Aromatherapy

Guide to Essential Oils

Pure essential oils are best used in the form of massage oils, bath oils or inhalations if you are a beginner. This simple therapy leaves you uplifted, stimulated, relaxed, or invigorated depending upon the oil used. Used in bath or massage, essential oils are absorbed through the skin and into the body where they will stimulate cellular renewal, enhance your emotions and rejuvenate your spirit. When inhaled, the aroma penetrates the bloodstream through the lungs to cause physiological change. These changes affect the limbic area of the brain which is related to emotions and memories. The brain has total recall for scent - it never forgets! Because the sense of smell is so immediate, the fragrance from an oil will affect the body's chemical balance quickly.

Lavender is one of the most important essential oils. It blends well with most other oils and has a sweet, floral smell. It is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier. Lavender helps to balance and normalize emotions and mood swings. Lavender has many other uses and it is also a great cure for headaches. Touch a bit of oil on the end of your nose (so that you can smell it for a while), and rub it into your temples - Ahhh, instant relief.

Lemon has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It aids in the prevention of infectious diseases, and in the treatment of colds, bronchitis, fever, sore throat, insect bites, varicose veins, and heartburn. Psychologically it is energizing, strengthening, and refreshing.