Theory of Aromatherapy

By William J Robinson

Essential oils are absorbed into the body either through the skin during massage or by inhalation through the nose. Molecules in the oils enter the nervous system through the blood stream, influencing emotional and physical well being.

History of Aromatherapy

Herbal oils have been used for centuries in many cultures to treat illness and promote well being and beauty. Herbal oils were first made by infusing herbs in castor oil or olive oil. The modern day method is by distillation.

Key Principles

Essential oils are extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, and stalks of plants as well as from certain trees. Ideally the essential oils should be derived from organic plants that are free from chemicals. Plant oils can be broken down into chemicals such as alcohols, ketones and phenols which have therapeutic properties. You must understand the use of these plants because they can be toxic when used incorrectly. The scents released from the oils act on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that influences the hormonal system. This can influence mood, metabolism, stress levels and libido.

Common Essential Oils

German Chamomile

Properties and Effects

- Antispasmodic
- Sedative
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Allergenic

Main Uses

- Digestive disorders (Indigestion, gas, colic)
- Nervous tension (Insomnia, headaches, PMS)
- Skin Conditions (Acne, eczema)
- Allergies (Hay Fever, Asthma)

Precautions

- Do not use during pregnancy
- Can cause dermatitis in some cases

Clary Sage

Properties and Effects

- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Sedative

Main Uses

- Digestive Disorders (indigestion, gas)
- Gynelogical Problems, menstrual pain, PMS
- Nervous Tension (depression, anxiety, mental fatigue)

Precautions

- Do not use during pregnancy
- Avoid alcohol before and after use

Lavender

Properties and Effects

- Sedative
- Antidepressant
- Antispasmodic
- Antiseptic

Main Uses

- Nervous Tension (breathlessness, high blood pressure, palpitations, headaches)
- Digestive Disorders (diarrhea, colic, indigestion, gas)
- Skin Conditions (acne, burns, insect stings)

Peppermint

Properties and Effects

- Antispasmodic
- Stomach Settling
- Decongestant

Main Uses

- Digestive Disorders (Indigestion, Gas, Headaches, Migraines)
- Respiratory Infections (Infections, Phlegm)

Precautions

- Use low dilution
- Do not give to children under 12
- Do not use with other homeopathic remedies

Rosemary

Properties and Effects

- Stimulant
- Decongestant
- Analgesic

Main Uses

- Circulatory problems (muscular aches and pains)
- Respiratory problems (sinus conditions, phlegm)
- Digestive Disorders
- Nervous Tension (headaches, mental fatigue, PMS)

Precautions

- Do not use during pregnancy
- Do not use with high blood pressure
- Do not use with epilepsy

Sandalwood

Properties and Effects

- Sedative
- Antiseptic
- Decongestant

Main Uses

- Nervous Tension (Depression, Insomnia)
- Genitourinary conditions (Cystitis)
- Skin Conditions (Acne, Eczema)
- Respiratory Conditions (Sore throats, Laryngitis, Bronchitis)

Tea Tree

Properties and Effects

- Antiseptic
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial

Main Uses

- Respiratory Problems (Coughs, Cold, Phlegm)
- Gynelogical Problems (Cystitis, Candidacies)
- Skin Conditions (Acne, Cold Sores, athletes foot, insect stings)

Self Help Aromatherapy

Use only pure essential oils free from additives and pay close attention to directions. Essential Oils can be used in massage but also can be used by inhaling, vaporized or added to baths. Inhaling can be very beneficial and fast acting due to the olfactory receptors have direct links to the brain. Vaporizers can be relaxing or invigorating depending on the oil used.

Bill Robinson writes articles on Alternative Healing and provides information on Metaphysical and Holistic healing. Visit http://333connect.com for all things holistic. Bill also builds metaphysical websites for all alternative healing modalities.

Beneath the Scent: Essential Oils for Health and Healing

By Darlene Poe

Nature's offering of essential oils, the true power of their possibilities, is much deeper than the sense of smell. There is a vital fluid (essential oil) distilled from flowers, shrubs, leaves, trees, roots and seeds. This fluid within the plant plays a role in its own biological process and is therefore "essential" for the plants existence. As an example the essential oil (oils) in the leaf of a plant has the function of attracting pollinating insects and repelling pests, bacteria and viruses that threaten their existence. The oil of the plant has the vibrational energy to sustain the plants very existence.

That same energy, when removed (distilled) from the plant is able to penetrate the cells of the human body and heal at the physical, fundamental level of the body. Whether administered to the skin or air diffused the molecules of the oil functions as a healing modality. (Some oils are too strong for direct application to the skin but can be diluted with high grade carrier oil).

Essential oils are used in the alternative healing modality of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the unique branch of herbal medicine that utilizes the medicinal properties found in the oils of various plants. The history of essential oils dates back to over 120 years ago as a system of healing used throughout Europe. Today there is a system of medical aromatherapy practiced in France.

The physiological effects of the fragrance from oils are brought about through the limbic system. The limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

Scientists have learned that one of the fastest ways to achieve physiological and psychological effects is inhalation of essential oil fragrance. Leading researchers in the field of aromatherapy in England found that oils such as orange, jasmine and rose have a tranquilizing effect. These oils alter the brain wave into a rhythm that produces calmness and a sense of well-being. There are stimulating oils - basil, black pepper, rosemary and cardamom - that produce a heightened energy response.

Essential oils can be used as treatment for conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress. The oils have no serious side effects that are deadly. People experience authentic healing when using them - results can differ based on family history, lifestyle and diet. The essential oils work in harmony and balance with the body unlike prescription drugs.

Among other medicinal properties, some oils are powerful antimicrobial agents without the negative side effects of conventional antibiotics. Oils of cinnamon and eucalyptus are as powerful against some microorganisms as conventional antibiotics and are especially effective against flu viruses. Sandalwood oil has been used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and laryngitis. Lavender oil has a dramatic healing action on burns. The antimicrobial effects of the oils are due to its ability to enter the cell walls of microbes and cut off oxygen. This stops the formation of energy within the cells of microbes and kills them.

There are precautions to be considered when using essential oils. Certain oils can cause a toxic reaction if taken internally. However, their toxicity is much lower when applied externally. Other oils with high-phenol (disinfectant) content should not be taken internally for any prolonged period of time (exceeding 10 - 21 days) as doing so might have negative implications on certain aspects of the liver metabolism.

The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute medical care or prescribed treatment. Working with a qualified health care practitioner is always advised.

Darlene Poe is a board certified (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and the owner/operations manager for Ten of Earth Distributing, LLC. Ten of Earth is the owner of http://www.healingorganicsolutions.com, an online health food store of organic herbs, essential oils, massage and spa products, spices and superfoods.