Tag: Aromatherapy

What Are Essential Oils?

Maybe you have heard the term “essential oils” but didn’t know what was meant by it. Perhaps you had a vague idea that it was connected in some way with aromatherapy, but didn’t know how. Now is as good a time as any to learn what essential oils are. Essential oils are made from different parts of plants. They can be made from leaves, like peppermint oil. They can be made from petals, like rose oil. Some are made from bark or wood, like sandalwood.

Others are made from other parts of plants. If a so-called “essential oil” has any animal products in it, it is not truly an essential oil. Also, true essential oils do not contain synthetic ingredients.

Essential oils are usually made by distillation to make the natural oils in a plant substance very concentrated. It takes an enormous amount of plant material to make just a small amount of essential oils. For this reason, they are very expensive. It only takes a few drops of these essential oils to have a powerful effect. Most essential oils are not used directly on the skin. Most are either inhaled or applied in a carrier oil. Sometimes the oils are put into a bath.

You can buy individual essential oils or you can buy blends. If you buy blends, it’s up to the maker to decide what oils to mix together and in what proportions. You can save money this way, because you only have to buy one bottle of a blend rather than several bottles to mix yourself. If money is no object, you might like to have the choice.

Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote physical and mental well-being. There are many varieties of essential oils and there are different ones for almost every ailment out there. There are several choices of oils for many of the conditions. Essential oils enter the body through the sense of smell. This is why they are often inhaled in some way or another. However, they are also absorbed into the tissues of the skin and into the bloodstream. This is especially true when they are used in baths or massages.

When essential oils are inhaled, they reach the limbic system of the brain and go on to affect all the systems that it interfaces with. These include the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the endocrine system, and memory. In the bloodstream, they affect the organs as well. When you have had a massage treatment with essential oils, it is wise not to bathe or wash it off for a couple of hours. This is because the systems of the body take time to absorb the oils from the skin.

Both psychological and medical conditions have been treated with aromatherapy through the use of essential oils. Some can be very expensive, especially those that come from exotic plants. However, by using the few drops as recommended, a small bottle can last a long time. Essential oils are effective tools in controlling uncomfortable symptoms.

The History of Essential Oils

In modern times, essential oils are used in aromatherapy to aid people with their physical and emotional health. In the past, they have been used by many people all over the world and in different cultures to do just that. The history of essential oils is a long one. Thousands of years ago, the Chinese were using plants with aromatic qualities for healing. Although these plant substances were being used in the medical practices of the day, they had not yet been distilled into essential oils.

The Egyptians, and perhaps also the Persians and the people of India, were the first to make distillation machines. Oil of cedarwood distilled with such machines was used along with myrrh, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg oils to embalm the dead.

The Egyptians were concerned more with the sense of smell than with any of the other senses. They believed that it was the most important and dominant sense. They adopted the essential oils they made to their medicine, cosmetics, and fragrances.

The use of essential oils was taken up by the Greeks next. Hippocrates did an ancient form of aromatherapy. A Greek named Megalleon invented a perfume called megaleion. This substance was used in aromatherapy and as an essential oil as an anti-inflammatory and to heal wounds. A Roman, Discorides, wrote on the uses of 500 different plant substances. Distillations were also made of such substances. However, these distillations didn’t produce essential oils. Instead, they made floral-smelling waters.

Avicenna was a Persian man who refined the process by inventing a distillation machine with a coiled cooling pipe. This allowed for more effective cooling. Eventually, the focus shifted towards more emphasis on true essential oils and their uses.

Paracelcus was a doctor of the fifteenth century who began using the term “essence.” His emphasis was using essential oils for medicine. During this time, many new essential oils were being produced. Among them were juniper, rosemary, rose, and sage. During the sixteenth century, people would go to their apothecary to get essential oils for many different uses. Around this time, the advent of new essential oils flourished. In the next few centuries, essential oils changed little except in their use in perfumes.

The major chemical ingredients of essential oils were identified. Scientists became more interested in the subject of essential oils. In the twentieth century, this became a problem for those interested in the use of true essential oils.

Much of twentieth century science has been consumed with creating synthetic versions of essential oils. However, an early twentieth century Frenchman named Gattefosse became increasingly involved with the study of essential oils and their medicinal values. He was the first to use the term “aromatherapy”. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils were not well known in English-speaking countries. Robert B. Tisserand changed all that. He wrote the first English book on the subject, and many other books and articles.

As the years go by, people are becoming more and more interested in natural ways of doing things. They want to find ways to soothe their minds and comfort their bodies without synthetic drugs. Essential oils give them a way to do it.

Natural Ways To Relieve A Headache-Sometimes The Old Ways Work

Natural Ways To Relieve A Headache-Sometimes The Old Ways Work Better

Having frequent headaches can range from being a nuisance to affecting your ability to function. Modern medicine’s typical response is to shove pills down your throat and see what happens. If the first pills don’t work then new pills are tried, and so on until you are able to find some relief. However, there are also some natural ways to relieve a headache so you won’t have to pop pills.

A warning is in order before we get to any of those methods: Nothing in this article is meant to be medical advice. You should always consult with your doctor before trying to treat any health condition, including headaches. If your doctor has prescribed medication, then you should always take it unless they instruct to stop taking it. Okay, and now onto the good stuff!

Cold or heat therapy is one of the oldest natural ways to relieve a headache. Placing a cold pack on the head, face or neck can lessen the severity of a headache, but don’t use anything that’s too cold as that can make the headache worse. Heat can be applied in the same way, and excessive heat should be avoided as well. Everybody is different, so you may need to see which temperature works best for you. How this works is still the topic of discussion, but what really matters is that it does indeed work, not how it works.

