Aromatherapy is the method of treating physical and mental problems through the use of oils extracted from various plants. These oils can be used in massage or in inhalation. Oils are generally safe when diluted and used with proper care, but it is advisable to consult a trained aromatherapist or Doctor before using any of these amazing oils.
Basic care should be used when using the oils. Always dilute the oils in a suitable carrier oil. The Oils are flammable, so be careful with candles, burners etc. Certain people should not use certain oils. Expectant Mothers: DO NOT USE basil, cedarwood, citronella, clary sage, clove, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose otto, rosemary and thyme. Epileptics: DO NOT USE camphor, fennel, hyssop and rosemary. Sufferers of High blood pressure: DO NOT USE hyssop, rosemary or thyme. Those with sensitive skin: DO NOT USE basil, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, clove, fennel, ginger, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, pine, rosemary, tea tree and thyme. Cinnamon must NEVER be used on the skin. and never use lemon, lemongrass, mandarin or orange before sunbathing.
The Oils; an A-Z of the oils and their uses.
Basil Good for asthma and Bronchitis and for the digestion. Uplifts tired spirits. Benzoin good for circulation and and cracked skin. Bergamot Good for the urinary system and useful in combatting stress. Black pepper Improves the circulation and helps with memory and concentration. Cajuput Good for pain relief, such as neuralgia, and aids the concentration. Carrot seed Good for poor digestion and for circulation.Puts an end to confusion. Cedarwood Calms and is good for oily skin conditions and acne. Chamomile A very calming oil, and also good for pain and sore joints. Clary Sage A powerful sedative-calms and re-assures. Cypress Good for the treatment of varicose veins. Eucalyptus Good for respiratory problems, catarrh and mucus. Fennel Gives strength and detoxifies the body. Frankincense Calming and very good for dry skin conditions. Geranium gets rid of excess fluid, is good against depression and excellent for mature skin. Ginger Good for rheumatism and catarrh. Grapefruit A tonic to sluggish digestion, and may induce ephoria. Jasmine Good for stretch marks and is said to be an aphrodisiac! Juniper Good for those who feel emotionally drained, and is a good de-toxifier. Lavender A great all-round oil-one for the beginner! good for calming and healing, and can be used for most ailments. Lemon Improves the circulation and aids concentration. Lemongrass A tonic for the body and the mind, also used in treating athletes foot. Mandarin Useful against stretch marks and water retention, also good for depression. Marjoram A warming comforting oil, also good or arthritis and asthma. Melissa Good for shock and insomnia. Myrrh Good for all sorts of dry skin conditions.Restores get-up-and-go! Neroli Good for tired skin and fights off insomnia. Palmarosa Stimulates the appetite and relieves creaky joints. Patchouli Relaxs, curbs the appetite and works well on dryed out skin. Peppermint This oil stimulates the mind body and soul-and cools and soothes sore feet! Petitgrain Soothes nerves, slows the heart and is also good for oily skin. Rose A wonderful oil-helps all sorts of skin conditions and its magnificent smell calms all who use it. Rosemary Good for the nerves, digestion and hair. Rosewood another aphrodisiac, boosts the immune system and combats tiredness. Sage Good for painful muscles and cleanses the body and mind. Tea tree another oil for the beginner, this oil is great at fighting infection, and enlivens the mind. Thyme Boosts the immune system and helps stiff aching joints. Vetivert Combats exhaustion Yarrow Reduces inflamation and calms anger right down Ylang ylang relaxing and great for skin, also good for fighting insomnia.
How to Use the Oils There are four ways to use the oils: Perfume, Vaporisation, Baths, Massage
Perfume Blend your favourite oils together to make your own favourite scent.
Vaporisation Place a few drops of your chosen oil in water in the bowl of an Oil burner-and remember NEVER leave a lit candle unattended!
Baths Try a nice warm bath with some drops of oil added, to either stimulate or relax you
Massage Try massaging your feet with Peppermint oil after a hard days work-or give your loved one an all-over massage
Some Handy Blends All these blends must be mixed well with the base oil etc before being used!
Body Lotion Lotion base add a few drops each of: Geranium Clary Sage and Lavender
Hand/Foot soak A basin of hot water add a few drops of Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea tree and Lavender
Sensual Massage Sweet Almond Oil add Clary Sage, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang
Poor Hair Mix a few drops of Rosemary, Lavender and Bergamot with a jug of warl water and use to rinse hair
Poor Skin add a few drops of Geranium and Frankincense to your usual toner
Invigorating Bath a warm bath to which add Geranium and Lavender. a few drops of Peppermint can be added-but be careful-it can make a hot bath feel cold!
Mature Skin's best friend
add a few drops of Frankincense, Geranium and Laveder to a base moisturiser/lotion
Remember Take care with oils! Oils are highly concentrated, flammable and can damage varnished/polished surfaces. Always take care with candles---NEVER leave a lit candle unattended!!!
any questions about aromatherapy can be posted below.
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