Practical Aromatherapy: A Primer On The Top Ten Oils
Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to
common ailments we see at home. Those interested in
alternative remedies and natural health, wellness and
fitness will appreciate these natural wonders. The of
essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics
and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system
tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should
not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can
be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as
adjuncts to other therapies. Here we will have a brief look
at ten essential oils which may comprise the ‘basic home
care kit’. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go
a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!)
treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and
scrapes, burns, digestive troubles, stress related
conditions and more.
Tea Tree Essential Oil – When first examined for it’s
antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to
be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid – the medical
standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range
of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have
been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used
topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found
in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively
employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other
things.
Lavender Essential Oil – As important and useful as Tea
Tree, Lavender oil has been named the ‘medicine chest in a
bottle’. Lavender’s calming and healing properties act on
both a physiological and psychological level. Lavender is
considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring, and
is the first choice in cases of minor burns. The oil is also
pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a
variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to
apply Lavender oil to the soles of the feet of patients
recovering from almost any ailment to bring calm and comfort
during a stressful time. Lavender has been noted as ‘better
than benzodiazepines’ for supporting sleep – use in a
diffuser in your bedroom, or simply sprinkle a few drops on
the bedding before retiring to enjoy this effect.
Chamomile Essential Oil – Well known for its gentle sedative
effects, chamomile has been used in herbalism since
antiquity. Chamomile essential oil works particularly well
for bringing children back down to earth when the household
gets a little (or a lot!) hectic. Massaging a small amount
into the feet or belly works wonders; on infants, instead
use a 1% dilution of Vanilla essential oil in Hazelnut oil
for the same effect. Chamomile can also be inhaled from the
bottle or tissue.
Peppermint Essential Oil – Peppermint is often employed for
tummy troubles and for motion sickness. A drop in a cup of
warm water is excellent for those who can tolerate its
potent taste; a drop in a teaspoon of honey is effective for
younger ones. Spearmint should be used instead for children
under three years. Peppermint is also an excellent mental
stimulant, bringing clarity and alertness (though it should
not be used in cases of epilepsy due to its potency).
Peppermint can be inhaled from a tissue or diffuser (with
care taken not to touch the sensitive skin under the nose) -
it is the oil of choice for use in car diffusers to keep the
driver alert and to clear the stuffy air. Peppermint is also
an effective mosquito repellent, and can be added in small
amounts to neutral skin creams or suntan lotions for this
effect.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus, also
known as Eucalyptus Radiata, has been called an
‘aromatherapists designer oil’ due to its broad range of
effects and pleasing aroma. It is helpful in many breathing
related conditions when inhaled, it can cool the body in a
light mist, and invigorate in a massage blend. Diffusing in
your home or office can disinfect room air, and can be
effective as support during healing from a great number of
ailments – consult a knowledgeable practitioner for blends
and protocols that can be right for you.
Geranium Essential Oil – Geranium (sometimes known as
‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on both physiological
and psychological levels. It’s floral aroma is brightening
and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte
Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil :
“Geranium’s vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but
direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice
for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires
natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & “tonifies”
the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding
attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves,
helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify.
A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds.” Particularly
noted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions,
Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems,
uterine and breast complaints.
Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil – This is the wonder oil
for sports injuries and bruises of all kinds. Its effects
are recounted time and time again by active sports and
fitness enthusiasts sustaining injuries of all kinds. Highly
regarded in the aromatherapy literature, Helichrysum
Italicum can be applied directly to any impact-related
injury to dramatically reduce healing time. Only a small
amount is needed for each application, and can be used
sparingly if cost is an issue – Helichrysum Italicum oil can
be diluted to 10% in a carrier for regular application to
chronic injuries, aches and pains. It can provide similar
healing action to damaged skin, particularly when blended to
three percent dilution in Rosehip Seed and Hazelnut oils.
Thyme Essential Oil – Thyme is a potent antiviral,
antibiotic, and antiseptic oil. There are many types of
Thyme, with only the linalool chemotype appropriate for use
with children. Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases
of flu or sinus infections, being inhaled regularly from a
diffuser. Alternatively, for sinusitis, a drop can be placed
on a small square of tissue paper, with the paper then
rolled so that the drop is in the inside. The paper can then
be placed in the nostril to the oil can slowly be
‘diffused’ into the sinus cavity. Further research can
help you find particular uses for this wonderful oil.
Lemon Esssential Oil – Say good-by to chemical cleaners and
deodorizers. Just dilute Lemon essential oil in distilled
water (2-10 drops per ounce, depending on the strength
desired) and use as you would other cleaners for your
kitchen countertops. Lemon has a very uplifting aroma in
addition to its gentle yet effective antimicrobial
properties. Studies have shown increased test scores by
students where Lemon was diffused during study. The uses for
Lemon essential oil are extensive – a little research will
help you incorporate this lovely, inexpensive essential oil
into your life.
Clove Essential Oil – The power of Clove essential oil is
noted upon the first sensing of the aroma – it is quite
strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the
strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a
component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely
potent antibacterial, also with analgesic properties,
commonly used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache.
Clove oil is also a component of anti-parasite protocols,
helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system
during times of intestinal cleansing. Its aroma is warming,
and particularly appreciated during the winter months,
blending well with citrus oils such as lemon and orange.
This round’s out a wonderful beginning ‘home care kit’
for the natural health, wellness and fitness enthusiasts.
These oils can offer a wonderful introduction to the world
of aromatherapy, particularly due to their obviously
practical uses. There are a great many more varieties of
oils, with a corresponding number of healing properties for
both the body and the mind. As always with essential oils,
there potent nature demands a certain amount of respect with
their use – start slowly in any case, and consult a
knowledgeable practitioner if you have any questions about
their application. Most of all, enjoy the experience of
including these healing liquids in your life and have fun!
Tagged with: Adjuncts • Alternative Remedies • Anti Depressants • Antifungal Properties • Antiseptic Properties • Antiseptics • Common Ailments • Cuts And Scrapes • Digestive Troubles • Healing Properties • Health Wellness • lavender essential oil • lavender oil • Medicine Chest • Minor Burns • Minor Complaints • Oral Hygiene • Professional Medical Care • Psychological Level • Tea Tree
Filed under: aromatherapy
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