Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy : Aromatherapy The Natural Alternative

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and similar aromatic compounds from plants, for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health. Scientific evidence of it’s effectiveness is growing in all these areas. : Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and similar aromatic compounds from plants, for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health. Scientific evidence of it’s effectiveness is growing in all these areas.

Slide 3 : Because many essential oils are potent antimicrobials, they can be useful in the treatment of infectious disease. As far as more mainstream uses, they are used as medicines, often in combination with other herbal preparations, by a small group of doctors in France. In nursing, essential oils are increasingly used in pain management, anxiety/depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Aromatherapy may be used in combination with other forms of alternative medicine. Terms such as 'essential oil therapy' 'clinical aromatherapy' and 'medical aromatherapy' have been used by some mainstream users.

The modes of application of aromatherapy include:Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfectionDirect inhalation: for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effectsTopical applications: for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin careingestion: not recommended unless you are using therapeutic grade oils such as Young Living, and only under the supervision of a qualified professional. : The modes of application of aromatherapy include:Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfectionDirect inhalation: for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effectsTopical applications: for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin careingestion: not recommended unless you are using therapeutic grade oils such as Young Living, and only under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Some of the materials used: : Some of the materials used: Essential oils: Fragrant oils extracted from plants chiefly through steam distillation(e.g. eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil). However, the term is also occasionally used to describe fragrant oils extracted from plant material by any solvent extraction. Absolutes: Fragrant oils extracted primarily from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent or supercritical fluid extraction (e.g. rose absolute). The term is also used to describe oils extracted from fragrant butters, concretes, and enfleurage pommades using ethanol. Phytoncides: Various volatile organic compounds from plants that kill microbes. Many terpene-based fragrant oils and sulfuric compounds from plants in the genus "Allium" are phytoncides, though the latter are likely less commonly used in aromatherapy due to their disagreeable odors. Herbal distillates or hydrosols: The aqueous by-products of the distillation process (e.g. rosewater). There are many herbs that make herbal distillates and they have culinary uses, medicinal uses and skin care uses. Common herbal distillates are rose, lemon balm and chamomile. Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant material (e.g. infusion of chamomile+) Carrier oils: Typically oily plant base triacylglycerides that dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil)

Pharmacological Effects : Pharmacological Effects Antibacterial: In vitro testing has confirmed antibacterial effects in certain oils including rosemary, clove, lime, cinnamon, and tea tree oil. Antiviral: Supported for tea tree oil, lemongrass, sandalwood, peppermint, ginger, thyme, and hyssop in in vitro testing against Herpes Antifungal: Supported by in vitro testing for lavender, thyme, clove, juniper, and tea tree oil Anti-inflammatory: Reported in in-vitro assays of clove, cinnamon, sage, eucalyptus, black cumin and bay leaf Anxiolytic: Reported in animal models using oils of lavender, rose and angelica Antispasmotic (spasmolytic): Spasmolytic properties for catnip, lavender and New Zealand tea tree oils have been reported in animal studies. Invigorating: lemon oil Antioxidant: thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot in studies of bovine cells

Japanese Study : Japanese Study In Japan, a study has shown that lemon oil vapor (as produced by a nebulizing diffuser) has anti-stress effects by modulating both the Serotonin and Dopamine neurotransmitter systems. The conclusion was that lemon oil aroma has both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. Other research performed in Japan years ago showed a significant improvement in mental accuracy for office workers inhaling the aroma.  It was passed through an industrial air conditioning system, resulting in a higher performance rate and a much lower rate of error. Specifically, typing errors fell by 54%.

How aromatherapy works : How aromatherapy works Fine hairs called cilia line the nose and convert the different aromas you inhale into electrical impulses, which are then carried by olfactory receptors located at the roof of your nose to the limbic system in the brain. This is the area of the brain associated with learning, memory, moods and emotions. Essential oils typically contain 100 or so different chemicals. The effect of a particular essential oil on the brain depends on the most predominant chemical present in it. Some oils are relaxing, some are energizing and others have a healing effect. Others, like lemon and lavender, are known as adaptogenic because they adapt to the body’s needs.

