A cure to burns was discovered in the 1920s by a man called Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Its name is Lavender. This chemist once had his hand exposed to an explosion on his hand, which went through an incredible healing process when he had it dipped in pure lavender oil. The swelling subsided and within a pretty short time, he was feeling relieved of the pain. Besides seeing his hand heal swiftly, he was left with no scars. This prompted him to investigate more about Lavender Oil. He resolved to explore deeper into the study of essential oils which gave birth to what is popularly known as aromatherapy today.

Aromatherapy is a contemporary name given to an ancient form of treatment which used the therapeutic properties of natural plant oil to improve a persons physical and emotional well being. A couple of decades later, information about the health benefits from this form of treatment disseminated widely. More and more people got to know how much aromatherapy could do to boost their health. One effect of aging is that you will become vulnerable to many diseases and aches. Thats why you need to take good care of your body when still young to strengthen its immune system in preparation for the tough future awaiting you. Plant oils have been suggested to make people resist some of the effects of aging.

Since time memorial, flowers, herbs, and plants such as sandalwood, ginger, and cinnamon have served as effective cures for many illnesses. Traditional medicine practitioners are still benefiting significantly from the healing properties of botanicals. The principles underlying traditional medical practices are based on nature and the holistic union of the mind, body, and soul. These are the same constructs true aromatherapy bases on. Many recent studies have found strong effects of aromatherapy on brain wave activity. For example, calming oils have been proved to make people feel more relaxed; a condition typical to the body healing abilities. Mother Nature has blessed us in abundance with all we need for therapeutic purposes. In fact, our Loving creator designed her in such a way that she has the ability to nurture and care for our body, mind, and spirit.

Oil extraction is often done by use of steaming and water distillation. The oil in our body can be diffused in the air and inhaled, or absorbed all over the body through the skin by means of a massage or bath soak. After that process, you will notice a remarkable improvement of your emotional condition. The various systems and healing mechanisms in your body will be energised as well. Each of the plants, including the ones mentioned earlier has at least one healing attribute that can work if blended together in synergy. To reap optimum benefits however, you need to make the right combination of these plants.

Medicinal value from pure natural oils is unmatched with any other form of treatment. Make sure that what you buy is labelled Pure Essential Oil before you make any transaction. The results from diluted products are insufficient. Just to ensure that what you are buying isnt a fake, blot it on paper. If its pure, there wont be any oily marks left on the paper. This miraculous oil has the ability to slow down the aging process. If its supplemented with proper diet and regular exercise, you will surely be able to do more than you had ever imagined accomplishing in your life. The best way to live and enjoy your life to the fullest is to love your body and pay attention to your wellbeing.

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Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years as medicines with healing properties. However, now a days we know a lot more about the different types of essential oils and how they can be used to improve physical and emotional health and restore balance to the whole body. Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that is categorized under herbal medicine. Unlike herbal medicine, aromatherapy herbs are not taken internally; rather essential oils are inhaled or applied to the skin. When using essential oils proper ingredients, dilutions and preparations are vital to the efficacy of aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used in several techniques such as massage, baths, steam inhalations, vaporizers, creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, gargles, mouthwashes and hot or cold compresses. Determining the appropriate essential oil (as well as a carrier oil if being applied directly to the skin) for your symptoms or illness is required. If you are unsure about what you are doing its best to contact a local aroma therapist to help you with your therapy. Each essential oil has its own healing properties and aromas. Everyone appeals to different scents therefore not all essential oils will work for every individual. Here you can find a list of the top 10 essential oils.

Peppermint- Peppermint is best known for its remedy for digestive problems such as slow digestion, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and flatulence. It is refreshing and stimulating for the liver, intestines and nervous system. As a painkiller it can treat headaches, toothaches and muscle aches.

Eucalyptus- Eucalyptus is a powerful decongestant treatment for respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, asthma, chest infections, and sinusitis. It alleviates inflammation, reduces fever, treats skin infections, and eases pain of burns. It relieves muscle tension, treats rheumatism, and fibrositis. It boosts the immune system, which stimulates new tissue formation, and diuretic capabilities.

Ylang Ylang- Ylang ylang is a sedative, antidepressant, and tonic for the nervous system. It treats depression, anxiety, tension, irritability, and stress related insomnia. It regulates the circulatory system and rebalances body function such as reducing blood pressure and slowing down breathing and heart rate.

Geranium- Geranium is generally regarded as a feminine oil because it balances women’s hormones. It also can treat PMS and menopausal problems Geranium is relaxing, refreshing and uplifting and alleviates the symptoms of apathy, anxiety, stress, hyperactivity and depression. As an anti-inflammatory and astringent it balances the skin and can relieve acne, diaper rash, burns, blisters, eczema, cuts and congested pores.

Lavender- Lavender is a calming, soothing, relaxing antidepressant. It is an antiseptic, antibacterial, and painkiller when treating cuts, wounds, burns, bruises, spots, allergies, insect bites, and throat infections. Lavender has a balancing effect, which lowers blood pressure, eases digestive spasms, nausea and indigestion. Lavender can treat tension, depression, insomnia, headaches, stress and hypertension.

