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 Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:55 pm
Warning: aromatherapy is not to replace good old fashion doctors and possible needed medical attention, so please don't medicate yourself with good smelling stuff.
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:38 am
Aromatherapy
 How it works:
Through the nose- When we smell a fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning incense sticks vaproizes the oil so that we can breathe in its molecules more easily.
Through the skin- Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream to take immediate effect.Types of Aromatherapy Tools
Essenstial and blended oils:
The most commonly used aromatherapy "tool" is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores and shopping malls.
Undiluted oils can seem expensive, but you need to use only a few drops in most applications. Undiluted oils can be used in vaporizers, steam inhalations and baths, and can be diluted in a carrier base, such as avocado oil or unscented shampoo, for use in massage, shampoo, toning and moisturizing. Dilute up to 10 drops of oil in 30ml of carrier base before using it on your skin.*
*some essential oils should never be placed on the skin.
Scented Candles
Candles scented with essential oils are a great way to get relaxing, stimulating and sensual aromas into your atmosphere.
Scented candles work better on your mood and emotions than on your body. Their effects are subtle and work well over a long period of time, such as a quiet evening at home, rather than providing quick results.
Fragrances such as citronella and lavender are excellent insect repellents. Use candles scented with these aromas while sitting outside on warm summer evenings.
A more intense way to fragrance your environment is to use essential oil in a candle vaporizers. To do this, hald-fill the vaporizer bowl with water, and add up to five drops of oil. Light the candle beneath the bowl.
Joss Sticks and Incense
Another excellent way to fill your room with uplifting scents is to burn incense or "joss" sticks.
The fragrances used to make joss sticks and incense are usually very expensive to buy as oils. This is simply a more economical way of enjoying their benefits.
Light joss and incense beside a scented candle, vaporizer, or other joss sticks to blend different aromas.
As joss sticks burn, they will leave behind hot ash. Always be sure to place your joss stick on a surface that will not be damaged, or buy a special holder that will catch ash as it falls. You can also stand your joss sticks up in a potted plant or dish of sand.
Incense is especially useful for creating a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga.
Other types of aromatherapy are soap, lotion, even tea, but the above are the main three I will focus on.
Aromatherapy Listed Below
1. Citronella
2. Eucalyptus
3. Frankincense
thanks to summertime publishing, mind body spirit for most of the info I have and will provide.
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:12 am
Citronella (I had recently recieved some citronella essential oil, it smells like bug candles, so I found out how to use it.) Citronella is nature's perfect insect repellent, the ideal essential oil to pack in your vacation luggage or take with you into the gardern.Citronella is the quintessential aromatherapy oil. Whereas other essences simulate the mind and body to improve your circulation, lift your mood or relax your muscles, citronella's main benfit is the smell itself. Its lemony, slightly sweet aroma is a wonderful natural insect repellent. Grass of ChinaCitronella essential oil is extracted from citronella grass, also called "grass of China," native to Java, Central America and Haiti. Its also derived from the citrosa plant (a cross between citronella grass and African geranium) and catnip. The euphoria catnip produces in cats is mirrored by the stimulating effect citronella vapor has on humans. Active IngredientsCitronellal- The aldehyde is responsible for the lemony aroma that insects so hate. It is antiseptic and sedative, helping to kill germs and balance emotions. Geraniol- The alcohol gereniol, which adds to the potent aroma of citronella, is responsible for the oil's uplifting qualities. It is also antiseptic and antiviral. Camphene- This mildly stimulating monoterpene relieves pain, kills bacteria and helps expel excess mucus from the body. Practical Uses of CitronellaA potent natural insect repellent, citronella has been used in commercial products since the 19th century. You can reap its benefits in candle and oil formOn Vacation-Use citronell oil to make your own natural mosquito-repelling spray or lotion. (it's cheaper too) -Add a few drops to your bath before going out. -Mix 5 drops in 1 tsp base oil, shower gel or body lotion -Keep a spray-on insect repellent with you on vacation, so that you can reapply after swimming or throughout the day. As essential oils DON'T mix easily with water, it's best to dilute them in an alcohol base, such as a store-bought body spray or perfume. -Boost insect-repellent properties by blending with geranium, eucalyptus and/or lavender oils. WARNING: Some citrus scents can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Citronella is generally considred safe, but it is best to avoid if your intend to sunbathe.Keeping Pets Flea-FreeCitronella makes a great natural flea spray for your pets. -Leave your pet's collar to soak in a weak dilution of citronella oil overnight (5 drops to 2 cups water). When collar has dried, put it back onto your pet. -Catnip contains the same chemicals found in citronella grass- the leaves release the scent when brushed. On Your MindThe gernaiol contained in citronella has a euphoric effect. It lifts our moods, helping banish headaches and feelings of depression. - Burn a citronella candle or vaporizer oil during covalescence. Its uplifting qualities stimulate the digestive system, while its antispetic properties keep a sickroom sterilized. Magical CitronellaThe citrosa plant has long been known by African and Native American tribesmen to repel mosquitoes. -In magic, citronella is considered to protect, cleanse and clear the aura, atrengthening the lifeforces. It is often used in Native American purifying rituals. -Cirtronella's mind-clearing properties encourage self-expression, making good for writers and actors. -It can be used to stimulate the throat Chakra, which governs communication. Eucalyptus
(one of my favorites sents. where I grew up in california this was everywhere. my grandpa used to take me for a walks and we'd stop under a few eucalyptus trees and he'd tell me to breathe. it would clear up my sinuses.)
