Aromatherapy and Health Benefits

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Permalink Reply by Pia Poulsen on September 14, 2008 at 6:41pm

Hi there,

There are lots of websites out there describing the effects of the oils and how to use them. Also, there are several good books to read.

I got started by buying a booklet called "Aromatherapy: A Guide for Home Use"

It gave me a brief introduction to the oils, their physical and psychological properties and how to use them. I still use it as a quick reference guide.

I bought some oils along with it and started reading up on stuff, giving massages (this was actually why I decided to get my massage certification), using them in diffusers and so on.

In my eyes, aromatherapy is herb-lore condensed. Most of the oils have the same properties as the plants often used, especially on the mental area.

Unfortunately there hasn't been conducted that many studies about the benefits of aromatherapy. Some clinical testing has been made on some of the oils. Eg. teatree oil has been proven to have great antiseptic properties. Apparently thyme oil was used for sterilizing surgery instruments prior to more modern methods and so on.
Just today I read an article about lavender oil used in diffusers at the dentists waiting rooms utilized to deal with the anxiety of clients, and that it works.

Lavender is probably the most all round oil of them all. A must have in the first aid kit. It's physical properties are many. Disinfecting, helps heal small wounds and scratches, aids with bruises, strains and so on. It's a great relaxant for tense muscles and is a must when you give massage to those stressed people. Psychologically it's relaxing on all areas. It aids with insomnia. I've used it a lot myself years ago when I had a hard time sleeping. A few drops on my pillow and I'd fall asleep in 20 min instead of 2 hours.

There are sensual oils which helps people open up, trust, romance and so on. Ylang Ylang and Jasmin are the two great ones there.

Rose oil helps dealing with grief and opens the heart. Just like roses can do.
Grape oil is refreshing (as are all citrus oils), helps intuition and clear the mind.
Basil and Rosemary are good for memory.
Geranium is balancing, both mentally and physically, it can help with irregular periods for women.

There are oils which can help the scalp, Cedar and Rosemary comes to mind. Help with dandruff too.

The sharp scented oils generally helps increase blood-flow and energize the system. Citrus oils are very positive and can help poor mood. Soft sensual scents help people relax, let go and trust.

And so on. It's easier for me to answer more specific questions really, because it's a wide area with a lot of interesting study to do once you get into it.

So for starts, I'd recommend you get hold of some essential oils - like lavender, geranium, bergamot, lemon, ylang ylang and sandelwood.
Get an infuser and put a few drops of oil in the water and let the scent fill the room and sense how your mood and energy changes with the scents. As an alternative you can place a saucer with water on the heater.
For massage you will need to get hold of a good carrier oil. I personally prefer safflower, but almond is a good one as well. Mix in a few drops and use it for massage, or just to nourish your skin. 1-2 drop of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier is more than sufficient.

As with all things, be sure you get hold of the real stuff and not synthetic oils. Learn the Latin names of the plants and make sure that's listed on the bottle of oil you buy. Also, check up on the local laws in regards to essential oils and what control there is. You might find you'll have to buy your oils from abroad. I buy my oils from a supplier in Denmark whom I trust, in spite of living in France.

Keep in mind that essential oils are very concentrated extracts from a plant (hence the name) and allergic reaction is a real possibility, just like with all other perfumed products. The best perfumes use real essential oils instead of synthetic ones as a side note.

Never use essential oils directly and undiluted on the skin. They're too strong for it. The only exceptions are teatree and lavender oil. Teatree for infections and the like, lavender for the same but also for burns. It's said that it was a perfumer who discovered the properties of lavender oil. He had burnt himself in the lap and put his hand in the first container nearby, which contained lavender oil. He was surprised that his burn healed so quickly. (Aloe vera juice directly from a leaf is even better for burns, especially sunburns I find).

Stay away from products that claim they are "aromatherapy" unless you buy them from a supplier you trust and know. In most places, any product can be called aromatherapy as long as it contains just a tiny amount of essential oil. The rest of the scent can easily be synthetic scents and who knows what else is in the product. Make your own massage oils and scent blends if you want to be sure what you get hold of.

On a last note, candles with essential oils don't smell good. When the oils are burnt it's no longer good and the smell is bad. If you want scent in your home, use an infuser.

I hope the above is useful. Feel free to poke me if you have further questions.

Pia

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Permalink Reply by JM on September 27, 2008 at 7:08am

Pia - This is an excellent introduction for getting started with aromatherapy! Thanks! I just need to find a supplier in the US who sells the real stuff. I especially like the benefits of Lavender and how it can aid with sleep and insomnia.

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Permalink Reply by Pia Poulsen on September 27, 2008 at 5:31pm

I'm glad you found it useful. Unfortunately I can't recommend any suppliers in the US as I don't know the market there. You'll have to read up on the local regulations and see what the conditions are for calling something 100% essential oil. Also, learn the latin names for the oils. Different places might call the same thing by different name, or give the same name to different oils. Knowing your Latin names is the only way to ensure you get the right oil.

Pia

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