With the use of essential oils and aromatherapy, it has been found that individuals are able to alleviate symptoms of various health conditions. In fact, these treatments are preferred by many as they have significantly less potential side effects than do traditional medications and treatments.
Before using any of these oils, it is best to test these materials on a small area of the skin to determine that no allergic reaction will occur. After applying the material, leave the oil on the skin for a period of 24 hours to avoid reactions. Although aromatherapy has been known to be effective, it is important to consult with a physician. These forms of therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical attention should there be a need.
Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and other Skin Conditions
In order to relieve skin conditions, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, or cedarwood are recommended. They can be used in a bath or in the form of body oil. In order to apply to the body, combine several drops of the desired scent to a carrier oil.
Arthritis
Oils have been found to be quite effective, particularly those scented with lemon, lavender, vetivert, cedarwood, rosemary, chamomile, and eucalyptus. Between 4 to 6 drops of the scent should be added to carrier oil and massaged onto the problematic joints. These scents can also be used in a bath.
Depression
Essential oils have been found to have a highly positive effect on victims of depression. The recommended oils are basil, sage, lavender, as well as floral and citrus oils such as jasmine, rose, lime, mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit. In order to be effective, the fragrance can be inhaled directly, added to a tissue and carried, used in a bath, or as a massaging body oil.
Headaches and Migraines
Peppermint has been found to be quite effective when added to face lotions and applied near the ears or the nose. Rosemary, chamomile, lavender, and clary sage also have a positive effect in alleviating head pains. These oils can be rubbed on the face particularly around the nose and ears.
Memory Problems
To resolve problems with memory, a combination of geranium and rosemary essential oils have proved useful. These oils tend to have the best effect when they have been combined with one another and inhaled directly.
Hair Loss
A combination of lavender and rosemary have been found to stimulate the hair follicles of the scalp. These essential oils should be combined with warmed carrier oil such as olive or avocado oil. Once the mixture is made, the solution should be massaged thoroughly into the skin of the scalp and allowed to sit for at least 20 minutes. After the skin has absorbed the mixture, rosemary infused shampoo should be used to rinse the hair.
Sunburn
The skin can be easily soothed by taking a cool bath with a combination of chamomile and lavender essential oils.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Basil and rosemary essential oil combinations have been found to be effective in alleviating drowsiness particularly when added to a handkerchief and carried. This can be used during car trips or at an office desk. Geranium, peppermint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, palmarose, and lemon have also proved useful.
Burns
Tea tree and lavender oil can be placed on minor burns.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress has been known to be relieved using a variety of essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and geranium. They can be used individually but have been found to be even more effective in combination with each other. They can be used in baths as well as in aroma lamps. When used in baths, they should be used in combination with carrier oils such as olive or avocado oil. The scents can also be mixed and placed on a tissue to carry in the car or placed on an office desk to relieve tension. Citrus fruit oils such as lemon and mandarin orange have also been shown to be effective.