Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy Benefits, What are they? You might find yourself asking this question along with how does aromatherapy work? And of course what is aromatherapy? Well, if you want to find the answers to these questions as well as much, much more read on. This article and our essential oils A-Z will give you all the information you need to know.

So when you've had a hard day at work or spent twelve hours running around after your kids or even both and you just want to unwind and relax then our tips will help you do just that.

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The plant extracts can be be used in various guises such as medicine, massage oils and any other products and substances which incorporates the use of essential oils.

In addition to these essential oils the art of aromatherapy fosters the use of sugars, clay and mud, milk powders, sea salt and vegetable oils too. An importnat thing to consider is that the use of man-made products in Aromatherapy is definately a no no for advocates only natural substances "need apply".

As with a most phenomenons he discovered the healing properties of essential oils after an accident in his perfume lab. It is said that he accidently set his arm on fire and plunged it into the nearest liquid he could find, which fortunately for him was lavender oil. He found that the oil relieved the pain remarkably quickly and to his surprise left him with very little blistering and scaring. From there on in he devoted his life to researching essential oils and their medical benefits and secondly

Although aromatherapists claim that there are positive links between the use of essential oils and the overall wellbeing of our bodies and minds it can be said that this claim is somewhat unproven. However preliminary clinical trials have shown a positive corrolation.

Now, back to how aromatherapy works. Essential oils, phytoncides, and other natural volatiles work in contrasting ways. The aromas tap into the lymbic system and the emotional centres of the brain. When oils are rubbed onto the skin they arouse thermal receptors and kill fungi and microbes. Internal use of essential oils - which should be supervised by a qualified aromatherapist - may aid the immune system in cgoing about its daily duities.

Basil - If you need an essential oil which clears your head and gives you a greater sense of clarity then this is near the top of the tree. The best way to describe basil is as an aromatic nerve tonic. It's ideally suited for situations, when deep, sustained concentration is the order of the day therefore it's the perfect pick-me-up for those sitting exams and interviewees. It is best that basil - as an essential oil is administrated by a qualified aromatherapist except in cases where it is inhaled.

please note that cautiuon must be taken when using basil for aromatherpay purposes if you're pregnant or have sensitive skin.

Benzoin - for slow healing conditions benzoin is excellent, due to its warm, soothing qualities of its oil. If you're suffering from dry cracked skin.

Bergamont - For those suffering from anxiety and depression. This is a truely uplifting essential oil which has the added benefit of blending well with other oils.

For aromatherapy purposes benzoin is ideal reducing negative thoughts, depression, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, poor motivation.

If you use this essential oil ensure you don't apply it too soon after being out in the sun, as it may effect the skin's pigmentation.

Black Pepper - One of the worlds oldest spices black pepper as an aromatherpay oil helps to penetrate thos hard to reach places.

When using black pepper for aromatherapy purposes please ensure you don't do so if you are going through homeopathic treatment.

Cajeput - If you feel that life is passing you by, trying to break a habit or create new goals for yourself then the penetration properties of this oil will help keep your mind focussed

Camphor - This is a rather potent oil which can be used to great effect by those suffering from colds. In addition when you feel your mind is clouded camphor will help restore clarity.

Please note that caution must be taken if you have epilepsy, are pregnant or undertaking homeopathic treatment.

Cardamom - this is a warming essential oil which is particularly good for digestive problems. Additional can help where sound judgement is needed in a decision making process.

Cedar Wood - Particularly useful for those suffering from asthma, oily skin and dandruff. Inhaling cedar would can give you a sense of relaxation and steadies the mind.

Caution must be taken during pregnancy.

Camomile - This is considered to be one of the useful essential oils known to man due to it's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Camomile is particularly useful if you're worried or restless and for physical conditions skin problems, boils and bloating.

