Category Archives: aromatherapy

7 Essential Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a term that you are probably familiar with by now, especially with the many varieties of aromatherapy massage now popularly sold at leading salons and spas all over the world. However, what you may not have realized is that aromatherapy is an age-old practice that can be used at home to treat a number of common and even serious ailments.

Aromatherapy is a healing therapy that uses the essential oils of plants to soothe and treat countless illnesses. the first recorded use of essential oils was more than 6000 years ago as a staple of the Egyptian culture and healing system. Today, aromatherapy is becoming popular for providing the same benefits in our culture, with one of the most common uses being for relaxation and stress relief.

To get you started on your home aromatherapy treatment, here are the top seven benefits that you can expect from using aromatherapy:

1. Improved mood. Rosemary is an essential oil that has been proven to boost the mood and offer feelings of contentment. even better, this essential oil provides a positive benefit in overall mood and performance by reducing the stress hormone cortisol in the body. At the very least, rosemary in aromatherapy can be used on a regular basis to relieve stress, induce relaxation, and prevent anxiety.

2. Get a better night’s sleep if you find yourself tossing and turning every night and even sleeping pills won’t help you to relax, aromatherapy may be the answer that you have been looking for. Aromatherapy is quite helpful for treating sleep disorders, and it is one of the fastest growing alternative therapies in the Western world. the topical use of essential oils will stimulate the limbic system in the brain that controls emotion and mood, meaning that aromatherapy can effectively induce calm, relaxation, and a deep sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed.

3. Improve your complexion. Many aestheticians would agree that aromatherapy is a powerful tool to alleviate a number of skin conditions, especially dry and flaky skin. if dry and flaky skin is left untreated, it can cause premature wrinkling and signs of age. for this reason, aromatherapy is helpful to keep the skin youthful, moist, and balanced, and it will also improve even more serious conditions of the skin, like eczema and psoriasis. many essential oils provide anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce dryness and irritation and calm red and rough skin.

4. Relieve chronic asthma. If you are having difficulty with constant wheezing and coughing caused by asthma, when used wisely and under professional care, aromatherapy can often free asthmatic lungs of irritation. Wheezing is caused by pushing air through swollen bronchial passages, which frequently results in an asthma attack. Professional aromatherapy treatment can provide asthma relief in between these attacks by rubbing anti-histamine and decongestant essential oils, like ginger and peppermint, directly on the chest.

5. Treat nausea and stomach problems. if you suffer with constant digestive issues, like stomach pain, intestinal gas, belching, and nausea, all of the above can be quickly relieved with aromatherapy. in fact, using essential oils for stomach issues in children is a helpful home remedy for any young kids who have difficulty swallowing medicine. Aromatherapy targets the first stage of digestion by signaling the brain that food is on the way to create the immediate response of flowing digestive juices to alleviate a number of stomach issues. Aromatherapy also provides the added benefit of relieving stress and anxiety overall, which is often the cause of nausea and a queasy stomach.

6. Reduce the symptoms of PMS. PMS is something that many women struggle with on a monthly basis, and it can often cause a series of emotional and physical problems. PMS symptoms vary individually from woman to woman, and if you have very severe symptoms around the time of your period, aromatherapy may be the perfect answer. it is helpful to take an aromatic bath or get a massage with essential oils to reduce symptoms like depression, mood swings, irritability, and even bloating and tenderness.

7. Get rid of a bladder infection. Bladder infections are more common than you may realize, especially in women. Fortunately, aromatherapy provides several essential oils to take care of this issue, such as sandalwood, chamomile, tea tree, and juniper berry. However, it is important to use trained aromatherapy techniques for this treatment because treating with too much juniper berry could cause irritation to the kidneys if administered incorrectly. A bladder infection can be quickly treated using aromatherapy by applying the essential oils in a compress over the bladder or taking an aromatherapy bath scented with essential oils.

