Turning to Aromatherapy
It is now widely known that there is a rise in pathogenic microbes resistant to conventional treatments. An over-prescription of antibiotics and over- use of anti-infective products have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses.
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.
Our modern health care system has in many ways deprived individuals of embracing their personal health needs, uniqueness and self-responsibility for their health. Feelings and attitudes of helplessness to pain, disease and death seem to prevail in our culture.
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.
Caring For Yourself with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is rather easy to adopt by those experienced with alternative medicine. For beginners there are aromatherapy blends that are safe and straight forward. The beauty of aromatherapy is that one can experience a relationship to the earth from the botanical essences as well as use in the privacy of one?s own home.
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.
A Few Recipes for Restoring Health
For the Common Cold – As with the flu, using essential oils in a bath as well as in a direct massage is recommended. In a hot bath place thyme (2 drops), tea tree (2 drops), eucalyptus (1 drop), lemon (3 drops) and inhale deeply. Massage a blend of lemon (1 drop), eucalyptus (2 drops) and rosemary (3 drops) in a carrier oil around the chest, neck, and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones).
Concentration – Use equal portions of basil, geranium, ginger and black pepper and place in a diffuser or room spray (4 drops or more in a cup of warm water). For Sore Throats – Use a blend of lavender (10 drops), tea tree (15 drops), lemon (2 drops), ginger (5 drops). Use 4 drops of the blend oil (or singling) on a warm compress twice a day over the throat. One may also use 5 drops mixed in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and rub into the upper abdomen and back.
Stress – During the holidays, stress levels can rise. Here are three different general blends for you to choose from: blend 1: bergamot (9 drops), geranium (11 drops), ginger (10 drops); blend 2: grapefruit (15 drops), rosemary (11 drops), palmarosa (5 drops); blend 3: neroli (7 drops), lavender (3 drops), lemon (20 drops). Place 6-8 drops of a blend in a warm bath or 5 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and use to massage over body. You may also place a drop between nose and upper lip.
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.
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.
Delightful organic and wildcrafted aromatherapy blends designed by Naturopath Tarah Cech.