Cinnamon Bark - Traditionally used to treat digestivie complaints but caution must be take as it's a skin irritant. Although it blends pretty well with orange and clove oil in fragrences but for methods other than inhalation it should only be used under the guidance of a qualified Aromatherapist.and is specifically noted for having a warm and uplifting effect. It is partcularly good muscle relaxant and it is this which makes it a vital oil in the treatment of Pre-Menstral Tension.

As this essential oil helps you to relax it's very good for nervousness.

Caution must be taken by those who are pregnant.

Clove - Cloves have numbing properties and it is these which have been taken advantage of by many tooth ache sufferers over the years. Cloves should really only be admintrated by a professional aromatherapist for any uses other than inhalation.

Cloves may cause problems during pregnancy and to sufferers of sensitive skin so caution will have to be taken.

Coriandor - Coriandor is an uplifting and refreshing oil which is great when put in the bath after a long stressful day.

Cypress - This oil is packed full of astringent properties and is therefore very helpful where toning is concerned.

If you are suffering from the following ailments then cypress essential oil will be sure to give a you a lift: Asthma, cellulitis, dry ticklish cough, dandruff, oily scalp and excessive sweating.

Eucalyptus - Due to its antiseptic like qualities eucalyptus has been used as an inhalant and chest rub for many years now and is an excellent oil for opening up bunged up airways and therefore aids sufferers of colds, asthma, snoring and respiratory tract infections. However caution must be taken if you are in receipt of homeopathic treatment.

Fennel - Fennel is well known in the aromatherapy world as a dieting aid due to its diuretic like qualities, thus meaning that it will diminish the body's retention of water. If you are taking prescribed diuretics then talk to your doctor before using fennel or if you're pregnant.

This herb is great at relieving the symptoms of bloatedness and indegestion.

Frankincense - Frankincense is extracted from the gum of a small North African tree, with its properties being well renowned for skin care and helping the

As outlined above frakencense will help those suffering from eczema or scarring.

Geranium - Geranium is known to reduce the contrasts between the body and mind and is pretty useful to skin conditions due to its soothing properties.

It also aids those suffering from emotional ups and downs, mood swings and abrasiveness.

Physical conditions which the use of geranium oil can be useful are dermatitis, menopause and irregular periods.

Ginger - This essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the ginger root and is very useful for colds and the early stages of influenza. However as ginger oil is so strong only use it in small amounts and take cautionif you have sensitive skin.

Grapefruit - As you can probably tell by the name grapefruit essential oil has a zingy, tangy and somewhat uplifting aroma and is helpful to people who are set in the ways and unwelcome to change and those who can never make their minds up during decision making processes.

Jasmine - Known as the King of the Flower Oils due to its rather exotic aroma jasmine garners emotional stability and therefore is useful at combating emotional negatives such as lack of confidence, inability to express emotions, apathy, supression, jealousy, meaness and inhibition.

Juniper - Juniper is an essential oil which is note to aid the purification of blood and as the name suggests is distilled from juniper berries.

Emotionally juniper essential oil is good for those suffering from lack of composure, laziness, apathy, lethargy, lack of motivation and lack of commitment.

Physically juniper essential oil is useful to those with cramps, hangovers, fluid retention and irregular periods.

Lavender - This is arguably the best known essential oil for aromatherapy purposes and is part of many first aid kits throughout the world as it is extremely useful for a plethora of physical conditions as well as helping to strike the right balance where emotions are concerned.

Emotionally lavender essential oil helps ease anxiety, depressive thoughts, insecurity, insomnia, restlessness, tension, irrationality, mood swings and impatience.

Physically lavender is thought to be in the following conditions; baldness, sore throats, stiff joints, eczema, dermititis, dandruff, irritable skin and generally helps boost the imune system.

Lemon - Lemon has a zingy essence that helps clear the mind and restores a sence of clarity to the psyche and is additonaly is pretty useful to those suffering from lack of vitality, sliggishness, lethargy and for anybody under the effect of the phyiscal condition cellulitis.

