Aromatherapy

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There is a long history of aromatherapy, dating as far back as ancient Egypt and China. Here's a few tidbits we found interesting. 

In Egypt, precious oils and aromatics, including cedarwood, frankincense and myrrh, were routinely used for treating illnesses and performing religious ceremonies.  There is also record of ancient Chinese and Indian cultures using aromatherapy.  Aromatics were used in the Ayurvedic medical system.

There are many references to essential oils in the Bible.  One reference I was reading said there were over 500 direct and indirect references!  One of the most popular would be the magi bringing the gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus.  Many believe the gold given was actually balsam oil.

Greeks and Romans used aromatics often.  They discovered using them for their stimulating or sedating properties, plus realized that external applications effected different internal organs.  Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine' even used aromatics to fight a plague that was affecting Athens.

The great amount of suspicion and fear through the Dark Ages stopped some use, but there is evidence of their use.  Monks, however, often cared for the sick and were known to have excellent gardens with medicinal herbs.  Somewhere around the 16th century bathing started being seen as sinful.  During this time people started using aromatics to mask body odors.  People also used aromatic plants to 'ward off evil' during times like the Bubonic Plague.  While there was less direct use of oils in healing, many of these aromatics used have anti-microbial properties and possibly contributed for more than scent. 

Use for their healing properties slowly picked up.  In 1937, Rene Gattifosse coined the term aromatherapy.  He was not a believer in natural medicine, but was in fact a perfumer.  When he was badly burned, he covered the injury with lavender oil and was amazed at how well it healed, without infection or scarring.  Over the next 40 years, essential oils and aromatherapy became a large part of the alternative healing methods.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being.  It's a non-invasive alternative therapy used to balance the whole body.

We carry four brands of essential oils - over 125 different oils! Plus we have bases, glycerin, etc., for making your own blends!

Make your own custom blends or look through some of the books we have and use their recipes!

Psycho-aromatherapy is the use of aromatics to influence our emotional state.  When scents are inhaled, they stimulate an area of the brain called the olfactory epithelium where there are millions of nerve endings.  As a simplified explanation, scents become nerve messages.  These messages travel along the nerves, stimulating different areas of the brain, causing different neurochemicals to be released.

For psycho-aromatherapy, essential oils are primarily use through inhalation.  Try these by adding a few drops to a carrier oil and use in massage, adding a few drops to a bath, or by using a diffuser.

There are six different groups of essential oils in psycho-aromatherapy.  Here are the groups, what they stimulate, and the essential oils: 

Aphrodisiac
These essential oils stimulate the pituitary to release endorphins, which promotes sexual arousal and euphoria.  They can also be pain killers.  These are good for fighting emotional coldness, shyness, impotence, and frigidity.  The oils include Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, and Ylang-Ylang.

Regulating
Regulating oils stimulate the hypothalamus and the release of various neurochemicals.  They work to regulate and balance the systems, having a stabilizing effect on the body.  These can help anxiety with depression, mood swings, and menstrual or menopausal imbalance.  Oils in this category are Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, and Rosewood.

Euphoric
Oils in the Euphoric group stimulate the thalamus to release enkephalins that are uplifting, creating feelings of well-being, and are sometimes pain relievers.  These are used for depression, moodiness, and lack of confidence.  Oils include Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, and Rose Otto.

Memory/Mental Stimulant
These oils stimulate the amygdala and hippocampus, releasing a variety of neurochemicals.  These help overcome mental fatigue, difficulty in concentration, and poor memory.  The oils are Black Pepper, Lemon, Peppermint, and Rosemary.

Sedative
Sedative oils stimulate the raphe nucleus and the release of serotonin, a well-known sedating neurochemical.  These are great for anxiety, stress, hypertension, insomnia, anger, and irritability.  Oils used here include Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, and Orange Blossom.

Invigorating
Oils in this group target the locus ceruleus, releasing noradrenaline, the 'wake-me-up' neurochemical.  Use these essential oils to overcome boredom, lethargy, and immune deficiency.  Essential oils in this group include Cardamom, Juniper, Lemongrass, and Rosemary. 

Not only were aromatics used in ceremonies and for illnesses, but also to enhance fertility, virility, and love.  In ancient Egypt and Rome essential oils were commonly used for matters of love.  Cleopatra is believed to have used rose petals and rosewater to attract Marc Anthony. Today's perfume industry is based on scents making us more attractive to others. 

Scents are interesting.  Our other senses are perceived by the brain first, then emotions are triggered.  Smell, on the other hand, triggers emotions first and can have a powerful effect. 

