Aromatherapy With Lavendar Oils
June 7, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Oils
Several types of oils and scents are used in aromatherapy, each with something different to recommend them. The difference between types of aromatherapy oils lies in how they are produced, resulting in essential oils, absolutes, aromatherapy waters, resins, carrier oils, or infused oils. One popular option is lavender oil aromatherapy, which falls under the category of essential oils.
Lavender oil is obtained, like other essential oils, by distillation from the lavender flower. It is a dense, colorless liquid, with a high concentration of lavender. It is so highly concentrated that only a little is needed to obtain its full therapeutic benefits.
Lavender oil aromatherapy is one of those rare scents which are at once strong enough to detect without being overwhelming. The fragrant oil is used as a medicinal agent, and is commonly found in many perfumes. Lavender is fresh and sweet, slightly floral and deeply relaxing.
Lavender oils are often used in concert with carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, which carries its own slightly sweet scent. However, it can also be used with apricot kernel, grapeseed, or other light oils. Combining the oils is a good way to preserve the life of your lavender oil, and makes it easier for the oil to be absorbed into the skin.
Lavender oil aromatherapy may also be inhaled, either by being added to steam or through reed diffuser. It is a common choice to freshen a room, and can be used to set the mood for a whole house. If it is inhaled into the lungs it can be used to treat a variety of physical and mental ills.
Lavender has perhaps the greatest range in possible use. It is most commonly used to lift the mood, enhance restful sleep, focus the mind, and boost the natural immune system. Its other myriad uses are for treating acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete’s foot, bruises, burns, insect bites, oily skin, stress, stretch marks, sprains, labor pains, vertigo, and whooping cough. Even if you don’t find that lavender aromatherapy completely heals your physical ills, it is a sure bet that it will increase your mental well being.
Lavender oil aromatherapy combines well with any other oil, strengthening and complementing their effects. Depending on what you hope to achieve, lavender oil aromatherapy combines well with ylang ylang, clary sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, orange, bergamot, chamomile, or tea tree.
Aromatherapy Treatment
June 6, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Treatments
Aromatherapy treatment is a form of alternative medicine, using plant derived essential oils and other aromatic compounds to treat a person’s mood or health. The essential oils are extracted from various parts of the plant using a process known as steam distillation. A typical distillation process would destroy the scent, so steam is introduced to allow simple separation. It was a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who coined the term “aromatherapy” to describe the process of using a plant therapeutically. Through this, the concept of modern aromatherapy treatment was born.
Aromatherapy treatment varies greatly depending on the circumstances of its use. A number of theories support the belief that aromatherapy treatments work both physically and physiologically, improving mental health. Scent has been proven to trigger the limbic system, the portion of the brain which controls emotion and stores memories. This is the basis for aromatherapy treatment, and is likely why essential oils have proven to be so useful. The other aspect of aromatherapy treatment says that the oils themselves have medicinal properties which are beneficial when they are absorbed into the body. This method is much more effective when the oils are absorbed directly into the skin, such as during a massage.
Aromatherapy treatments can be used for a variety of disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, stress, insomnia, muscular aches, headaches, asthma, eczema, digestive problems, and menstrual or menopausal related problems. With these complaints you have the option of seeing a licensed aromatherapist, or trying to treat the issue yourself. Aromatherapy treatments can be sold over the counter at pharmacies, health stores, and some department stores. Almost all aromatherapy treatments are available for home use.
There are several different ways to use essential oils in an aromatherapy treatment. They can be added to a bath, inhaled by using hot water, incense, or diffusers, or used in a massage. There are also several products which now contain essential oils, many of which claim to boost well-being or possess healing properties. It is a great boost to the aromatherapy community that aromatherapy treatments have recently been found effective in certain studies and in new discoveries. There have been several studies recently examining the effects of aromatherapy on groups of people, which included the use of a placebo in place of an aromatherapy treatment. These trials have consistently shown that aromatherapy treatments are among the best options out there, especially for your overall well-being.