Lemongrass - Derived from actually wild grass lemongrass is fantastic for the old nervous system and has a delightful aroma.

This essential oil will help people who suffer from cramp and those who have sustained periods of boredom, poor concentration and laziness.

Majoram - After a long day at work or running around after your kids and need to unwind and relax you can't go far wrong with this essential oil. It warming qualities help relieve muscle spasms, aches, pains, strains and overall tension.

Caution must be taken, however during pregnancy.

Melissa - Melissa is a nice little tonic that is effective for those suffering from allergies or irregular periods. In addition to these ailments you should perhaps think about trying this essential oil if lonliness, fear of rejection and suspension feature regularly in your life.

Myrrh - Myrrh is one of the oldest essential oils known to man as is pretty similar to frankincence and is well know for being pretty pheraputic to the mouth and throat, therefore is considered helpful to people who suffer from bouts of dry coughing.

Neandsroli - In terms of purchases, neroli is the number one essential oil for stress and shock and therefore is useful to people with the following complaints: feeling of loss, pessimism, shock, restlessnes, distress and fear of the future.

Orange - Orange essential oil is uplifting and is said to be useful for those suffering from depression and apathy. Although noted for being invigorating it can help people who are suffering with lack of sleep through stress and anxiety too.

Patchouli - This old Indian medicine in aromatherapy is generally considered to be useful where prolonged attention is needed for persistant niggling conditions. In addition can aid users who are compulisve, apprehensive and/or Machiavellian.

Peppermint - Best known to help the digestive system and as a replacement for aspirin, peppermint is a delightfully refreshing essential oil which is ideal if you want a nice, relaxing soak in the bath after a stressfully long day.

If you suffer from the aches and pains, nausea, bloating and travel sickness then it is reccomended that you use peppermint to ease symptoms.

Pine (Scots) - Scots pine as an essential oil is extracted from pine needles and its uplifting aroma is a great inhalent, aiding suffers of respiratory infections for years.

Rose Otto - "The Queen of the Flowers" as an essential oil acts as a cleanser of both the body and soul and therefore is considered a good remedy after a late night of drinking.

In addition in the world of aromatherapy rose oil will ease symptoms of bereavment, grief, hostility, self-awareness, allergies, poor motivation, argumentitivness and general unhapiness.

Rosemary - Rosemary is seen as an uplifiting and stimulating oil in the eyes of advocates of aromatherapy and can assist persons suffering from the physical conditions of balding, chills, cramp, fainting, dry scalp, dandruff and constipation; and the mental conditions of boredom, apathy, demotivation, lethargy, exhaustion, fatige, tiredness, forgetfulness, sluggishness and poor time management; so therefore a jolly useful essential oil in aromatherapy purposes.

Rosewood - Boosting creativity and clearing the mind, rosewood essential oil has a delightfuly clarifying effect on the mind and is excellent for getting those creative juices flowing.

Sage - This essential oil needs to be administered by a qualified aromatherapist for uses other than inhalation and is pretty useful for people who have erratic thougths, forgetful moments and are suffering from congestion. However caution must be taken during pregnancy and by those who have sensitive skin.

Sandalwood - In aromatherapy terms sandalwood is noted for its usefulness for the skin and throut conditions especially hoarse throat and loss of voice and in addition dry skin.

Tea Tree - Tea tree oil is known in aromatherapy circles for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects and is said to help boost the and throat infections.

Thyme - If you suffer regularly from nasal congestion and chest infections thyme can be inhaled to ease these symptoms, but help should be sought from a qualified aromatherapist if you're thinking about using it for massage and bathing purposes.

Ylang Ylang - This essential oil has a rather exoctic aroma and helps instil assertiveness and confidence. Additionally it helps users who are suffering from physical stress and palpatations.

Mentally in aromatherapy terms ylang ylang can be beneficial for bouts of aloofness, anger, bossiness, introversion, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, withdrawal, shyness, stage fright, stubborness, irrationality and supression.

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