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by Nadia Gross To relax, to sleep, to heal, to feel good, to love
— these are only a few of the many healing benefits aromatherapy has
to offer. WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils
extracted from medicinal herbs, trees, roots, resins, flowers, and
fruits. These oils are extracted through a distillation process to
preserve their delicate and volatile medicinal benefits. They are 75-100
times stronger than dried herbs and can be used for numerous healing
preparations. To have a healing effect on the body these oils must be
pure and used in concentrations of 2% ? 4%. Professional help should be
obtained when preparing natural remedies using these potent oils. WHERE DID THE OILS COME FROM? The first recollection of an essential oil dates
back to the Bible where reference is made to using Frankincense and
Myrrh for anointing and healing purposes. The Egyptians used many oils,
such as Patchouli, to promote relaxation, as aphrodisiacs, for massage
as well as for healing applications. Throughout history many different
cultures have used these precious oils to heal scars, wounds, fevers,
and more. HOW DO THEY WORK? There are two basic methods of using aromatherapy
Inhalation and Skin Applications. An inhalation treatment can be
delivered by simply inhaling the essential oil from a bottle, adding a
few drops to an Aroma Lamp to disperse the aroma throughout a room,
adding it to warm bath water, steam room, or shower, and breathing in
the aromas. The second method is preferred for deeper
therapies and can be delivered through adding the essential oils to a
natural carrier such as Almond Oil, Grape seed Oil, Sesame Oil, Lotion,
Bath Salts, and applying them directly on the skin through
self-application or professional massage. CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HELP ME? Essential Oils can help with headaches, migraines,
arthritis, back aches, sciatic nerve problems, asthma, stress, insomnia,
weight loss, cellulite, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, hair
loss, high blood pressure, menopause, PMS, depression, anxiety, fears,
cuts, wounds, burns, colds and flu, cerebral palsy, throat infections,
aphrodisiacs, and many more. I recommend all my clients keep a basic supply of
oils handy at home MAKING HEALING PREPARATIONS When making healing preparations a professional
should be consulted or follow recipes in an aromatherapy book. To make a
healing preparation you must research the essential oils that would
benefit your condition, obtain a natural carrier, some apothecary
supplies, and the essential oils. The essential oils should be diluted
in a carrier oil or lotion at a concentration of 2%?4%. Pregnant women,
children, and elderly should not use more than a 1% concentration.
Contraindications exist for pregnant women, elderly, children, and
certain medical conditions. Consulting a professional aromatherapy shop
or books are recommended to determine which oils are safe under these
conditions. Of course it is important to consult your alternative
healthcare professional. BREAKING DOWN THE MYTHS Unfortunately, aromatherapy has been completely
misrepresented with "cute ads," packaging, and pretty
fragrances being called "aromatherapy" when nothing could be
further from the truth. In reality, aromatherapy is not a "cute
fad" or pretty aromas of pears and melons; the truth is that
aromatherapy has a medicinal and therapeutic nature, and has been around
for 6,000 years. Many products found in grocery shelves, and bath &
body shops use synthetic fragrances or little or no essential oils and
claim to be aromatherapy. The bottom line is that true aromatherapy uses
pure, therapeutic grade essential oils extracted from herbs, plants,
etc. Synthetic fragrances such as watermelon, hazelnut, and pear have no
medicinal value, and have actually been found to produce a negative
impact on health. HOW CAN I TELL WHAT IS REAL AND WHAT IS NOT? If it smells too sweet, or too flowery, more than
likely it is a synthetic fragrance. Essential oils can be a little
pricey, but they are worth it. Usually prices range from $8.00-60.00 for
a 1/2 oz bottle. If you find essential oils for $2.00-3.00 a bottle, I
guarantee you it is not a pure essential oil! Education is an important step in getting the best
from Essential Oils. Referencing aromatherapy books and/or seeking out
stores specializing in these medicinal and therapeutic oils can make
your journey into health one of less frustration. Take the time for you
and enjoy all the benefits aromatherapy can provide. Herbal Works at 822-HERB (4372) or 1-888-549-8335. A Metaphysical, Spiritual, Holistic Publication | In Light Times |Issue Index |
The True Power of Aromatherapy, 