As you can see, aromatherapy is a legitimate and effective alternative healing therapy. if you are struggling with any of the above issues and are sick of taking medications or using other forms of treatment, aromatherapy offers a gentle substitute that will alleviate numerous illnesses and concerns. even more importantly, all of the benefits of using aromatherapy listed above are just the beginning since aromatherapy has been proven to treat countless physical and emotional issues

It is highly important to have legitimate training for the use of aromatherapy since using some essential oils improperly could cause sickness or irritation. Perhaps the simplest way to benefit from aromatherapy is in the form of a massage or bath, which will also provide you with a multitude of relaxation benefits. if you are new to aromatherapy, you can first try out aromatherapy massage from a massage therapist, which will integrate specific essential oils to target any physical or emotional problems you may be struggling with. On top of that, you will receive the anti-stress benefits of massage to relax your muscles, improve circulation, and flush dangerous toxins from your body.

Aromatherapy is a versatile and user-friendly form of healing that offers a long list of home remedies to maintain your health without paying for expensive medications or doctor’s visits Additionally, aromatherapy will also give you the much needed stress relief that you have been looking for to relax and improve your health from the inside out.

Aromatherapy And Its Uses

Aromatherapy has been a part of spiritual and medicinal practices from many centuries. It is a well grounded alternative health philosophy, grounded in science. Aromatherapy involves the use of natural oils extracted from bark, roots, flowers, herbs and other parts of aromatic plants mixed in carrier oil. the essential oils extracted from aromatic plants are used to stimulate olfactory system in order to treat symptoms of illness and create a harmonious balance between the body and the mind, which often becomes disrupted leading to a variety of ailments. there are innumerable uses of aromatherapy essential oils. other than its use in treatment of certain medical conditions, it is also used to prevent diseases and to manage wellbeing. Because of its medicinal properties, aromatherapy essential oil is widely used in wellness products and spa products. believe it or not, there exist more than hundred different types of aromatherapy oils, with each having unique benefits and properties.

Different cultures around the world including Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and Indians have used aromatherapy oils since thousands of years to effectively treat different diseases. Chinese were most probably the first culture to promote and use aromatherapy to restore a balance between man and nature and bring harmony to the physical world. these oils are used as offerings to God as well as for medicinal purposes. during medieval age, these oils were used for different purposes like fighting off the plague.

Aromatherapy essential oils stimulate the sense of smell which in turn influences the brain helping it to send the right healing signals to the body. the type of oil that is used depends on the kind of result that is desired. Different essential oil’s have different results and different effect on brain and body.

These oils are manufactured and sold in various different forms like absolutes, essential oils, hydrosols and CO2s. while some essential oils can be inhaled, others can be directly applied on skin or can also be added to bathing water. In fact, these oils are often burned to calm the environment or to disinfect the air. a good example of this is burning of incense sticks.

Aromatherapy oils have a number of positive effects on both mind and soul. however, the amount of benefit received depends on the way you use aromatherapy oil. Inhaling these oils can stimulate both the body and mind. Sleeping disorders, ENT (ear, nose, throat) disorders like congestions and breathing problems can be successfully treated using aromatherapy. Diluted essential oil’s can also be applied on skin for pain relief, to calm body, to combat stress, to rejuvenate your-self or for any other health benefit.

Aromatherapy oils when not used correctly or as prescribed by the therapist can have certain side effects as well.. if it has to be applied on skin, it is important that it is diluted in a carrier oil like grape seed oil or almond oil. Incorrect use of essential oils may cause hyper-sensitivity. many people may also have allergic reactions that are painful, uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening.

However, when used correctly aromatherapy essential oils have powerful and indomitable effect on body and can be used for a number of purposes.

Aromatherapy Candles & Aromatherapy Candle Gifts

Aromatherapy candles offer people all over the world with delightful aromas and beautiful dcor options. but the real benefits of an aromatherapy candle comes in its unique scent.

