Aromatherapy has many rejuvenating aspects that include healing properties. It is a low-cost method for relaxation that promotes healing, and also invites the proper atmosphere for healing through additional herbal methods. Aromatherapy has deep roots in ancient civilizations and has evolved into a modern-day science. Along with the reduction of stress and daily tensions, aromatherapy is successfully used in the treatment of headaches, asthma related breathing problems, insomnia, menstrual cramps, depression and other mental illnesses and the treatment of muscle pain and weakness.
The main reason aromatherapy is so successful is that many of our ailments can be traced to the stress and tension of daily lives and strenuous physical activity. Aromatherapy often combines soothing massages with the herbal scents that send relaxing signals to the brain so that muscles and nerve centers release the stress and also encourages better circulation. More blood flowing to the injured or stressed areas promotes quicker relief to the pain and trauma.
The most often used herbs for aromatherapy are ginger, rosemary, lavender, chamomile, jasmine, marjoram, Melissa and birch. These are used alone, in combination with each other, or included in teas and with oils for massaging oils. Massaging oils are created with the aromatherapy herbs combined in a vegetable oil, or along with St. John’s Wort, a very powerful remedy for sore, aching muscles. If you just need a little pick-me-up and you are tired from a long and stressful day, place two chamomile tea bags in a cup of spring water and bring to a boil. Then place the tea bags in the freezer for five minutes. Drink the tea and then lay back and relax with the tea bags on your eyes.
Scents also have very powerful properties to relieve many illnesses such as nausea. The mere whiff of an orange peel can settle an upset stomach or calm nausea. Lemon helps relieve depression and also reduces stress. Use citrus oils in water to wash counters, wipe down bedroom walls, keep bathrooms fresh and clean. Not only will the lively aromas make your house sparkle and feel clean, they will pick up your moods and make you feel better too.
Soak some cotton balls with lavender or chamomile and place them in pajama drawers for a wonderful, warm, fresh smell that will help give you a better, more restful night’s sleep. Placing a drop of lavender on your shoulder while you rock a crying baby will help them calm down faster and get back to sleep peacefully.
A little drop of eucalyptus on your pillow at night before bed will help stop the sniffles, and even combat colds and the flu. Be very careful using any herbal remedies on young children, and never use certain elements such as eucalyptus on babies less than 2 months old. However, older children benefit greatly from a diluted adult formula of aromatherapy.
Tea tree oil is helpful for insect or spider bites, and should be carried when traveling or on camping trips to help soothe the pain. For women, chamomile, cypress, basil, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary are all helpful aromatherapy scents to provide relief for menstrual cramps. The best of all is a warm sea salt bath with a little essential oil from one of the above oils added for a soothing relaxation.
The most useful of all the oils may indeed be lemon oil. Not only is it an excellent freshener that is invigorating, and clean, it is also a good antibacterial additive for dish soap, hand soap, and even in a water spray for an air freshener. The antiseptic abilities of lemon oil last for up to 20 days.