The body is covered with pressure points that affect other parts of the body. You can find pressure points that will help alleviate headaches. They can be found on the temples, the bridge of your nose, the hairline, the crook of your arm, your back and certain parts of your feet. Using a bit of trial and error, you should be able to zero in on the areas that bring you the most relief; however, if you want to be more precise then you can find information that shows you exactly where to apply pressure.

Aromatherapy can work wonders on your headaches, but you need to be careful. The reason is that some people are highly sensitive to certain scents, and they could end up making your headache worse. On the other hand, there are sure to be some aromas that soothe and clam you and lessen your headache pain. Some of the more popular scents for the treatment of headaches include lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint.

Staying in good health isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it can definitely help control your headaches. After all, what could be better than preventing them in the first place? Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, eat right, exercise on a regular basis, practice stress reduction techniques and get a good night’s sleep.

The cool thing about all of these natural ways to relieve a headache is that they can be done by just about anyone, and you don’t have to worry about popping pills and adding chemicals to your system.

A Beginner’s Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children

This article explains a few things about alternative medicine, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.
A Beginner’s Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children

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Reliance your instinct – a beginners guide to using aromatherapy with young:

Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over in, for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils but squirrel this comes with some important cautions: Only some of t…

Keywords:
needed oils, aromatherapy, how to, beginning, bulky, children, child, infant

Article Body:
Trust your instinct – a beginners guide to using aromatherapy with children:

Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences they are distilled from flowers, flak, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over in, for paradigm, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to fundamental oils but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not pragmatic for children and some are even perilous to children ( children with epilepsy should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils ).

When used correctly however, essential oils can embody of great benefit, and cede not conflict with your childs medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your unseasoned or child ask assist from a tried practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.

That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child’s health, happiness and well – being. Fundamental oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your daughter and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally ( on the outside of the body ) in your childs bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in a oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will often nosedive into one of three main categories: 1 ) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents, 2 ) Supporting your childs overall sense of well – being, and 3 ) Assisting your child in acceptance quality rest.

When using essential oils adumbrate your child, it is necessitous that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic – grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your childs health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and algid location, away from the childs way. Wooden storage boxes from craft or ‘Pier One’ type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.

Methods of Using Essential Oils

There are two methods of using essential oils with your child INHALATION: complete a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover undoubted under topical application.

For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier more to a drawn bath, to an equal relationship of carrier and needed oil applied directly to your childs feet ( as in the case of gentle Lavender ). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you further your child little one know exactly what is right for your locus.

Habitual dilution rate guidelines of essential oils predominance one ounce of carrier oil:

Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per Onliest Ounce Carrier Oil being Topical / Massage Application:

Newborn ( Consult primary disturbance physician before use )

1 – 3 drops essential oil / ounce
2 – 6 months
1 – 3 drops essential oil / ounce
6 – 12 months
1 – 4 drops essential oil / ounce
1 – 4 years ( unless very small )
5 – 8 drops foremost oil / ounce
6 – 7 years
5 – 10 drops essential oil / ounce
9 – 12 years
5 – 12 drops right-hand oil / ounce
12 years to young seductive
10 – 15 drops essential oil / ounce

DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT ( undiluted ) on childrens skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your son has very sensitive bill, it is important to test a small area before using a up-to-date single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away form the eyes. When using citrus oils – orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime – do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered ‘phototoxic’, and can react from the sun’s rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.

Essential oils are not to be taken orally ( by mouth ). When your tot is taking medications, reduce the amount of capital oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.

Carrier oils for offspring

Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded now the safest and inimitable overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is further considered extremely safe cache children over 6. Jojoba oil responsibility be added at about 10 % concentration for any blend it has a soothing effect on the payment and is good for hair.

Topical Application – Nurturing Touch Massage Recipes

There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a author. A educated hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.

Research shows that press can help childrens growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done squirrel premature babys show that touch is an essential aspect of the childrens ability to thrive.

Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your childs feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving essay and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows – from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.

Here are a few suggested blends for this outstanding method each is in one ( 1 ) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:

Restful Land 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile

Happy Child 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli

Mild and Relaxed 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli

Emotional Nurturing 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender

For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil ( note: the frequent washing of a baby’s skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep operative supplies of this important nutrient ).

1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
1 drop of certified Lavender requisite oil
1 drop of Vanilla essential oil

OR

1 ounce of uncondensed like sugar almond oil
2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of pure Chamomile ( German ) essential oil

The above blends answerability also speak for added to the bath. Individual teaspoon with the following amount of foremost oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3 – 5 senescence, 2 drops; 6 – 8 years, 3 drops; 8 – 11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full endowment blend ( without carrier oil ) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.

Inhalation of essential oils

For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or build in oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender ( recommended for sleep one to four drops can be placed under the pillow ), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood ( an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood ), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier resevoir will do.

For an anti – anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium flood to 10 drops per pint of water for a room spray or purpose in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child’s age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or importance a blend that pleases your senses ( usually the best way to melt is to trust your nose! )

Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An intense nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils leadership the air can be too high.

Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.

Cuts and scrapes are simply a street of life for the little ones! A extreme blend for minor wounds is a 1: 1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, resistive – inflammatory, and has regenerative ‘ketones’, while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, again apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage do not apply directly to the skin as it will reproduce unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.

For this is a very brief overview of using essential oils duck children. Competent are many, many diverse applications for constitutive oils due to almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is letters finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: ” Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child ” and ” The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy “; owing to safety data, see ” Essential Oil Safety ” by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized because safe for most humans if you or your calf are noted through having a specific illness, and / or are under a doctor’s regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.

That said, aromatherpy can be a authentic fun again rewarding endevor for both you and your child. Prerequisite oils have benefited the lives of many the microcosm over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about alternative medicine into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about alternative medicine, and that’s time well spent.