For instance, aromatherapy candles are designed to burn slowly and emit a certain fragrance. This fragrance has been shown through the centuries to produce specific effects in people. Lavender is known to have a calming affect while citrus or tangerine is uplifting and invigorating.

Specific aromatherapy candle scents help bring about a mood or feeling to your home. it helps to set the atmosphere. however, aromatherapy candles are also used as means of therapy. Inhaling a lavender scent given off by an aromatherapy candle will help to ease your spirits, calm your mind and soothe your body. It’s particularly great after a long day at work, or a stressful event in life.

What many people don’t realize is that you can purchase an aromatherapy candle wholesale. By buying these candles in bulk, you save money and stock up on a great source of inspiration. When you get an aromatherapy candle wholesale, you cut out the middle-man or the retail aspect and end up with a fantastic fragrance to last a long time.

Even if you are skeptical of buying an aromatherapy candle wholesale, you shouldn’t be. the benefits are numerous and the risk is small. it may be slightly more difficult to buy these candles wholesale if you plan on using them for personal use rather than reselling them at retail prices. but if you require a lot of candles at once, a wholesale vendor may just be the perfect option for you.

Aromatherapy candles make a great addition to any home. Why not indulge in the delicious scent of bergamot or the divine aroma of apples? whatever your pleasure, you can rest assured that there is an aromatherapy candle out there to suit your tastes and needs. after all, there is a reason why therapy is a part of aromatherapy. It’s therapy for your senses. Whether you want to wake up or go to sleep, an aromatherapy candle can make all of the difference.

Some people are still skeptical of the health benefits of aromatherapy, but as times goes on, the more traditional medicine recognizes the strong relationship between smell and mood. Our sense of smell is our strongest sense, after all. it is no wonder that certain aromas invoke memories in a matter of seconds. Aromatherapy works by associating an aroma you are familiar with to a certain mood or state of mind. it is has been shown to be a great stress reliever. regardless of whether or not you believe in this mode of therapy, one thing remains certain. Aromatherapy candles bring a delicious smelling mode of decoration to your home.

Essential Oils – Jasmine Absolute – A Seductive and Exotic Fragrance

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is an exotic delicate fragrance that is overpowering for some people. it comes from India and is in the olive family. We get jasmine absolute from the flowers. actually it is an essence not an essential oil. the flowers must be picked at night when the fragrance is at its height. by sunrise, most of the fragrance has evaporated from the flowers. it takes a 1,000 pounds of uncrushed jasmine flowers to create only one pound of jasmine oil. Solvent extraction is used to create an absolute and the oil is produced by steam distillation of the absolute. Jasmine is an evergreen shrub or vine that may grow as long as 30 feet with delicate, bright green leaves and star-shaped very fragrant white flowers.

Traditionally, jasmine was nicknamed the Queen of the Night. Women have found this fragrance to be seductive and exotic. Common jasmine was said to warm the womb and facilitate birth. In China the flowers were used to treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and dysentery. the root was used to treat headaches, insomnia, pain due to dislocated joints and rheumatism.

How Can Jasmine help Today?

Jasmine has mild analgesic action, can be considered uplifting, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, stimulating and antibacterial. This is one oil I would call an aphrodisiac. Jasmine can be applied on location, on the chakras/vita flex points on the feet, it can be directly inhaled or diffused. it blends well with rose, sandalwood, clary sage, and all citrus oils. it can actually blend with virtually everything. As for safety, jasmine is non-toxic, non-irritating and generally non-sensitizing.

Want to learn more about the healing properties of jasmine and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy teaches courses throughout the United States on aromatherapy and energy healing.

What natural product can be sprayed on floorboards before putting in a new carpet that is anti-bacterial/mould

Washing the floorboards properly would need time to let them dry, so I'm just looking for something that can just be sprayed on. I'm thinking maybe aromatherapy stuff like lemon or tea tree?

