How to use Aromatherapy

Cautions

Essential oils for specific purposes

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Aromatherapy is said to have been around for more than 6,000 years.  The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils.  This healing modality was also used in ancient India through the healing art of Ayurveda.

In the more modern era, the term aromatherapy was coined by the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse for the therapeutic use of essential oils.  He began seriously investigating the effect of other essential oils when he discovered that the lavender oil he submerged his own burnt hand into caused a great reduction in pain, quicker healing time, and minimal scarring.

Although there has been limited scientific studies to substantiate the beneficial claims of aromatherapy, there have been some brain wave studies which show increases of beta or alpha waves with certain aromas.  The fragrance of lavender increased alpha waves in the occipital lobe (back of the head), which is associated with relaxation.  When the aroma of Jasmine was introduced the beta waves in the frontal lobe (front of the head), which is associated with a more alert state, were increased.  Most everyone has had the experience, at one time or another, of certain aromas triggering particular  memories, emotions, or relaxation states.

There are about 150 distinctive essential oils. These oils are extracted, by distillation or other method, from the flowers, leaves, stems, fruits or roots of plants. The most effective method of obtaining them is by steam distillation or cold pressing.  Solvent-extracted oils, especially synthetics should be avoided.

Most essential oils have antiseptic properties; some are claimed to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-reliever, anti-spasmodic, sedative and antidepressant properties.  They are said to cause stimulation, relaxation, improve digestion, and to have diuretic properties which is why they are used in aromatherapy.

Our olfactory organs (those which effect smell) are really quite amazing; we have the ability to distinguish about 10,000 different smells.  It is believed that aroma molecules enter through the cilia (fine hairs in the lining of the nose), which then send a signal to the limbic system (structures of the brain concerned with emotion and motivation), where they stimulate the release of neurochemicals (serotonin, endorphins, etc.) which then communicate with the nervous and other systems of the body.  These neurochemicals produce effects such as: stimulation, relaxation, pain relief, and sedation.

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There are several ways essential oils can be used in aromatherapy depending on the desired effect.  These include:

• Aromatic
  • Fragrance bowl--a few drops of essential oil may be added to a bowl of water and placed on a radiator or wood stove.
  • Aroma diffuser--add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the bowl of the diffuser and the aromatic vapors will be released as the water heats up, usually by a candle.
  • Potpourri--a few drops of essential oil can be added to some dried leaves or flowers, mix and allow to sit in an open bowl.
  • Natural air freshener--add 25-50 drops of essential oil to 2 ounces of pure water in a spray bottle; shake well before spraying.
  • Direct inhalation--add 8-10 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and breath deeply for about 5 minutes.
• Aromatherapy bath
  • Add 8-15 drops of essential oil to your bath water.  The oil should be added after the water has stopped running, stir the water to mix the oil evenly.
  • Due to the volatile nature of essential oils it is advisable to use a small amount of carrier to dissolve the oils into before placing into your bath.  You can use a teaspoon of carrier oil such as grape-seed oil, or a teaspoon of dry milk for this purpose. 
  • The oil is beneficial as you breath the vapors and as it is absorbed through the skin.
• Aromatherapy massage
  • Add 8-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of sweet almond, grape seed, jojoba, olive or other pure vegetable oil.
  • For children use only 6 drops of the essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
• Aromatherapy compress
  • Add 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl or hot or cold water.
  • Place a cloth in the bowl, ring out and place on the effected area to be treated.
  • Compresses are helpful for sore muscles and cramps using hot water, and for headache and swelling using cold water.

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Cautions:

Generally, aromatherapy is considered a very safe therapy as long as it is used as recommended and under the care of a qualified practitioner.  But, as with any treatment modality, there are some precautions which include:

• Use with caution in pregnancy.

• Always test a new essential oil application on a small spot of skin to see if there will be any allergic reaction before exposing the whole body.

• Use with caution in people with high blood pressure, allergies, or epilepsy.

• Essential oils generally should never be taken internally as many of them are toxic if swallowed.

• Some oils cause insomnia and would be counterproductive to use at night.

• Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin.  Always use diluted.

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Essential Oils for Specific Purposes:

Aromatherapy Oils for Relaxation

Aromatherapy Oils for Stress Management
Calm Oils
Uplifting Oils
Stress Oils

Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy

The following are just a few of the web sites on aromatherapy, there are many more:

**These are outside links; before clicking on them save this page in your favorites, or hit your browser back button to return.

www.aromaweb.com

www.aworldofaromatherapy.com

www.holisticonline.com/aromatherapy/hol_aroma.htm

www.holisticmed.com/www/aromatherapy.html

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