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AROMATHERAPY: Self Help

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY ?

Aroma means fragrance. Therapy means treatment designed to aid healing. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to heal the body and mind. The word aromatherapy is misleading because it implies that healing takes place exclusively through smell and emotions in fact it also penetrates through the skin into the blood stream when applied for example by massage. This can be demonstrated by applying lavender to the base of the neck and testing the urine half an hour later.

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL ?

They have been called the life force and the hormones of the plant. They are usually secreted from special glands/ducts or cells in one of several parts of aromatic plants and from sap and tissues of certain trees. They are present in roots stems, bark, and leaves, in varying quantities

Essential oils vary in cost because there are different qualities of essential oils. Also the more essential oil produced the lower the cost. i.e.100 kilos of Eucalyptus yields 4 litres of oil. 100 kilos of some Lavender yeilds1.5 litres of oil. 100 kilos of some Rose petals yield 20 millilitres of oil. The quality and yield is also dependant on the place grown. The time of day, the season and the climate also affect the quality and the yield of an essential oil. Essential oils need to be stored correctly as they are volatile, flammable, sensitive to light and evaporate quickly. Airtight dark glass bottles are used for maximum shelf life.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:-

• Oils to avoid during the first five months of pregnancy are: Angelica Clarysage, Cedarwood, Juniper, Lovage, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Spanish Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Fennel, True Melissa.
• If you have a history of miscarriage then Lavender and Roman Chamomile should also be avoided. During pregnancy use all other oils in half the usual stated amount.
• For whole pregnancy avoid Basil, celery seed, Cinnamon, Citronella, Sage all types, clove, Hyssop, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, and Thyme.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:-

• Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (all types) should be avoided by epileptics.
• Clary Sage should not be used while drinking alcohol. Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (all types), and Thyme should be avoided if you have high blood pressure.

BABIES AND CHILDREN:- Use with care in accordance with age.

• Babies (0-12months) -use 1 drop of Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, or Mandarin in 1 teaspoon of base oil for massage or bathing.
• Infants (1-5 years) -use 2-3 drops of essential oils(non-toxic and non-irritant to the skin) diluted in a teaspoon of base oil for massage and bathing.
• Children (6-12 years)-use as for adults but in half the stated amount.
• Teenagers (over 12years) use as for adults. Essential oils are used in different ways. The amount varies according to the manufacturer of essential oil. However below is a general guideline to the amounts and methods that can be used. Generally less number of drops are used for psychological problems and more drops for physical problems.

METHODS OF USE

• BATH: 6-8 drops
• COMPRESS: 2-8 drops
• INHALANT TO BREATHE IN: 6-10 drops on a paper tissue .3-5 drops in a basin of hot water.
• VAPOURISER: 6-8 drops
• MASSAGE: 15-30 drops in 50mls of oil. Add 5% wheat germ oil to the grape seed oil use within 1-2 months.

A chart has been compiled so that one essential oil can be chosen easily to use at home .The chart is at the end of this article.. Decide how you would like to feel and choose an oil in the column that you would like to try. Check the safety precautions.

An easy method to use is to put the essential oil in some water in a vapouriser. Up to 8 drops. Do not allow to boil dry.

Vaporisors and aromatherapy oils can be bought in good health food stores. The oils are of good quality may cost more but the therapeutic effect will be better. Make sure that the essential oil you are buying is 100% pure essential oil. Julia Lawless /Aqua Oleum oils are highly recommended available at Spill the Beans Wimborne. Recommended reading Encyclopaedia of essential oils by Julia Lawless.

See Self Help Aromatherapy Chart