Go to Home depot and purchase a tub of anti-bacterial/mold stuff and apply it along the edges of the boards. I dont suggest putting lemon or tea tree because those stuff can actually cause mold. if you are concerned about the smell buy a rubber broom and and anti-bacterial spray and brush every two days and apply the anti bacterial spray to smelly areas.

Does anyone know an effective natural or home remedy for a head cold?

Obviously there is no cure, but does anyone know of some aromatherapy blends or natural methods of relieving head congestion and chest congestion? I feel just awful, but most OTC cold medicines make me feel worse. And I can't sleep because I can't breathe!

I would recommend the following essential oils for head colds

– Eucalyptus as it has excellent decongestant properties, making it ideal for the treatment of flu, coughs and colds.

– Peppermint as it is nearly one third menthol which makes it a great oil for clearing head colds. (menthol is used in many modern medicines).

– Lavender as it relaxation and powerful antiseptic properties.

Two good method of application are:-

Steam Inhalation – Add one or two drop(s) of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water. place a towel over the head and the bowl and breath deeply. This will ease symptoms right away and go on working with the deeper problems. Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is a powerful expectorant, decongestant and anti inflammatory oil and the moisture content of the steam is also beneficial. An interesting side effect from this treatment is that it also provides a wonderful deep cleanse facial.

Another way great way of using essential oils is in a warm aromatic bath. Simply add up to ten drops of oil to your bath, the water will relax you and the healing properties of the oils will get to work on your cold. An excellent recipe for your therapeutic bath is 3 drops of Eucalyptus, 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Peppermint.

Do not prepare the bath in advance as much of the volatile oil will be lost. Don't be tempted to add more oil, even if the amount looks tiny. Essential oils are very concentrated and the number of drops suggested is more than sufficient

Allow plenty of time for a relaxing soak for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes if you can! some of the oil will adhere to the skin and some will be inhaled as an aromatic vapour

You can also use a dispersant to help the essential to mix with the water. You can use a tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, sweet almond or apricot. This is very useful for dry skin. Alternatively you can use full cream milk (not low fat or skimmed) or cream. Mix the essential oil in the dispersant and then add to the bath.

Hope this helps

Eucalypus oil in a bowl of boiling water. place a towel over you head and the bowl and breathe in the steam. as for preventing your next cold…..

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look under 'acupuncture' in the yellow pages and call around until you find the ones into herbs as well they know how to treat this , and prevent it.
Or go to a health food /supplement store and talk to them.
lavendar oil also

quacking in water helps.

Spa and Aromatherapy Certification Programs

Find Spa and Aromatherapy Certification Programs in the United States and Canada. Today, spa and aromatherapy certification programs are offered at a variety of holistic and massage therapy schools. Students, who are interested in managing their own salon or dayspa, find that spa and aromatherapy certification programs offer in-depth training and education.

The broad assortment of wellness modalities included in one of these courses may include hot and cold stone massage, aromatherapy (essential oils, herbs, etc.), hydrotherapy, reflexology, detoxification, wraps, cellulite reduction techniques, facials, and other related mind-body therapies.

Depending on the school in which one enrolls, spa and aromatherapy certification programs may vary in length and curriculum. While a number of spa and aromatherapy certification courses are well over 500 hours, others may be completed through a series of holistic workshops and seminars. in addition, spa and aromatherapy certification programs that involve esthetics, cosmetology, nail technology, and massage therapy may be 1,000 to 1,500 training hours.

Spa and aromatherapy certification programs teach future spa/aromatherapy technicians how to blend and use oils in natural beauty care, how to help in natural healing and rejuvenation through holistic and beauty nutrition, herbal scrubs, bodywork, and even energy balancing like Reiki.

If earning your spa and aromatherapy certification appeals to you, then why not apply to one of several massage or esthetics schools to earn the education you need to succeed in this ever-evolving field of natural health and beauty? once you’ve achieve your spa and aromatherapy certification, you have the option to work at luxurious retreats, salons and natural health and wellness cliniques around the globe.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding spa and aromatherapy certification programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started Explore career school programs near you.