They excite the brain, stimulating the limbic system, the part of the brain controlling emotions and memory. Studies show that essential oils stimulate the brain into specific responses, including the sensual essential oils.  Here are some of the most commonly used for romance:

 Rose Otto
Rose has a long history of stimulating romance, from Cleopatra as we mentioned above to roses being a sign of romance today.  The essential oil can be used alone or is wonderful when blended with others, including lavender, geranium, or frankincense.

Jasmine
Jasmine is said to attract a lover as it is irresistible.  It's been long believed that is helps with frigidity and impotence.  It can also be used alone or is complimented by grapefruit or lavender. 

Neroli (Bitter Orange Blossom)
Victorian brides wore sprigs of neroli in their headdresses and put them in their bouquets to help calm nerves and stimulate romance.  It's good for those with loss of romantic interest.  Neroli blends really well with citrus essential oils. 

Ylang Ylang
In Indonesia, ylang ylang flowers are scattered on the bed of the bride and groom to encourage romance.  It not only arouses passion but also is a powerful relaxant, soothing nervousness and anxiety.  Ylang ylang blends well with grapefruit, lavender or sandalwood.

Whether it's for Valentine's Day or any other day, here are a few recipes that can enhance and uplift your evening mood.

Intimate Massage Oil
2 ounces sweet almond oil
2 ounces jojoba oil
16 drops mandarin orange essential oil
3 drops ylang ylang essential oil
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Combine all ingredients and apply.

Passion & Fire Room Diffusion
1/4 cup water
15 drops sandalwood essential oil
2 drops nutmeg essential oil
Place water in bowl of diffuser lamp.  Add essential oils and light candle.

Love Potion Spritzer
6 drops ylang ylang essential oil
5 drops rose otto essential oil
1 drop clove essential oil
1 cup water
Combine all ingredients into a mister bottle.  Shake before each use.

 Exotic Nights Bath
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
1 can coconut milk
 Conbine ingredients and add to a tubful of warm water.  This is a rich, moisturizing bath!

If you're interested in trying these without having to buy all of the individual essential oils, remember we have a Mixing Station with over 125 essential oils!  Also, we carry a wonderful pre-mixed blend from Aura Cacia called Love Potion that combines Jasmine and Ylang Ylang as well as other essential oils.  It's an easy one to keep around to mix with a little carrier oil whenever you want! 

Children often enjoy and benefit from aromatherapy as much as adults.  Essential oils can be very effective, with their immune-boosting, anti-microbial properties.  However, due to their highly concentrated nature, extra care should be given when using them with kids. 

 First, while I know we have mentioned this many times over the past few weeks, please make sure you are using high quality, pure essential oils.  Essential oils are not all  created equal and children are more sensitive to what is entering their little bodies. 

 In fact, some essential oils are strong  enough that they should not be used at all.  Also, most agree that, unless you and/or your health care provider really know, you shouldn't use essential oils on babies under three months.  After that, there are a number of essential oils that can benefit them, including chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, neroli, rose, sweet orange, and tea tree.  Over two years you can add ginger, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage, and tangerine.

The two methods used with children are inhalation and topical.  As we have talked about, diffusing essential oils can really cleanse and purify the room with their anti-microbial action.  If you don't have a diffuser, you can simply use a spritzer bottle.  Its may not be as long-lasting as a diffuser but will help.

Topical application can be very beneficial.  This first thing to note is that you should always use a carrier oil, especially with children.  It's also recommended to do a very small test spot, especially if your child has sensitive skin.  

Babies and young children respond especially well to massage.  Babies who are massaged regularly tend to be more relaxed and sleep better.  Also, foot massage is often highly recommended as it lessens the chance of them getting it in their eyes, etc plus the oils are easily absorbed through the feet.   For babies and young children, use about 5 drops of essential oil in and ounce of carrier oil.  You can increase to 10 drops of essential oil for children over two.  Sweet almond oil is usually recommended for babies. 

Baths can also be used.  Dilute 10 -12 drops of essential oil in a carrier oil, bath gel, or milk and add to a full bath.  You can do foot and hand baths as well, adding a couple of drops to carrier oil and putting it in a bowl of warm water.  Beware of using hand baths with young children who still put their hands in their mouths.

* Always dilute essential oils in vegetable oil, lotion, or some other medium before applying. Exception: lavender can be used directly on the skin.

* Never use essential oils internally.

* Keep essential oils away from children at all times.

* If essential oils get in your eyes or irritate the skin, dilute with milk or oil.

* Avoid rosemary in cases of epilepsy.

* Avoid rosemary and thyme in case with high blood pressure.