Into the blood stream : Into the blood stream Dr. Terry Reed, a naturopathic doctor here in Oklahoma, makes his own tinctures and liquid extracts from plant material. He then diffuses them into the air and you inhale them nightly in a closed room while you sleep. He gives these plant preparations in lieu of pills or capsules because many people are unable to properly absorb nutritional supplements through the digestive tract. The active constituents of the plants are able to enter directly into the blood stream by inhalation to effect the body.

True Essential Oil : True Essential Oil True essential oils are steam distilled or expressed. Obtaining oils through use of solvents or other methods do not produce a true essential oil. The scent will not be the same, and they will not affect the body in the same way. Absolutes, resinoids and concretes are not pure essential oils and should be avoided.

Twenty Essential Oils : Twenty Essential Oils The most popular and effective

Cedarwood : Cedarwood Antiseptic Cleansing, refreshing aroma Excellent for respiratory conditions Stimulates the lymphatic system Good for dandruff, thinning hair Bronchitis, coughs, colds Skin blisters, cradle cap, eczema Do not use undiluted

Roman Chamomile : Roman Chamomile Natural anti-inflammatory Analgesic and nerve sedative Assists with wound healing In tea form, a good pick-me-up for poorly growing plants Circulatory: chilblains Digestive: abdominal pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, travel sickness Head: earache, headache, inflamed gums, Nervous: anger, anxiety, crying, depression, distress, hyperactivity, insomnia, Skin: boils, burns, chicken pox, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, psoriasis,kk sunburn, scabies, thrush (candida) Chamomile tea is not recommended for people with allergies

Cypress : Cypress The most effective property of cypress oil is its effect on the vascular system. Circulatory: chilblains, hemorroids, nosebleeds, sluggish circulation, varicose veins Digestive: liver tonic Excretory: bedwetting, cystitis Muscular: cramps, injury with bleeding Nervous: crying, hysteria, irritability Respiratory: bronchitis, chest infections, influenza, whooping cough Skin: blisters, bruises

Frankincence : Frankincence This oil’s antiseptic and regenerative qualities are are especially helpful in reducing scar tissue. Excretory: kidney tonic Immune system: stimulant Muscular: aches and pains Nervous: crying, depression, grief, hyperactivity, Respiratory: asthma, broncitis Skin: burns, chicken pox, eczema, diaper rash, scar tissue, wounds

Geranium : Geranium Uplifting to the spirits, deep cleansing properties to both the body and mind, stimulates the lymphatic system, anti-inflammatory, good for the release of emotions. Circulatory: fluid retention Digestie: diabetes, diarrhea, sluggish liver Hair: dandruff Head: mouth ulcers, tonsillitis, Muscles: arthritis, rheumatism Nervous: agitation, crying, hyperactivity, depression, anxiety Skin: allergies, althlete’s foot, acne, blisters, burns, chekcen ppox, cold sores, cuts, dermititis, eczema, impetigo, measles, diaper rash, ringworm, scars, shingles, ulcers, warts, wounds.

Ginger : Ginger Stimulating to the digestive system Its warming quality makes it good for muscular circulation in cold weather, powerful anticatarrhal Circulatory: poor, sluggish circulation Digestive: abdominal pain, colic, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, gastro-enteritis, indigestion, nausea Head: toothache, teething Muscular, aches and pains, cramps, sprains Nervous: timidity

Eucalyptus : Eucalyptus An effective and versatile antiseptic Circulatory: stimulating locally Digestive: threadworms Excretory: cystitis, kidney infections Hair: lice Muscular: aches and pains, arthritis, injury, spasms Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, coughs, croup, hay fever, sinus trouble Skin: bruises, cold sores, high temperature

Lavender : Lavender Soothing to both the skin and the mind Antiseptic and cell regenerator Circulatory: chilblains, cold feet, cramps, mottling Digestive: abdominal pain, worms, thrush (candida) Head: earache, headache, teething Muscular: aches and pains, arthritis, cramps, muscular tension, sports injuries Nervous: anxiety, distress, crying, hyperactivity, insomnia, tantrums Respiratory: bronchial secretions, sore throat, spasmodic coughing, throat infections, acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, bruises, burns, chicken pox, cold sores, cradle cap, eczema, inflammation, insect bites, measles itchiness, diaper rash, psoriasis, ringworm, scars, sunburn, wounds