Spa and Aromatherapy Certification Programs
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What! Aromatherapy Products As Household Cleaners And Fresheners? Hmmm, Gotta See This!

Since you’ve got to do house cleaning, you can also reap the benefits of aromatherapy at the same time you’re at it! If you’ve ever fought the good fight of household chores, you might be acquainted with the fact that the odor of a number of products are overpowering. If used with no suitable airing, several can be the source of illness.

It would be great if your domestic responsibilities were refreshing as opposed to just being strenuous? they can be and your home can be refreshed too. Here’s how to accomplish that.

First, here are a small number of guidelines

Creating your personal domestic cleansers is simple, enjoyable and money-saving, particularly if you formulate hefty amounts.

Like all domestic cleaning products and freshening products, keep in mind to correctly tag those which are home-produced. furthermore bear in mind to stockpile these items in a spot somewhere kids or pets can’t get a hold of them. although they’re non-hazardous, intake of extreme quantities can be capable of causing illness. at all times keep essential oils away from the eyes.

Aromatherapy ingredients that are to be used for cleaning/freshening and directions for application

To refresh the atmosphere within your residence, place your preferred scent into a pot of water and simmer blend on the range for a number of hours. the aroma of citrus rinds is bracing however you can make use of whichever essential oil you like best.

To make sure there’s constantly a spanking new scent in the restroom pinch a small number of drops of essential oil on top of the cardboard roll that holds the toilet paper. the fragrance will discharge with each pull. Bear in mind to do this again with every fresh roll you put onto the despenser.

If you fancy to use chemical-based clean-up products but have a preference for leaving behind a bouquet that doesn’t reek like harsh chemicals, compose a rinse by means of water and your preferred essential oil. Eucalyptus, pine, lemon, wintergreen, lavender and oodles of others are excellent choices. Four drops for each pint of water is a first-rate proportion. put blend into a misting jug and employ it as a kind of ‘final rinse’ while cleaning-up. Store this mixture in a dark area.

Tee tree oil and lavender essential oils contain anti-bacterial properties so you are able to use this kind of innate blend for clean-up of countertops. now combine a a small number of drops with water and spray on surfaces. For big jobs like destroying mold and mildew, include around 50 drops in a bucket of water.

Now here is an uncomplicated formula for a home-produced carpet freshener. in a bowl mix 4 cups of baking soda or cornstarch with 25 drops rosewood essential oil, 35 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 30 drops lavender essential oil. Split up chunks and mix together well. Transfer into a shaker container. Shake over carpets about 15 minutes preceding vacuuming. As an alternative to the essential oils listed here, you can blend your own individual favorites.

To wash floors, combine 15 drops of orange essential oil and 8 drops of lemon essential oils, 1 gallon hot water and 2 tablespoons liquid soap. this combination will work on hard jobs and will leave the area smelling spanking new.

Formulate your personal dryer sheets by inserting some drops of your pet essential oil on top of a towel. Include the towel with the dryer clothes and dry as you usually would.

For a profound slumber, put lavender essential oil into a spritz-type container. Lightly spritz bed sheets previous to retiring for the night.

Ok. there you have it, a partial list of ways to use your essential oils and aromatherapy products for cleaning [aromatherapy-benefits.info/Aromatherapy-Household-Cleaning-Uses.html], etc. and you thought they were only good for your nose!

For more information on using aromatherapy products for household cleaning [aromatherapy-benefits.info/Aromatherapy-Household-Cleaning-Uses.html] and freshening try visiting aromatherapy-benefits.info, a popular website that provides aromatherapy tips, advice and resources to include information on aromathreapy massage uses.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Gorman

Aromatherapy Diffusers – Top Tips

In learning to use an aromatherapy diffuser it is important to first understand the theory behind diffusion. this is the process of dispersing essential oils so that the aroma will fill an area with fragrance. There are many different techniques that can be utilized for this purpose. while simple methods do exist for diffusing essential oils in a room without using a special tool, there are also many different aromatherapy diffuser devices that can be used for more elaborate diffusion.

