Essential oils are not just wonderful fragrances. They are also man’s first medicine, natural healing tools for people and pets as well as liquids carefully steam distilled from plant materials. Discover that there is much more to these precious plant oils than just beautiful fragrances.

Essential Oils are the Lifeblood of the Plant

Have you ever torn the leaf of a plant and watched a tiny bit of liquid ooze out of the tear? That liquid ooze is the essential oil of the plant. This liquid helps to carry out the plant’s life function, just like blood. The oil also helps the plant to repair and heal when it has been damaged. It also functions in much the same way for people too.

Essential Oils are Liquids Carefully Distilled from Plant Materials

Any part of the plant can contain oil. The leaves, stem, flowers, bark, root and seeds can all contain oil. The plant material must be carefully steam distilled to extract the oil. The best pure therapeutic grade oils are slowly steam distilled using low temperature and low pressure. The oil from one part of the plant may have different healing properties than from another part of the plant. Each plant oil has its own unique fragrance, constituents and healing potential.

Essential Oils are Wonderful Fragrances

They are often used for perfumes, potpourri and scented candles because they smell so wonderful. The fragrant oils from plants have tiny molecules that are very active. They are energized and bounce around quickly leaping right into the air. That is why we can smell them so easily. The fragrance of the oil travels through the air because the molecules are so tiny and active.

Essential Oils were Man’s First Medicine

Oils from plants were actually the first medicines used by man. Plant oils have been used by the priests and physicians of many ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Chinese. Even back in biblical times, plant oils were used for anointing to bring healing. Some examples of plant oils used in the Bible are frankincense, myrrh, hyssop and spikenard. These oils were used for supporting emotional health, spiritual wellness and physical needs as well. Bible references indicate that oils were used for cleaning (Exodus 30:22-29), skin care (Ester 2:12), stopping plagues (Numbers 16:46-50) and anointing for healing (James 5:14).

Essential Oils are Natural Healing Tools for People and Pets

Today people are using these same oils to support the health of their entire household. All family members, including pets, benefit from the emotionally and physically healing properties of oils. For example, lavender is antiseptic, calming and relaxing, peppermint is soothing to the digestive system and geranium supports skin regeneration. Every system of the body can be strengthened by using carefully selected natural plant oils. When using essential oils for health purposes, be certain that they are pure therapeutic grade oils. Oils that are synthetic or diluted with other substances will still smell nice, but will not have the same healing properties as those from pure plants.

View the original article here

Return to Aromatherapy Essential Oils

INTRODUCTION

Homeopathy is an alternative medicinal field like Ayurveda and has been practiced for more than 200 years. The homeopathic treatment is mainly based on three important factors: ‘principle of similitude’, ‘experimentation of substances in healthy individuals’ and ‘dynamized medicines’. Homeopathic treatments are based on the principal that ‘like cures like’, in a tiny dilution, to such an extent that they go beyond Avogadro’s number (1,2). Hence the effect of homeopathic drugs, could be analysed in healthy individuals and could be applied according to the principle of the similarity of symptoms. Ruta Graveolens is such a homeopathic medicinal plant and is available in the trade name Ruta Grav.

INGREDIENT DESCRIPTION

Ruta Graveolens is a strongly scented evergreen shrub which has many homeopathic medicinal uses. It belongs to the family Rutacea and is about 20-60cm tall. It is commonly seen in Mediterranean region, Macaronesia and Australia. The leaves are blue or green in colour and it is bipinnate, or tripinnate with a feathery appearance. The flowers are yellow in colour with 4-6 petals and 1 cm diameter. The fruits are 4-5 lobed capsules with numerous seeds.

CULINARY AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Ruta Graveolens is been widely used in Middle Eastern Cuisine in spite of its bitter taste. The leaves and oil are used in many beverages e.g.: Italian grape spirit. It has also been widely used as an insect repellent because of its strong pungent smell. The oil has been used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics such as soaps, creams & lotions.

MEDICINAL USES

Ruta Graveolens contain a number of active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins and essential oil. Rutin a flavonoid present in it has the ability to decrease blood capillary permeability and fragility which is concerned with its eye action. Alkaloids and Coumarins present in it have antispasmodic action. Ruta Grav is an excellent remedy for pain and soreness in the bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage. International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Greece explains detail about its clinical power to overcome degenerative problems in the knees. Ruta Grav is used as a 1st Aid treatment for sprains, injuries, strain, bruises bones, pulled ligaments. Sprains or fractures can also be well treated using Ruta Grav. It is also a good remedy for ankle sprains, soreness in the feet, ankles, achilles heel, and lower back pain.