For centuries, the pungent oil of the eucalyptus tree has been exploited for its powerful antiseptic and decongestive properties.
The medicinal properties of eucalyptus have been used for centuries by Australian Aboringines. Today, eucalyptus's powerful antiseptic properties are valued all over the world.
Eucalyptus oil is distilled from partially dried leaves and twigs of the "blue gum" eucalyptus tree. The oil has a pungent camphorous scent and blends well with other tree oils, such as cedarwood and pine, and refreshing antiseptic oils, such as lemon and thyme.
A Decongestant Oil
Eucalyptus's warming and drying properties are effective in treating all repiratory disorders. Its decongestive action is especially effective as a steam inhalation of the respiratory tract. It stimulates the nervous system, combats tiredness and promotes concentration.
Active Ingrediants
There are over 500 varieties of eucalyptus that bear oil. These have different chemical compositions. The most commonly used is the "blue gum," Eucalyptus globulus
Oxides- Eucalyptol, also known as cinerole, it a potent oxide that stimulates the respiratory and digestive systems. It is responsible for the oil's camphorous scent, which has expectorant properties.
Monoterpenes- Eucalyptus contains antiviral limonene and antiseptic penene.
Alcohols- The alcohol citronellol is present in eucalyptus oil in small quantities. Citronellol has an antiseptic, warming and uplifting effect.
Uses of Eucalyptus Oil
The uses of eucalyptus oil are manifold, from pleasant-smelling decongestant to a soothing and gentle remedy for urinary infactions.
Cleansing Aroma
Using eucalyptus as an incense is a simple way to benefit from the antiseptic qualities. As the eucalyptus burns, it releases its antiseptic ingrediants into the air, disinfecting the room and masking unsavory odors.
Place some charcoal (not BBQ charcoal, mind you) into a burner and light. Sprinkle with loose eucalyptus incense and allow to burn gently.
Magical Eucalyptus
-Eucalyptus is popular among the Aborigines, who burn the leaves to relieve fever, believing the illness will leave the person and go into the smoke. The dried leaves are sldo amoked to relieve astma and other respiratory conditions.
-In Victorian England, dried leaves were put in sachets to keep cupboards and closets fragrant and to act as an insect repellent.
-Eucalyptus leaves are the only food eaten by koalas. People used to believe that alcohol contained in the leaves of the eucalyptus made the koalas permanently drunk, giving rise to their lazy behavior!
Relieve Pain
The antiseptic action of eucalyptus makes a versatile medicinal oil. Applied as a compress, eucalyptus soothes inflammation and can be used to relieve muscular aches and rheumatic pains.
For strains and sprains- add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and 5-6 drops of levender oil to and cold compress and apply.
Soothing Balm
Eucalyptus oil can be used to make a versatile balm.
Healing Balsam- Simply melt a tablespoon of vasoline bt placing it in a bowl over a pan of hot water, and add:
-6 drops eucalyptus oil
-2 drops peppermint oil
-rub a little of this balm under your nose to clear your sinuses, especially at night. A little rubbed on your lips helps heal cold sores.
Steam Inhalation
Dispel congestion with a steam inhalation.
-add 2-3 drops each of eucalyptus, lemon and pine oils to a bowl of hot water.
-cover your head with a towel and breath deeply.