Lemon- Lemon stimulates the body to fight infections, and treats inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, sore throats, and acne. Lemon fights against colds, flu, and bronchitis. Lemon oil is a diuretic, laxative, and astringent. Its aromatic smell uplifts the mood and relaxes the nerves as well as dispels depression, indecision, and anxiety. It can also be used as a deodorizer and for house cleaning.

Clary Sage- Clary Sage acts as an antidepressant, which treats anxiety, depression, and stress related problems. It can relieve muscle aches, tension, and pain. It also regulates the nervous system and benefits the digestive system by relieving indigestion, digestive spasms, and flatulence. Clary sage can be used on the skin as an astringent to remove excess oil. As an antibacterial, clary sage can treat respiratory and throat infections.

Tea Tree- Tea tree oil is full of healing properties because its an antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Tea tree is used in several skin problems such as spots, acne, warts, verrucae, athlete’s foot, rashes, insect bites, burns and blisters. It can be used to clean cuts and infections, wounds, and helps in process of healing scar tissue. Tea tree boosts the immune system and alleviates inflammation. It fights against colds, flu, respiratory infections, and infectious illnesses. It promotes relaxation to help fall asleep and balances hormones in the body.

Roman Chamomile- Chamomile is calming, relaxing, oil that helps with sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle aches, tension and stress. It is a valuable anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial. Chamomile can treat skin problems such as rashes, boils, allergies, insect bites, wounds, cuts and infections. In addition chamomile can relieve pain, headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, neuralgia, indigestion, nausea, and flatulence.

Rosemary- Rosemary is a refreshing and stimulating oil. It stimulates mental capacity, immune function, blood circulation and the digestive system. It is a tonic to the nervous system and acts like an antidepressant. It can relieve stress related disorders, and mental exhaustion. As an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and diuretic it can cleanse the body and relieve pain. For digestive problems it can relieve digestive spasms, flatulence, indigestion, and constipation.

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Smell is the ability for us to perceive odors within our environment. An odor can revive a memory, give us a feeling, remind us of a person, place or thing, or even enhance our mood. This is why aromatherapy has been introduced as an alternative medicine to be used with or without other modalities to enhance both psychological and physical benefits to the body. Aromatherapy uses naturally extracted aromatic essences or oils from plants such as flowers, bark, stems, and leaves to improve physical and emotional health, and to restore balance to the whole person. Essential oils can benefit the mind, mood, cognitive function and overall health.

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years dating back to antiquity. Then dried plant materials were infused into fatty oil, heated and then filtered. In addition to the potent odor, these oils were thought to have medicinal healing properties. This is not entirely inaccurate especially since some of the essential oils used today have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. During the time of the Crusades essential oils were being distilled and used as medicine. The Crusades are what is thought to have moved essential oils from India, China and Egypt westward. In the 16th and 17th centuries aromatherapy became popular with European herbalists. In 1907 Scientists and doctors began studying the components of essential oils and determining the individual plant chemistry. By 1937 a French book was written on aromatherapy and by World War II Dr Jean Valnet used essential oils as an antiseptic to treat wounded soldiers. By 1950 Marguerite Maury an Austrian beauty therapist introduced essential oils into massage therapy. She went on to establish the first aromatherapy clinics in Britain, France, and Switzerland.

Aromatherapy is a natural, non-invasive therapy designed to affect the whole body and person. The art and science of aromatherapy involves not only the aroma of specific plant oils to treat the mind and body, but by applying the essential oils directly to the skin, the oil can be absorbed into the bloodstream to alter the body chemistry, support the body systems, and improve moods and emotion. Therefore aromatherapy does not just treat a symptom or disease, it assists the body in its natural ability to balance, regulate, health and maintain itself. Overall aromatherapy promotes the health of the body, mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy can be used in three different modes- aerial diffusion, direct inhalation and topical application. When used in conjunction with other modalities the therapeutic potential increases. Aerial diffusion enhances ones environmental fragrance while disinfecting the air as well. Direct inhalation works to disinfect the respiratory system by decreasing congestion, enabling expectoration in addition to psychologically enhancing ones mood, energy and mind. The benefits of direct inhalation include stimulating brain function, uplifting, stimulating the immune system, relaxation and mood enhancement. Topical application can be done through massage, baths, compresses, and therapeutic skin care. Through this method a patient can see a reduction in tension, and pain, while promoting healthy circulation and restoring balance.

Although the efficacy of aromatherapy has not scientifically been proven herbalists, aroma therapists and massage therapists have long used it on their patients. The benefits that patients have demonstrated include pain relief, anxiety reduction, enhanced energy, increased short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, reduced itching, clarity of mind and mood enhancement. Aromatherapy benefits the person as a whole rather than treating a symptom or illness. The mechanism behind aromatherapy is not fully understood however; the influence of aromas on the brain especially in the limbic system through the olfactory system is thought to produce the desired benefits. Additionally the essential oil constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) have positive effects upon the body. When used correctly aromatherapy is subtle but effective.