Sweet Marjoram : Sweet Marjoram Exceptional nerve tonic Analgesic and anti-inflammatory make in invaluable for muscular aches, pains and bruises Spicy, camphorous odor makes it good for chest congestion and respiratory issues Circulatory: poor, sluggish circulation Digestive: abdominal pain, colic, diarrhea, flatulence, gastro0enteritis, indigestion Excretory: bedwetting Hair: lice Head: headaches and toothache Muscular : aches and pains, arthritis, cramps, spasms, Nervous: agitation, anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, vertigo Respiratory: breathing difficulties, coughs, croup, bronchial infections, sinus trouble, whooping cough

Rosemary : Rosemary A multi-talented oil for both the body and the mind Circulatory: stimulating Digestive: colic, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, liver tonic Hair: cradle cap, dandruff, dull, thinning hair, lice Head: headaches Muscular: aches and pains, arthritis, cramps, inflammation Nervous: bedwetting, neuralgia, sluggishness, invigorating, stimulates when one is tired or frazzled Respiratory: bronchitis, common cold, cough, influenza, sinus Skin: bruises, burns, cuts, wounds

Rose Otto : Rose Otto Powerful antiseptic, effective on inflammation and respiratory conditions, and is cell regenerative Circulatory: poor, sluggish circulation, hemorrhoids Excretory: cystitis Head: gingivitis, mouth ulcers Muscular: sprains Nervous: anxiety, crying, depression, grief, hyperactivity, insecurity, tantrums Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, Skin: burns, chicken pox, cuts, eczema, inflammation, rashds, ringworms, scar tissue, shingles, sunburn, wounds

Rosewood : Rosewood Antiseptic for the skin and stimulating for the immune system. A good cell and tissue regeneratorAlso beneficial to a tired and uptight nervous system. Digestive: nausea, travel sickness Immune system: stimulant Nervous: agitation, anxiety, depression Reproductive: thrush (c andida) Respiratory: bronchial infections, coughs, hay fever Skin: acne, boils, dru skin, impetigo, scabies,

Sandalwood : Sandalwood Good antiseptic for respiratory system and urinary trac. Very effective in diarrhea. Circulatory: chilblains Digestive: abdominal paindiarrhea, hemorrhoids, heartburn, travel sickness Excretory: bedwetting, cystitis, urinary infections Nervous: anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, insecurity, insomnia, neuralgia, tantrums Respiratory: Bronchitis, common cold, coughs, croup, sore throat, throat infections Skin: Acne, cradle cap, dry skin, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, Sunburn

Tea Tree : Tea Tree Reputed to be stronger than any household antseptic Works on bacteria, fungi, and viruses Circulatory: hemorrhoids Digestive: threadworms, thrush Excretory: cystitis, urinary infections Hair: dandruff, lice, Head: earache, gum infections, thrush (candida) Nervous: debility, depression Reproductive: genital infections, thrush (candida) Respiratory: bronchitis, common cold, throat infections Skin: acne, athlete’s foot, bois, cuts, impetigo, insect bites, ringworm, scabies

Sweet Thyme : Sweet Thyme Effective against many viral and bacterial sources Anti-inflammatory Uplifting and energizing aroma, helpful with fatigue A must for any sick room, is an immune stimulant Digestive: bad breath, gum infections, threadworms, thrush Excretory: cystitis, fluid retention, urinary infections Hair: lice Head: earache, gum infection, sore throat, throat infection, tonsillitis Nerve: anxiety, fatigue, hyperactivity, insomnia Respiratory: bronchial infections, bronchial spasms, common colds, cough, croup Skin: acne, weeping eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, warts

Ylang Ylang : Ylang Ylang Renowned for its aphrodisiac properties Calming to erratic breathing Digestive: colic, diabetes, intestinal infections Hair: scalp tonic, thinning hair Nervous: anxiety, crying, hyperactivity, insecurity, nightmares, insomnia, tantrums Respiratory: rapid, deep breathing Skin: oily skin

Lemon, Mandarin and Orange : Lemon, Mandarin and Orange Lemon - Uplifting to the spirit Mandarin – calming to the nerves Orange – digestive tonic These oils are expeller pressed, NOT distilled