Archive for April, 2012

Treat Aches and Pains With Essential Oils

April 5th, 2012

It’s a long time since Frankincense and Myrrh came to the fore in the Bible, but these two things are becoming popular once more. This time as essential oils used to treat common aches and pains.

This time, however, their names have been changed to the botanical versions. I think this is to let everyone know the plant species they come from. These are Boswellia carteri for Frankincense, and Commiphora myrrha for Myrrh.

Both oils are derived from the resins that exude from the plants when they are damaged, and are now the main ingredients of some aromatherapy-based creams.

A brief check of want the respective oils can do shows the basis for using them together in this way.

Frankincense essential oil tones the skin, eases pain and numbness, while the aroma calms stress and tension.

Myrrh essential oil fights inflammation, helps healing and kills infections.

Together Frankincense and Myrrh or Boswellia and Commiphora give you the best of both worlds – fight infection, ease pain and inflammation, and promote healing. And, at the same time their aromas help sooth and calm your anxious mind. (Remember the two-pronged attack of aromatherapy oils I mentioned before.)

And, there are few, if any, side effects or untoward problems with rubbing them into your skin. Neither is toxic when diluted in a cream.

So there you have it. A useful, healing cream with little chance of side effects that can help treat aches and pains of all types, including arthritis and rheumatism. And all by combining two essential oils from the aromatherapy range, oils that have been around for thousands of years. » Read more: Treat Aches and Pains With Essential Oils

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Aromatherapy For Beginners

April 4th, 2012

The ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing oneself with the use of plants and its parts like roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the amalgamation of two words “aroma” and “therapy” that mean “fragrance” and “healing” respectively.

Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our body, hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us. Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and should not be used directly onto the body. They should be blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc, for best results.

If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching or redness, oil is safe for external use.

Basic oils that any beginner can start with:

- Lavender – Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy. Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative. Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if blended with your usual bath oil.

- Rosemary – Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar tissue formation.

- Bergamot – Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant and deodorizer. Could be a slight irritant to skin.

- Peppermint – A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant. » Read more: Aromatherapy For Beginners

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Posted in Aromatherapy