The Book titled ‘Homeopathy for Musculoskeleton’ includes excellent sections on symptoms associated with Ruta Grav and other important remedies

Useful for:

Key Symptoms:

EYESTRAIN

Overuse
Injury
Eyes red, hot, burning
Dim vision
Pressure deep in eyeball or over eyebrow

HEADACHE

Following eyestrain
Pain as if from nail
Heaviness, as if weight in forehead

INJURIES TO BONES

Bruised, lame sensation all over
Periosteum (bone covering) bruised

DENTAL PROBLEMS

Deep aching
“Dry socket”

SPRAINS

Tendons & ligaments sore
Feet & ankles painful
Aching in heel tendon
Painful stiffness in wrists and hands

SCIATICA

Worse at night while lying down
Pain from back down hips and thighs

BACKACHE

Deep pains
Thighs feel broken
Relieved lying on back, by pressure
Weak, bruised feeling in low back

Better from:

Lying on back, Motion, Warmth

Worse from:

Cold, wet weather, Being at rest, Lying down,
Cold, Overexertion, Cold wind, Sitting

It is also a useful remedy after surgeries involving tendons, connective tissue, cartilage, joints, and coverings of the bones. It can easily promote recovery after surgery on knees, wrists, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hips, etc. It eases discomfort if deep stiffness is felt in joints and muscles after surgery. Recent research works showed that Ruta Graveolens has some immobilization effect on human sperm and it paves a new hope for male contraception. Pathak et al investigated that Ruta 6 induces severe telomere erosion in cancer cells but has no effect on normal lymphocytes. Banerji and Banerji reported that Ruta was effective for intracranial cysticercosis. True star Health Encyclopedia, North America (One of the most comprehensive information database available on health) describes Ruta Graveolens as a homeopathic remedy for increasing stamina during athletic performance.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Ruta Graveolens is available in the market as Homeopathic Tablets, Pellets, and Granules. Some common products are

(1)  Ruta Grav 30X 250 tablets

(2)  Ruta Grav 30C 2 oz bottle 1360 pellets

(3)  Ruta Grav 30C 75 pellets

(4)  Ruta Grav 200C 75 pellets

Thymeley solutions (Natural remedy online store owned by USA) explain about the usage of these products. About 3-6 pellets can be dissolved under tongue 3-4 times a day, as directed by a licensed practitioner. Children can use half of adult dose. It is completely natural supplement, with no artificial binders. Vegetarians and vegans are also safe to use this product, which is free of all animal by products.

Related Homeopathic Articles

Ayurveda is the oldest system of natural medicine that we know. And the principles of Ayurveda can bring deep insights to help us understand and prescribe the use of essential oils in modern day aromatherapy.

Ayus means ‘life’ or ‘lifespan’, and Veda means ‘complete knowledge’. So Ayurveda is complete knowledge about life, and about health and how to maintain it.

The central tenet of Ayurveda is that good health is a natural state of life — a state of balance. So health becomes disrupted when imbalances accumulate. Therefore it aims to detect early accumulation of imbalances in the system, and prevent them from developing into symptoms by using a variety of methods. In this way, Ayurveda is primarily preventive in its outlook.

One of these approaches is through massage, which is highly rated in Ayurveda. Massage is recommended in terms of daily self-massage (you can try a self massage using warm natural sesame oil every morning before taking a shower; some people notice massive benefit continue through the day, particularly if they suffer from poor circulation), and also using macerated oils in specific treatment regimes.

This is very similar in outlook and approach to our approach to aromatherapy, which uses essential oils blended into a ‘carrier oil’ (vegetable oil), so let’s see what our modern understanding can learn from the ancient approach.

According to Ayurveda there are three principles (doshas) that operate in the physiology and in Nature: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Vata governs the function of the nervous system, and is quick, light, cold, rough, moving. People who have a strong vata constitution tend to walk quickly, talk quickly, listen quickly (so they may interrupt you before you’ve finished your sentence). They tend to be of thin build, frequently very bright and alert. When they become imbalanced, this may lead to anxiety, worry, restlessness, insomnia, and also cold hands and feet. They would tend towards dry hair, and dry skin.

