Aromatherapy is the use of
plant oils for physical and psychological
health and wellness. Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and has recently come out of
alternative medicine to the
mainstream. Most commonly they are now purchased from a specialty store or
online. Basically a substance is extracted from a plant to give us an
extremely potent essential oil. The oils can be used in
massage,
burned,
inhaled, bathed in, or used in a
compress. The oils are not to be eaten because of the potency. For massage or another
skin application the oil must be diluted. Some common substances used to dilute the oils are
apricot,
cocoa butter,
primrose,
jojoba,
olive,
avocado,
sunflower, and
pecan. Each essential oil is said to be used for a certain ailment or
disease.
Here is a list of some of the most common essential oils and what they can be used for.
Almond - base oil
Basil –
bronchitis, colds, cough, flu, insect repellant, aches
Cedar wood –
acne, arthritis, cough, dandruff,
stress
Chamomile – allergies, cuts, earache,
PMS, stress,
insomnia, headache
clary sage - relaxation, narcotic like effects
Dill – pains, headache
Eucalyptus –
arthritis, cold sores, colds,
fever, flu
Fir Needle – muscle aches
Frankincense – stretch marks,
anxiety, scars, stress
Grapefruit - stress,
PMS, headache
Ginger – nausea, poor circulation
Jasmine –
depression, dry skin, exhaustion
Lavender – depression, aches, anxiety, bruises,
migraines, stress, wounds
Lemon – warts, flu, colds, corns
Lime – acne, flu, colds
Nutmeg – slow digestion, fatigue, nausea
Oregano – cough, digestion
Patchouli – chapped skin,
hair care, stress, athlete’s foot, fatigue
Peppermint –
asthma, fever, headache
Pine oil -- Aches and pains
Rose - stress, depression
Rosewood – skin, headache,
stretch marks, stress
Sage - headaches, infection, stimulate mind
Sandalwood –
laryngitis, chapped skin, bronchitis
Tea Tree –
chicken pox, insect bites, migraine, sores, colds, cuts
Violet Leaf – insomnia,
sore throats
Yarrow – hair care, wounds, scars, insomnia
Ylang-Ylang – anxiety, stress
Stay away from aromatherapy that the essential oil is 100%:
Mustard
Onion
Birch
Wintergreen
Sassafras
Boldo Leaf
Garlic