Aromatherapy can be used for treatments from acne (Rosemary and Geranium) and other skin problems such as eczema (Chamomile), dry, chapped (Rose, Lavender, neroli) , oily, insect bites, athletes' feet and other fungal infections (Tea Tree).
Respiratory ailments such as sinusitis (Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Peppermint) , bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, the common cold, the 'flu', other types of nasal congestion - which may be due to allergies (some essential oils used may be Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint);
It can be used in mouth washes for bad breath (Myrrh) and toothaches (Cloves); for those suffering from head aches (Peppermint and Rosemary) and migranes, arthritis and joint pains (anise, black pepper, Marjoram, Ginger,) including backaches (massage with essential oils added to the massage oils), and everything in between.
Nursing homes and medical facilities are using Aromatherapy on Alzheimer's Disease (Bergamot ans Lavender) and other aging related health concerns - memory problems (Rosemary), agitation (Bergamot,Lavender, ylang ylang), nervous legs (Bergamot, Lavender).
Everyone benefits in the use of essential oils from babies to adults, even the family pet - great for deodorizing and disinfecting (pine oils and lemon).
The aroma has an emotional effect on everyone. From stress relief to being uplifting for fatigue relief (grapefruit), anti depression (basil, chamomile, grapefruit, rose, ylang ylang) and for grief (Rose, Marjoram), it can have a calming (Chamomiles) and relaxing effect especially for those troubled with insomnia (Lavender, Chamomile and Neroli); it is wonderful for meditation (Frankincense) and enhancing memory (Rosemary); some people feel it can be an aphrodisiac; it can give relief to those troubled with PMS (prementral syndrome), it can aid in digestion and and many more far to numerous to list.
What more can it do for you? Start by trying a few oils. Read a few books or study charts and decoders. Those so inclined may want to experiment with perfume blending - come up with your own blends.
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH AROMATHERAPY?
Read, Read, read, all you can, to get an idea on what all the possible uses of essential oils are and what oils may help you achieve the goal you wish to address, be it relaxation, becoming more alert, anti microbial, etc.
The best idea is to get to know 3 or 4 oils really well and what they can do. After that, try a couple at a time and pretty soon you will have a lot of oils, you will know about.
Make sure you get them from someone who is educated about essential oils and their uses. If you should ever have a doubt or a question - ask!!
DIFFUSERS DO I REALLY NEED ONE?
Not when your are just starting out.
You can use oils on cotton balls, tissues, a handkerchief, on a pillow case (for a really good nights sleep).
A diffuser is a way to get the aroma out in the room.
There are different ones out there such as:
Scent rings, that fit over a light bulb (but these are very hazardous), as essential oils are flammable and the bulb does get very hot;
Scentballs plug into outlets, and Car Diffusers plug into your car lighters; both are very inexpensive and very efficient diffusers;
Tea light diffusers - these are usually ceramic with a tea lite candle under a bowl filled with water and a few drops of oil;
Electric Fan diffusers and atomizers- these devices release minute particles of essential oils into the air;
Passive diffusers - like little ceramic figures, vases or discs. Just put oil on them and they disperse in the air.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR USES BEYOND AROMATHERAPY
Many products have essential oils in them. Here are just a few:
Beverages and soft drinks: bitters, rums, wines, carbonated beverages cola drinks, root beers, drink powders
Preserves: fruit butters, jams. jellies (Peppermint)
Candies (Anise, Peppermint, Spearmint, Orange, lemon)
Rubber products: gloves, shower curtains. toys, waterproofing products
Soaps: Detergents, laundry and household soaps, shampoos, deodorants, tooth pastes
Veterinary supplies: deodorants, dog and cat soaps, ointments, insect powders, cattle sprays
Diversified products: Optical lenses, candles, ceramics
As you can see, we use them already in our daily routines.
