunburns. Useful for PMS and to shrink the pain of headaches.
Lemon: Used to fight fatigue and boost mental clarity and reputed to help pregnant mums who are experiencing nausea. Useful for homemade cleaning products as it contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Orange: May relieve anxiety and the exhaustion that comes with it. May soothe the symptoms associated with PTSD.
Patchouli: Used by practitioners to help lessen depression, assist with skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne and dry, cracked skin and manage appetite
Peppermint: Burst of energy, also utilised to elevate alertness, improves memory and curbs chocolate cravings!
Rosemary: Used to increase circulation and soften stress-related tension. May be helpful in stimulating hair growth in those who suffer from alopecia.†
Sandalwood: Used for grounding, focusing and balancing.
Tea Tree: A powerful antiseptic, used to calm insect stings and reduce mild to moderate acne.
Vetiver: Home remedy for burn relief, acne, wounds and cuts. improves overall body function, and,repel termites.
Ylang-Ylang: Used to stimulate self-esteem and promote inner harmony.