Pitta is hot and sharp, and governs metabolism and digestion. People with a preponderance of pitta tend to have energy, ambition, and drive. Because pitta is hot, they suffer less from cold; but on the other hand may tend to overheat in the summer, and may suffer from skin disorders.

Kapha has the qualities of heavy, cold, oily and stable. Kapha people tend to have large framed bodies, and may put on weight rather easily. The hair is thick, lustrous, and they are often very attractive physically. They frequently exude feelings of stability, peace, and contentment. But when out of balance, kapha leads to a lack of flexibility, inertia and lack of enthusiasm.

A qualified ayurvedic practitioner will be able to determine the relative balance of vata, pitta and kapha to a great degree of accuracy by using pulse diagnosis.

However the simple description above should be able to help us to quickly recognize which essential oils could be indicated.

For someone with a vata imbalance, we want to provide ease, ease and comfort, reducing agitation and excess mental activity. So we should be on the lookout for oils that are sweet, warming, soft, stabilising. Try Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Sweet Basil, Jasmine, Ginger, Frankincense, Patchouli.

For a pitta type, we will be looking for cooling oils. So think in terms of Mint oils, True Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, and German Camomile.

Remember that kapha is heavy and oily, so we should be looking for essential oils that are light and will cut through that quality. Think in terms of the confers (pines, firs, spruces), Black Pepper, Tea Tree, Rosemary Verbenone, and Lemon.

It goes without saying that the areas of both ayurveda and essential oils are immensely detailed; and either could take a lifetime of study. Yet the principles are simple and have a commonsense value. And best of all, they are easy to apply.

View the original article here

Return to Aromatherapy Essential Oils

The belief that certain scents can have a significant impact on the body is gaining popularity. This is no mere hearsay. There is enough evidence to substantiate this belief as certain plants and oils in them have been proven to cure certain body diseases. Healing properties have been discovered in lavender, aloe vera, ginger, and guava leaves. They have been used for burns, scratches, and body aches. Many people have embraced it, and say it outperforms the traditional form of medicine. Yes, relentless studies through the years are finally yielding fruit. Even to date, research is still under way to explore the benefits of aromatherapy and the ways people can reap from it.

In short, aromatherapy is a term that has been coined to refer to an ancient healing art that uses the therapeutic properties of natural oil to improve the physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing. Shortly after, it was found that it also helped keep the body healthy. It is very much helpful during moments when you sense there is something wrong about your system. As you get older, you will be bombarded with an assortment of pains and ailments. With the aid of these plant oils, you can start working now towards looking and feeling young even through old age.

From the times of the earliest civilizations, ancient herbs and spices have been used for medicinal purposes. You will find the healing properties of botanicals recognized and embedded in traditional medical practices. The idea behind aromatherapy is that natural is still top. It aims at merging the mind, body, and soul. These are the basic principles of true aromatherapy. It has been proved to enhance and improve brainwave activity. Calming oils have the ability to relax your body- a condition that supports the body’s healing abilities. Nature indeed has all that you need for therapeutic purposes. Mother Nature is there to nurture and care for you and all aspects central to your survival.

Oil is derived from the plants through steam and water distillation. These natural oils emit a scent that can be diffused in the air and inhaled. It can also be absorbed throughout the body through the skin via a massage or bath soak. This eventually enhances your emotional wellbeing while stimulating your body’s systems and healing mechanisms as well. The medicinal properties in each of these plants work optimally when blended together in synergy. With the right mix, you can come up with a scent that is truly healing.

Learn by heart, that only pure, natural essential oils have all their medicinal assets uncompromised. Make sure to read the label when purchasing one. Only those with the substances in their purest form will work effectively for you. Diluted ones are not as effective. Aromatherapy is certainly an option you can count on if you want to live your life to the fullest. To lead a healthy life, you also need the right diet, exercise, and don’t forget to indulge yourself. Look for all the tips you need to live a more satisfying life as you age. Appreciate what you already have, love it, and have the benefit of a special treat every once in a while.

View the original article here

Return to Aromatherapy Essential Oils

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.

View the original article here

Return to Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Powered by Yahoo! Answers