One of the easiest aromatherapy diffusers to utilize is simple facial tissue. by placing a few drops of essential oil of your choice on a tissue and then placing it in the room, you can quickly and easily create a wonderful fragrance in your environment. It should be noted that while this method is very easy to use and be used practically anywhere, this method will only emit a slight amount of fragrance. If you want something more noticeable, it will be necessary to utilize a more elaborate aromatherapy diffuser.

A steam aromatherapy diffuser can also be utilized place a couple of cups of boiled water and adding several drops of the essential oil of your choice into the water. this method can be used for a variety of purposes, such as freshening a room or treating a cold. There are some disadvantages to this method; however. for example, while the aroma is diffused quickly, it does not last particularly long.

Candles also prove to be wonderful aromatherapy diffusers. for this technique any candle will work. Simply light it and allow it to burn for a few minutes and then extinguish it. place a single drop of essential oil on the melted wax and light the candle once again. the only problem with this method is that you must be extremely careful because essential oils are flammable. You must make sure the oil is placed on the wax and not the wick of the candle.

There are also numerous aromatherapy diffuser products currently on the market that are quite safe and provide long lasting fragrance. One of the best aromatherapy diffuser products currently on the market are lamp rings. These rings can be placed directly on a light bulb to hold essential oil. the heat from the light bulb will heat the oil and diffuse the scent into the room.

Candle aromatherapy diffusers are another inexpensive diffusion option that can offer a nice scent in practically any location. Due to the fact that they do utilize candles; however, caution should be exercised.

A nebulizer is also a good choice if you are looking for an aromatherapy diffuser that will provide a lot of therapeutic benefit in a small space.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Russell

Aromatherapy Has No Health Benefits

A new study shows that aromatherapy oils are perfectly capable of lifting your mood, but they certainly can’t help to heal you. the findings dispute the widely believed notion that essential oils can have a positive impact on our health.

The research, which was conducted at Ohio State University, put two of the most popular aromatherapy oils to the test. Lavender and lemon essential oils were tested on their measurable healing properties and the findings of the study were published in the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology’s journal, Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, psychiatry and psychology professor at Ohio State University and co-author of this research, said of the study, “We all know that the placebo effect can have a very strong impact on a person’s health but beyond that, we wanted to see if these aromatic essential oils actually improved human health in some measurable way,”

After conducting a series of experiments on the oils, the Ohio-based research team could find no measurable benefits. in fact, in a few cases, distilled water had more of an effect than lavender oil.

In order to test the oils, researchers stuck balls of cotton wool infused with the essential oils and distilled water under the noses of 56 healthy volunteers. every volunteer was tested prior to the study to ensure that they had a regular sense of smell; they were then made to undergo a series of tests over three sessions.

In order to see whether the scents could help the volunteers to manage pain response, they stuck the subject’s feet into icy cold water. to test whether the scents could improve healing, the researchers performed a test where some tape is applied and removed repeatedly to the same spot of skin. in order to test the impact of the oils on mood, the volunteers were asked to complete nine standard psychological tests. Finally, to test the impact of the smells on the volunteers’ stress levels, they underwent regular blood, blood pressure and heart tests.

The tests indicated that neither the lemon nor the lavender essential oil managed to show any positive measurable effect on the immune system. while the lavender oil also failed to show a change in the body’s ability to deal with pain or stress, the lemon oil did show a substantial mood enhancement.

William Malarkey, a professor of internal medicine and co-author of this study, concluded, “We failed to find any quantitative indication that these oils provide any physiological effect for people in general.” Still, despite the findings, the professor said that he wouldn’t write off using essential oils and aromatherapy completely. he said, “This is probably the most comprehensive study ever done in this area, but the human body is infinitely complex. If an individual patient uses these oils and feels better, there’s no way we can prove it doesn’t improve that person’s health.”

Associated Free Press