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Turning to Aromatherapy

It is now widely known that there is a rise in pathogenic microbes resistant to conventional treatments. An over-prescription of antibiotics and over- use of anti-infective products have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Medical scientists are now searching worldwide for medicinal plants that exhibit exceptional antimicrobial properties. Much attention has been given to essential oils and their promising medicinal uses.

Our modern health care system has in many ways deprived individuals of embracing their personal health needs, uniqueness and self-responsibility for their health. Feelings and attitudes of helplessness to pain, disease and death seem to prevail in our culture.

Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as well as notoriety for less invasive treatments and more personal approaches to wellness. For those just beginning to explore alternative medicine, aromatherapy is an excellent foundation. There are safe and easy to use methods of aromatherapy that are effective and enjoyable.

Caring For Yourself with Essential Oils

There are extensive uses for aromatic essential oils that range from infections to relief of unwanted stress and strain. Below are a few aromatherapy recipes for common ailments. As with any medicinal use, one needs to use informative consciousness and responsibility. There are essential oils that can be used without caution and others that need more experience in using.

It is also advised to use only authentic oils for the most benefit as well as prevention from irritating side effects that can result from industrially altered oils. There are many, many providers of essential oils available. Generally the least expensive is NOT the best for your health. The lowest cost oils are often not essential oils at all, but laboratory made aromatics with no health value. Find a supplier you trust for your essential oils, as a significant effort must be made in quality control to make therapeutic grade oils available consistently.

Aromatherapy is known to work best for infections, the nervous system, psychological and hormonal imbalances, and moderately for autoimmune diseases (the body attacking its own cells and tissues). One of the most noted successes in essential oils in the use for viral treatments. Essential oils have emerged at being more effective than conventional antiviral drugs.

A Few Recipes for Restoring Health

For the Flu – There are quite a few methods for using aromatherapy in treating the flu from inhalation to suppositories. Here we include a recipe for direct massage as well as inhalation in a warm bath. Massage your body with 2 drops of tea tree oil and 3 drops of eucalyptus diluted in suitable carrier oil. To inhale the essential oils, add 5 drops of tea tree, 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of thyme in a warm bath.

Concentration – Use equal portions of basil, geranium, ginger and black pepper and place in a diffuser or room spray (4 drops or more in a cup of warm water). For Sore Throats – Use a blend of lavender (10 drops), tea tree (15 drops), lemon (2 drops), ginger (5 drops). Use 4 drops of the blend oil (or singling) on a warm compress twice a day over the throat. One may also use 5 drops mixed in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and rub into the upper abdomen and back.

For Sore Throats – Use a blend of lavender (10 drops), tea tree (15 drops), lemon (2 drops), ginger (5 drops). Use 4 drops of the blend oil (or singling) on a warm compress twice a day over the throat. One may also use 5 drops mixed in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and rub into the upper abdomen and back.

For Insomnia – Make a synergistic blend of clary-sage(3 drops), vetiver (2 drops), valerian (1 drop) and lavender (2 drops). Add 3 drops of the blend in a bath or 2 drops in carrier oil and rub over the body.

Laryngitis – Many of us sing in holiday choirs and attend festive parties that require an increase in voice usage. If symptoms occur, combine chamomile (2 drops), lavender (3 drops) and thyme (1 drop) and place in bowl of steaming water. Inhale deeply. You may also choose to make a blend with chamomile (5 drops), thyme (1 drop) and lemon (2 drops) and dilute in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Massage over neck area and behind the ears.

This is just a brief look at some aromatherapy protocols in use for self care. There are many fantastic texts available to take you deeper into aroma-medicine. Recommended readings include Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt’s “Advanced Aromatherapy”, Valerie Woorwood’s “Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy” and Battaglia’s “Complete Guide to Aromatherapy”, a personal favorite.

Learn more about aromatic botanicals and flower essences.