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Hippocrates the Father of medicine knew the power of aromatherapy and essential oils when he declared “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage daily”

Aromatherapy is an amazing holistic therapy that can be used in almost every area of your life, Stress, Anxiety and Depression are just some of the areas that aromatherapy is incredibly effective. Olfaction is unique amongst the senses in its direct connections to the neuro endocrine and limbic structures of the brain.

When we detect the smell of an essential oil, that oil has already entered into our lungs & olfactory system and is stimulating the release of chemical responses throughout our bodies. The response is determined by the aroma that is inhaled, the use of oils such as lemon have been shown to reduce typing errors when vaporised in offices, oils such as fennel can stimulate digestion and a whole plethora of oils can be successfully utilised for easing stress, anxiety, depression as well as boosting the immune system.

The choice of essential oil(s) to use is very much a personal choice, I suggest that you take a little time to smell a few oils and allow the different aromas to guide you to the essential oil(s) that are most suited to you. Below are a few oils that have a wide spectrum of uses.

Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia) is an uplifting oil that works very fast and effectively. Bergamot can ease anger and irritation and can defuse aggravation. Apply a drop neat at the first signs of a cold sore and it will stop it in its tracts. Add 8 drops to a tissue which is placed in with your tea bags to make delicious Earl Grey tea

Chamomile German (Chamomillia matricaria) a calming soothing oil that is ideal for times of tension or sleeplessness. Such a gentle oil that it is safe to use on new born babies, this is my number one of for calming and promoting sleep in young children, also great for teething, tantrums and nappy rash.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara flos) ideal for insomnia, irritation and depression a beautiful sweet floral aroma that nurtures and rebalances ragged nerves. Wear as a perfume when feeling down or nervous,

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) a wonderful meditative oil that promotes calmness & deep breathing, use at night especially if you experience disturbed sleep or nightmares. Perfect when feeling uptight, anxious or flustered. Great for children that experience night terrors. My number one choice for asthmatics

Sandalwood Australia (Santalum spicatum ) is a deeply calming nurturing oil that can ease irritation and help us see past petty annoyances allowing one to find other solutions. An effective remedy for both throat & urinary tract infections gargle

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Promotes calmness and tranquillity, ideal for agitation, anxiety, irritation and headaches. Can be applied neat to the skin to heal open wounds, cuts, bites & burns. Apply one drop to each temple at the outset of a headache and feel the tension melt away. This oil is a first aid box in a bottle.

Vetivert (Vetiveria zizanoides ) a deep calming earthy aroma that is ideal for anyone that tends to be “off with the fairies” ” not in their bodies, disconnected”,. Vetivert is grounding, very nourishing ideal for dehydrated skin it is calming to the nervous system has a great cooling effect when applied to the skin. Often people prefer to mix this with lighter oils such as Bergamot FCF or Sweet Orange to lift this aroma a little.

The reason aromatherapy is so effective is that there are so many ways that you can utilise the oils to gain maximum benefit, Personally having a regular aromatic bath at night is my sanity saver, others do not enjoy bathing so use a vaporizer or receiving a massage would be more appropriate, below are a few suggestions

Bathing with Essential oils is an ideal way to promote relaxation and sleep. It is a good idea to mix your essential oil (s) with a little (5ml) of carrier oil (sweet almond/ avocado/ Jojoba etc) I use an egg cup or shots glass to mix the carrier oil with the essential oils before pouring into a drawn bath. Use Approximately 8 – 10 drops in an adult bath.

An electric vaporizer that requires no water is ideal to use in your bedroom to promote calm and tranquillity and to help to assist with quietening the mind so that sleep can be achieved Sandalwood and Frankincense are two of my favourite oils for this, I am not a fan of candle burners as the idea of a naked flame unattended would be enough to keep me awake all night, if you do not have an electric vaporizer I suggest you use a candle burner in your bedroom a few hours before going to bed and the put out when you get into bed. Alternatively you can apply 3 drops of oil to a tissue and tuck this into your pillow slip. Add stimulating oils during the day to help you stay alert and focussed idea to use when working on a computer oils of Basil & Rosemary are great for mental dexterity

Receiving professional aromatherapy massage on a regular basis is a wonderful way to address stress, anxiety and depression, if your budget does not stretch to this then self massage is also recommended, add 5 drops of your chosen oil(s) to 10 mls of carrier oil such as sweet almond/ Jojoba/ Apricot kernel etc, remembering to always work up your legs never down to assist with circulation and prevent varicose veins

Joanne Lang is the Principal of Eclipse Living Essence Aromatherapy Centre which is a specialised one stop aromatherapy business we offer the highest quality training, treatments and products. I started the company in 1993 after a number of years of training & practising on my friends and family, the significant improvement to my health as an asthmatic were astounding, the benefits to my two small children incredible. I feel that the best aspects of aromatherapy are that it is empowering to the user, gentle to the environment and it really works.

4 / 32 Ardross Street
APPLECROSS, W.A 6153
Phone: 08 9316 4650
Mobile: 0411 725 870
Email: Joanne@aromatherapyaustralia.com.au
Website: http://www.aromatherapyaustralia.com.au/

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