WARNING: All forms of eucalyptus oil should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women because of its known toxicity. It is not clear if eucalyptus oil is passed to babies through breast milk, but there have been cases of infant deaths from taking eucalyptus oil by mouth.
information taken from summertime publishing, mind body spirit.
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:13 am
Frankincense
Frankincense was once treasured as highly as gold and it remains one of the more expensive oils. It has many widely hailed properties.
Frankincense was prized by the pharaohs as an oil of wisdom, a treasure more valuable than gold. Its powerful, sweet and woody fragrance is still used in temples and churches.
Medication and meditation
The properties of frankincense are best activated by using it as joss or in incense. The powerful aroma is conducive to meditation and yoga as it slows and deepens breathing, imparting a sense of calme.
Frankincense has therapeutic properties: its expectorant action is used to treat colds and coughs; it is a balancing gastric tonic; and it is also good for the complexion.
Active ingrediants of frankincense
Frankincense acts on the central nervous system. It promotes slow, deep breathing that helps to calm the mind and body and lift the emotions.
Trahydrocannabinole- Burning frankincense as incense, joss sticks or oil in a burner causes the release of mind-altering trahdrocannabinole, which may be responsible for the oil's links with religious visions and spiritual experiences.
Terpenes- These make up 50 percent of frankincense and include limonene, pinene and camphene among others. Terpenes are toning, warming and stimulating; and have expectorant and antiseptic qualities. Pinene is an antiseptic.
Alcohols- Frankincense contains small smounts of the alcohols frarnesol and libanol. Farnesol in particular has an effective antiseptic action.
Using Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has many beneficial applications, including as an aid to healing and as a toner to improve complextion. It is also used in ritual.
To treat mature and damaged skin
Reduce stretch marks:
To reduce scarring or stretch marks, mix 2 drops each of frankincense, levender and neroli into lotion and apply daily.
Face mask for mature skin:
Make a nourishing face mask for mature skin with 3 tbsp of clay, 1 tbsp of runny honey and 2 drops each of frankincense, carrot seed oil and lavender oil.
Spiritual healing
Use frankincense joss sticks, incense or oil in a burner to create an atomsphere of comfort and contemplation during perios of prayer and meditation and while you pratice yoga.
Dispel apathy with pulse-point oil blend of 8 drops of grapefruit, 6 drops of frankincense, 5 drops of sandalwood and 3 drops of neoli in 3 tbsp of sweet almond oil. Rub into your temples.
Banish frustration by inhaling 4-5 drops each of frankincense, neroli and bergamot from a handkerchief.
Chest infections
Frankincense has decongestant and expectorant properties that can help ease stuffy heads and bronchial problems.
Use a nighttime rub to fight chest infections. Add 3-4 drops each of frankincense and cedarwood to 1 tbsp of sweet almond oil.
Ease asthma symptoms with a message blend of 3-4 drops each of lavender, clary sage and frankincense in 2 tbsp sweet almond oil.
Holy oil
Frankincense has been regarded as holy and purifying aroma since ancient Babylon.
The ancient Egyptians burned frankincense in their temples midday to symbolize the Sun god Ra's passage through the skies. Their name for this resin translates as "becoming godly."
Egyptian myths told of the phoenix bringing frankincense to the land of Egypt in its claws.
Frankincense was one of the three gifts brought by the wise men to the baby Jesus at his birth.
A woman's comfort oil
Frankincense's balancing properties make it a valuable oil for women.
Relieve period pain-
Ease painful peroids with an abdominal massage blend of 6 drops of frankincense, 3 drops of rose and 2 tbsp of sweet almond carrier oil.
Postnatal depression-
To ease depression, dilute 10 drops of geranium, 8 drops of frankincense and 4 each of lavender and neroli in 5 tbsp of carrier oil.
Dispel grief-
Soak away feelings of loss with 10 drops of frankincense and 5 drops each or geranium and grapefruit in a warm bath.
WARNING:Those who are pregnant or breast-feeding should refrain from taking any essential oil internally to prevent complications. Oils such as frankincense are dangerous for use by pregnant women because some of their compounds are similar to hormones, and might be absorbed by the body.
coming soon jasmine...... information taken from summertime publishing, mind body spirit.
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:14 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:16 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:17 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:18 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:19 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:20 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:21 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:23 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:25 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:26 am
exclaim reserved for future aromatherapy 3nodding
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