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The art of Aromatherapy began with the Egyptians who made fragrances, love potions and health and beauty treatments from essential oils. The Greeks learned the art from the Egyptians and India's Ayurvedic medicine is based on the use of essential oils. In the 10th century, Avicenna, an Arabian physician, used distillation to extract the fragrances from plants. Rose water became one of the most famous of his perfumes and continues to be very popular, particularly in the Middle Eastern and Asian countries. The use of essential oils spread rapidly by the 12th century and was introduced to the U.S. by the French. In 1928, the term, Aromatherapy, was coined by the French chemist Rene-Maurie Gattefosse.
The essential oil of a herb, spice, flower, or wood is described as its "life force," because it contains its substance, natural elements and beneficial therapeutic properties.
Essential oils can be readily found in herb shops and health food stores, and used in many ways. One of the most effective methods of using oils is by massage. During massage, the capillaries that are close to the skin's surface effectively carry the oil to other parts of the body. Care must be taken, however, not to irritate the skin with undiluted oils. The essential oils are very potent and should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as peach kernel or sweet almond. Six drops of essential oil to two teaspoonfuls of carrier oil is recommended.
Another effective Aromatherapy method is inhalation. The oils can be inhaled by adding 5 to 10 undiluted drops to a bowl of steaming water. A towel should be placed over the head and bowl, and the vapors should be inhaled for several minutes. A simple way to inhale the vapors and absorb the oils through the skin is to use them in a bath. Add six to ten drops of undiluted oil to a filled bath and soak for about 20 minutes.
The following is a list of common ailments and the essential oils which have been used to alleviate them:
Abdominal cramps -- Clary sage, Lavender
Acne -- Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree
Allergies -- Chamomile, Lavender, Patchouli
Arthritis -- Birch, Chamomile, Ginger, Eucalyptus, Juniper
Backache -- Neroli, Cajeput
Burns -- Lavender, Patchouli, Niaouli
Colds -- Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint
Coughs -- Cedarwood, Ginger, Marjoram, Pine Needle, Tea Tree
Cuts -- Chamomile, Lemon, Tagetes
Headache -- Cumin, Dill, Lavender, Peppermint
Heartburn -- Cardamon Seed, Melissa
High Blood Pressure -- Lavender, Marjoram, Sage
Indigestion -- Cardamon Seed, Chamomile, Spearmint
Sore Throat -- Ginger, Lavender, Thyme
Muscular aches and pains -- Basil, Chamomile. Eucalyptus, Ginger, Rosemary
Stress -- Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Sandalwood
Toothache -- Cajeput, Chamomile, Clove
In addition to physiological therapeutic treatments, Aromatherapy can be used to promote mental and emotional well being. Bergamont, Chamomile, and Jasime, for example, are good for depression. Evaporisation of the oils is a good way to create an atmosphere that will be conducive to providing mental and emotional tranquillity. The most effective vaporizers are diffusers and the Aromastream TM, which can be found at herb shops and health food stores. For further study of Aromatherapy and its uses, the following sources may be consulted:
Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies, by Franzesca Watson
The Aromatherapy Book, by Jeanne Rose
The Directory of Essential Oils, by Wanda Sellar
The Complete Book of Essential Oils, by Mechthild Scheffer
The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy, by Chrissie Wildwood
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, by Julia Lawless
As always, consult a professional when in doubt as to the diagnosis of any complaint and the use of any remedy.
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