Aromatherapy: The Miraculous Natural Cure by Arianrhod Wolfchild

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

How to Choose the Right Essential Oil?

Chapter 1

A Quick Recap on Aromatherapy
Stress has become an inseparable part of our lives. To fight it, people are
consuming a large number of medicines and chemicals that can eventually
damage their bodies. The best approach to reduce stress is to concentrate on
the mind rather than the body since a refreshed mind can drive away stress.
There are many natural methods to reduce stress such as physical exercise,
yoga, massage, traveling, or just plain relaxing. Another natural method of stress
reduction is aromatherapy. Let us first explain what aromatherapy is.

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a process of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits.
Several scientific studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of
aromatherapy and all of them have accepted that aromatherapy can reduce
stress and provide therapeutic benefits. The distinctive nature of this therapy is
that the extracted oils have a typical aroma that helps to bring comfort to the
body and mind. In fact, because the main process of healing is dependant on the
aroma of the oils, the therapy is called aromatherapy.

What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are oils extracted from natural resources like tree bark, roots, fruits
and flowers. These kinds of oils have healing properties and can assist in healing
physical as well as mental ailments.

A Short note on the History of Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy has been discovered by a chemist called Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse. Maurice Gattefosse discovered essential oils and their therapeutic
benefits when he accidentally burnt his hand and used lavender oil (one of the
essential oils) to ease the pain. The effect was miraculous and this led the
French chemist to investigate further into the therapeutic benefits of essential
oils. He researched for many years and his research clearly revealed that
essential oils could effectively cure ailments afflicting both the body and the mind.


Chapter 2

How to Choose Essential Oil and Benefits Of Aromatherapy Explained

There are many benefits of aromatherapy. In this chapter we list a few of them.
Aromatherapy can help you:
 combat stress and depression
 minimize physical pains and aches
 calm down nerves and fight neurological disorders.
 fight skin infections and other infectious diseases.
 boost immunity systems
 relieve menstrual cramps
 get relief from tension related headaches.

True, Aromatherapy cannot cure serious diseases; however it can assist in
relieving various minor ailments (especially those induced by stress and tension!)
In fact essential oils used in aromatherapy have specific benefits which we will
list for you.

 Lavender Oil: This is a calming, relaxing oil which can help to combat
stress related symptoms. It also has therapeutic effects like helping a
person to fight abdominal pains, allergies, bowel disorders etc. If you are a
person suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome this oil may help you.
 Rosewood Germanium: Can be used to combat many mental ailments
such as depression, nervousness, trauma, and insomnia.

 Tea Tree Oil: Acne and Other Skin Problems can be treated with Tea tree
oil. It can also assist in promoting looking younger skin.

 Grapefruit and sandalwood oil: If you have rough, problematic skin,
then these two oils are suitable for you. They can soothe and heal
problem skin. At the same time, both these oils act as an astringent and
helps to clean skin pores.

 Thymus Vulgaris and Peppermint Oil: Are effective remedies for skin
problems such as blackheads. These oils are also extremely effective in
skin cleansing.

 Lavender Calendula infused oil: Are you suffering from chapped or
cracked skin in the winter? Then this oil will help you.

 Orange oil: If you have skin which looks aged, this oil has the ability to
instantly revitalize your skin.

 Eucalyptus oil: This oil has many beneficial properties and one of its
prime properties is that it is extremely effective in fighting infections. It also
acts as a bug repellant.

 Cranberry Seed Oil: Does your hair lack luster and appears dull? Then
Cranberry Seed Oil will promote strong and healthy hair.

 German Chamomile oil: This oil is extremely effective in fighting cough
and colds and helps to combat chest congesation.

 Palma Rosa: This oil is effective in fighting eczema.

 Rosemary Oil: If you are suffering from migraine headaches, then this is
the oil to use. It also helps to combat depression.

 Lemongrass oil: This oil has a hydrating effect on the skin and helps to
promote younger looking skin.

 Carrot seed Oil: This essential oil can help you to heal persistent scars
and wounds.

 Neroli Oil: Post pregnancy stretch marks can be effectively reduced by
neroli oil. This oil can also assist in fighting sexual disorders such as
frigidity.

 Helichrysum oil: If you are suffering from digestive ailments and bacterial
infection, this oil can help you.


Chapter 3

How to Use Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

Now that you know the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, you need to know
how to use them. These oils can be applied by any of the following methods.
 Apply it directly
 Inhale the aroma.
 Apply it on a handkerchief or pillow
 Spray the oil in the air or use a diffuser to spread the scent.

Whichever method of application you choose, make sure to note the following
dos and don’ts.

Do’s
 Follow the instructions religiously.
 Use natural base oils.
 The best form of application is by aromatherapy diffusers since they
diffuse the essential oils into the air so that you can inhale them.

Don’ts
 These oils are highly concentrated so you should use them sparingly.
 Most essential oils are inflammable so you need to be extremely careful
while using oil burners to heat essential oils.
 Keep in mind that essential oils are not a magic solution but they can be
very effective for certain ailments.
 Never drink the essential oils. In fact, they can be very toxic when
swallowed. Keep away from children.
 Be careful when using essential oils during pregnancy. You should consult
with your doctor first before using it. Refrain using these oils on newborn
infants.

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