Turning to Aromatherapy
In the last few years there has been more attention on the consequences of using antibiotics and commercially produced antibacterial items. Reports of compromised immune systems and increased incidences of drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses are well documented.
Medical scientists are now searching worldwide for medicinal plants that exhibit exceptional antimicrobial properties. Much attention has been given to essential oils and their promising medicinal uses.
Modern health care, in all its complexity, has often disregarded individual needs and self- responsibility for one?s own health. Cultural attitudes of healthcare have transitioned from empowerment and self-educating to dependence and in some cases helplessness.
Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as well as notoriety for less invasive treatments and more personal approaches to wellness. For those just beginning to explore alternative medicine, aromatherapy is an excellent foundation. There are safe and easy to use methods of aromatherapy that are effective and enjoyable.
Self Care with Essential Oils
There are extensive uses for aromatic essential oils that range from infections to relief of unwanted stress and strain. Below are a few aromatherapy recipes for common ailments. As with any medicinal use, one needs to be well-informed and personally responsible. There are essential oils that can be used without caution and others that need more experience in using.
Many forms of alternative medicine require application from expert practitioners, aromatherapy does not. Thus, with some research, one can self-medicate and connect with personal health needs. It must be stated that time must be taken to read and research about essential oils before freely using them. Some essential oils are safe and can be used with liberal application, while others require specific know how. As with any new practice, start simple and add with experience.
Essential oils can be effective for many common health ailments. The aroma-medicine professionals believe their greatest gift to mankind is for the treatment and prevention of infectious illness (most oils show antimicrobial activity). Essential oils are also excellent for skin, hair and body care when blended with fixed oils. And of course, the psychological impact of aromatherapy should not be overlooked as new data is emerging that aromas can in-fact change the wiring of our brains.
Five Healthful Recipes
For the Flu – There are quite a few methods for using aromatherapy in treating the flu from inhalation to suppositories. Here we include a recipe for direct massage as well as inhalation in a warm bath. Massage your body with 2 drops of tea tree oil and 3 drops of eucalyptus diluted in suitable carrier oil. To inhale the essential oils, add 5 drops of tea tree, 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of thyme in a warm bath.
For Sinusitis – A combination of rosemary (3 drops), thyme (1 drop) and peppermint (1 drop) used in steam inhalation is effective for sinusitis. One may also combine rosemary (5 drops), geranium (5 drops), eucalyptus (2 drops) and peppermint (3 drops). Add 5 drops of the blend in carrier oil and massage around the neck, ears, cheekbone, nose and forehead.
General Headaches – Combine lavender (3 drops) and peppermint (1 drop) and blend in a small amount of carrier oil. Massage around the base of the skull, the temples and along the hair line.
For Insomnia – Make a synergistic blend of clary-sage(3 drops), vetiver (2 drops), valerian (1 drop) and lavender (2 drops). Add 3 drops of the blend in a bath or 2 drops in carrier oil and rub over the body.
Laryngitis – Many of us sing in holiday choirs and attend festive parties that require an increase in voice usage. If symptoms occur, combine chamomile (2 drops), lavender (3 drops) and thyme (1 drop) and place in bowl of steaming water. Inhale deeply. You may also choose to make a blend with chamomile (5 drops), thyme (1 drop) and lemon (2 drops) and dilute in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Massage over neck area and behind the ears.
This is a quick look at some easy home care essential oil recipes. Using essential oils for their medicinal properties is simple to do, and when done properly following recipes and guidelines, can be very effective. There are many excellent guidebooks available. Look for those focusing on the medicinal aspects of aromatherapy, and search sites like pubmed.gov for the latest in essential oil health science research.
Owned by the author, The Ananda Apothecary is an excellent online resource for premium grade wildcrafted, organic and 100% pure essential oils, flower essences, and aromatherapy supplies.
