Aromatherapy Made Simple – Part Two
Author: Suzane Michellebr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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The 7 Essential Oils
1. Lavender
2. Geranium
3. Eucalyptus
4. Rosemary
5. Lemon
6. Cypress
7. Peppermint
These are the main oils most frequently talked about in magazine articles and books, and they are the most readily available to purchase (often coming in kits). There are hundreds of oils but these 7 are among the most frequently used.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Any introduction to aromatherapy would begin with lavender oil. Simple and safe to use, its beautiful in our gardens. Blue-violet or deep-purple blossoms and weve been using it for perfume and its cleansing properties since the Greeks and Roman period.
Lavender smells clean and fresh and permeates the air with wonderful aromas that stimulate and relax. There are many varieties of lavender and the offspring (produced from hybrids) are the most versatile of essential oils.
Lava re: to wash. With a name taken from the Latin word lavare, lavender is the premier oil for bathing, soothing, and disinfecting. An excellent choice for hair, scalp and skin care.
Lavender is extracted by steam distillation of flowering tops, and should be clear in color. I dont expect you to remember all the things that these oils can be used for but the list for lavender includes: antiseptic, analgesic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, decongestant, antidepressant, calmative, sedative, antibiotic, anti-infectious. May be used on children.
Blending Lavender:
Lavender blends well with other oils such as geranium and rosemary. Blended with chamomile or rose, lavender retains a very soft and gentle character. Blend it with eucalyptus or geranium and stimulate the immune system. Well be talking about blending oils later. Thats the fascinating part of aromatherapy. practicing and experimenting with blending.
Geranium: (Pelargonium spp.)
Geranium oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and stalks of the scented geranium and should be colorless to light green. Scented geranium is not the same plant as the pink and red geraniums you have in your planters. Known as rose geranium to herbalists, there are over 600 varieties. It has a flowery rose, sweet aroma with some citrus smell and a suggestion of wood. The oil is antioxidant, antiseptic and astringent, has been used in treating wounds and ulcers.
Aromatherapists sum up the reaction to rose geranium as physically and emotionally balancing.
Most likely youll start with using this oil in a refreshing bath. It can be blended in all types of cosmetic preparations good for balancing both oily and dry complexions and is helpful in acne treatment and aging skin.
Eucalyptus: (Eucalyptus globules)
Native to Australia, eucalyptus are among the tallest trees in the entire world. There are more than 600 species, the blue gum is the most widely cultivated but aromatherapists also use lemon eucalyptus for its lemony scent. Also extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs, the oil should be clear to pale yellow in color.
The scent of eucalyptus (as many of you know) is pungent and camphor like. Its refreshing, penetrating, and stimulating aroma that enters into the respiratory tract to bring a fresh vitality to mind, body, and spirit.
The oil has widespread application possibly because its inexpensive. Its used liberally in aftershaves, colognes, mouthwashes and household cleansers. Also used for vapor rubs, skin blemishes, shampoos for oily hair and the list goes on and on.
Rosemary: (Rosmarinus officinalis, camphor, cineol)
Rosemarys name is derived from rosmarinus rich means dew of the sea. Its cultivated worldwide, but France, Spain and Tunisia are the main essential oil producers. The scent is herbaceous, woody, sharp, and camphor like. Again its extracted by steam distillation of the flowering tops. It should be a clear oil.
Some researchers think rosemary improves memory, as Shakespeares character says, Theres rosemary for remembrance. Its a stimulant to the nervous system that increases energy. Its also antiseptic, calmative, tonic, and it can reduce the discomfort of nausea. Used in massage, the oil improves poor circulation.
A few drops of rosemary oil taken with water are good for liver and gallbladder ailments. It increases the secretion of bile and decreases blood sugar levels. It also can discourage the build-up of acids in the joints that lead to arthritis.
Caution: Rosemary oil should not be used during pregnancy. Rosemary should also be avoided by those with high blood pressure and anyone subject to seizures.
Lemon:(Citrus limon)
Lemon oil, derived from the peel of the lemon, has a fresh, clean scent that activates the body, and stimulates the central nervous system. This oil is created by cold expression of the fresh fruit peel, and should be pale yellow with a greenish hue. Like other citruses, the oil keeps only for a year unless you prolong its life by storing it in a cool place or even the refrigerator.
Lemon is best known throughout the world as a remedy that relieves fevers, sore throat, coughs and indigestion. The massage oil can reduce inflammation and works well at relaxing stiff muscles.
Caution: Lemon oil should not be used on the skin when going out in the sun to tan. Many people develop a rash.
Cypress: (Cupressus sempervirens)
Cypress oil is obtained from the green branches, leaves and nuts of the cypress. The oil is clear and has a spicy-sweet, woodsy scent. The oil is often used in mens products (cologne and aftershave).
Cypress can increase mental energy and attentiveness by reducing drowsiness and irritability. A cypress oil bath is relaxing and refreshing. The astringent (drying) effect of cypress oil in combination with hyssop oil can ease the suffering of hay fever. Cypress is excellent for smoothing transitions. Inhale the fragrance for strength and comfort.
Peppermint: (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint oil is distilled from the fresh leaves of the small perennial peppermint. The American states of Oregon, Washington, Montana and Indiana are major produces of peppermint oil. The oil should be clear to pale yellow in color. It has a minty, fresh aroma as we know from gum and candy and herbal teas.
Often used as a massage oil over the abdomen because it relaxes the muscle and aids in digestion. It is a warming oil so its found in most liniments used to relieve muscle spasms.
Caution: At first peppermint feels cooling, but watch out because if its too strong it can burn.
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