Aromatherapy - The Healthy Balance Between Body, Mind and Spirit
Many people falsely believe that aromatherapy means a pretty scent emanating from candles, fresheners or perfumes. Actually, aromatherapy is the therapeutic application of essential oils diluted from plants, including the flower, root, stems and leaves for a variety of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual conditions. Aromatherapy encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself and enhances a healthy balance between our body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy is considered an alternative medicine and is gaining in popularity. Many hospitals and clinics are employing professionals to use essential oils for their patients for a varieties of conditions such as, stress, nervousness, pain relief, mental alertness, depression, anxiety and sleep. The abundance of healing benefits, combined with the absence of side effects found in traditional medicine, make it an attractive alternative.
As most alternative modalities, aromatherapy is an ancient practice. The Aborigines used eucalyptus to successfully heal wounds. Records show that thousands of years ago, the indigenous people used tea tree oil as antimicrobial agent to heal fungal and bacterial infections. Fortunately, today, aromatherapy is finally being recognized as a legitimate healing modality.
Specific oils have specific benefits and are combined together for a more powerful effect. It’s recommended to consult a professional before mixing your own oils because some can be toxic when combined together or cause allergies. However, many co-op and health food stores have bottles of essential oils ready to use.
Essential oils can either be used with a diffuser, inhaled directly from the bottle or rubbed into your hands or cloth. In addition, to the many health benefits, essential oils, without the harmful chemicals, are a great substitute for household cleaners, spot removers, pest control, mold removers, hair moisturizers and more.
Depending on your need, there’s an abundance of essential oils to choose from. However, there are 4 oils everyone should always have in their medicine cabinet: Eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender and tea tree-oil.
Benefits of Eucalyptus:
Treat colds and flu
Boosts Immune system
Reduces inflammation and congestion
Aids digestion – bloating, constipation, indigestion
Provides respiratory, sinus, asthma and allergy relief
Antiseptic properties to treat wounds
Enhances cognitive functions
Pest Control
Odor remover
Tea Tree:
Increases energy level
Skin therapy for psoriasis, insect bites
Fungal and bacterial infections
Head lice
Bad Breath
Earaches
Congestion and respiratory infections
Cold sores
Lavender
Sleep aid
Increases circulation, energy and natural healing
Helps eczema and acne
Mood enhancer – reduces stress, depression, anxiety
Aids digestion – bloating, constipation, indigestion
Provides relaxation, calmness
Peppermint
Pain Relief -headaches, joints and muscle
Reduces inflammation, colds and congestion
Aids digestion – bloating, constipation, indigestion
Sinus and asthma relief
Enhances cognitive functions
Boosts Immune system and energy levels
Reduces nausea
Reduces food cravings
Anti-itch
Reduces fever
Aromatherapy is an effective, gentle yet powerful healing modality that should be included in everyone’s health regime.
