Essential
Oils
Essential oils form the basis of
treatment in aromatherapy, and can be used in
a number of different ways and combinations to
create a desired effect.
The most common methods of use
include massaging them into the skin, adding
them to the bath, burning them in a diffuser,
or using them in a compress.
Regardless of the method or oil
chosen, the most important factor is the
effect the scent has on you. The whole
principle of aromatherapy is creating a
pleasurable experience, and if you don't
appreciate a particular scent, the treatment
will not be beneficial. Fortunately, there are
often oils that can be used for many purposes,
allowing you to choose one that you find
appealing.
Guide To Essential Oils
Eucalyptus has a balancing
and stimulating effect, with a camphorous,
woody scent.
Uses indicated include asthma,
bronchitis, flu, muscle aches, pulmonary
conditions, rheumatism, sinusitis, and sore
throat.
Caution should be taken if you
have epilepsy, or high blood pressure. Do not
ingest, as eucalyptus can be fatal.
Geranium has a comforting and
healing effect, with a sweet floral scent.
Uses indicated include
neuralgia, tonsillitis, inflammation, poor
circulation, burns, eczema, and rheumatism.
Caution should be taken as
geranium's antiseptic, antifungal properties
could irritate sensitive skin. It's
anti-spasmodic properties also mean it should
not be used during pregnancy.
Grapefruit provides a
refreshing effect and is therefore helpful
with a variety of mental concerns.
Uses indicated include
depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and
water retention.
Caution should be taken as
grapefruit oil is phototoxic, and should not
be used prior to exposure to the sun, or a
tanning bed.
Lavender has
a calming and healing effect, with a floral,
woody scent. Lavender is mild, yet very
effective, and is likely the most popular of
all the essential oils.
Uses indicated include colds,
flu, headaches, tension, anxiety, skin
conditions such as burns, oily skin, acne,
insomnia, rheumatism, bronchitis, and
sinusitis.
Caution should be taken when
using lavender oil while pregnant, or if you
have low blood pressure.
Lemongrass has a fresh, lemon
scent, and a calming effect on the body.
Uses indicated include acne,
oily skin, muscle aches, excess perspiration,
and stress.
Caution should be taken if you
have sensitive skin.
Patchouli has
a soothing effect, and a sweet, woody scent.
Uses indicated include anxiety
related disorders, skin conditions such as
acne and chapped skin. Patchouli may also be
effective for treating water retention and
cellulite.
Peppermint has
a stimulating effect, and a strong, minty
aroma.
Uses indicated include asthma,
bronchitis, sinusitis, migraines, muscle and
joint pain, as well as indigestion and colic.
Caution should be taken if you
have sensitive skin.
Rosemary has
a restorative effect, and a refreshing, woody
scent.
Uses indicated include colds,
flu, digestive disorders, fatigue, gout,
liver/gall bladder problems, as well as skin
conditions such as burns and minor wounds.
Caution should be taken as
rosemary's stimulating effects may create
difficulty if you are epileptic, suffering
from high blood pressure, or pregnant.
Tangerine is
calming, and has a fruity, sweet scent.
Uses indicated include
anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, digestive
issues, aging skin.
Caution should be taken as
tangerine is also phototoxic, and should not
be used prior to exposure to the sun, or a
tanning bed.
Ylang Ylang has
a calming effect on the body, and a powerful
floral scent.
Uses indicated include
treatment of anxiety, intestinal infections,
and stress. It is also known to have a
balancing effect on the hormones.
Caution should be taken as
Ylang Ylang's powerful floral scent can cause
headaches, and irritate sensitive, or
inflammatory skin conditions.
