the art of aromatherapy€¦ · aromatherapy works by absorbing the oil into the skin, or inhaling...

The Art of Aromatherapy

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Contents Benefits of Odor for Healing .................................................................................. 3

Aromatherapy Explained ....................................................................................... 5

The Safety of Essential Oils .................................................................................... 7

How to Store Essential Oils for Best Results ........................................................... 8

Getting Started with Aromatherapy in Your Own Life ............................................ 9

Equipment You Need to Get Started with Aromatherapy .................................... 10

Oil Burners ....................................................................................................... 10

Compresses ...................................................................................................... 11

Glass Bottles .................................................................................................... 11

Diffusers ........................................................................................................... 11

Uses for Common Essential Oils ........................................................................... 12

Lavender .......................................................................................................... 13

Tea Tree ........................................................................................................... 14

Peppermint ...................................................................................................... 14

Chamomile ....................................................................................................... 15

Eucalyptus ........................................................................................................ 15

Lemon .............................................................................................................. 16


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The art of aromatherapy uses plants and the oils from plants to help alter the mood,

mental, emotional and physical health of humans and even animals. If you are just

starting to learn about aromatherapy and essential oils then this is a great report

for you to read. You’ll learn the basics of aromatherapy and you’ll be in awe with

the power of nature to help heal us

Aromatherapy works by absorbing the oil into the skin, or inhaling it through the

nose. You can also ingest some essential oils but do so only under the supervision

and authorization of a physician. You can put diluted essential oils on the crown of

your head, behind the ears, upper and lower back, abdomen, temples, neck, under

the nose, inside the wrists, and on the collarbone. These areas are pulse points,

which are usually warmer parts of the body and help act as a natural diffuser to

distribute the oils into the air so that you can inhale them.

Using the right essential oils can help you with many parts of your life and improve

your environment too. Need a little calming ambiance in your home, diffuse some

lavender in the family room. Want to wake up easier add some lemon oil and mint

to your bath wash. Have a head ache, soak a compress in some eucalyptus and

place on your forehead or neck. Do you have morning sickness? Try smelling some

lemon essential oils and it will disappear. It really works; you just have to try it.

The reason essential oils work this way is that the oils are lipophilic which means

that they dissolve in lipids or fats. This means that essential oils can cross the cell

membrane affecting them in very healing ways. When you realize that not even

antibiotics pass the cell membrane you can start imagining the way essential oils

might be able to help you become healthier.

Benefits of Odor for Healing You likely have certain smells in your life that remind you of things. Perhaps the

smell of lavender reminds you of your grandmother, or the smell of fresh lemon


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reminds you of your best friend. Smells affect all aspects of our lives and helps

improve our moods and even can affect memory.

We are always inhaling smells. You may not even realize you do it. You go outside

in the morning, stretch and breathe in the fresh morning air. Your nasal passages

are filled with the aroma of trees, grass, flowers, wind, rain and more. Not only

that, some research is suggesting that our skin can “smell” scents too but instead

of realizing it, a healing effect takes place instead. So, even if your sense of smell

has been affected by something, being around certain aromas still is healing and

helpful to you.

Research has been conducted with brain scans to see what happens when you

smell essential oils. The hypothalamus is brought to life, which is the center for the

hormones which control energy and drive. That’s why smells can make you feel

more energetic and centered.

There are different responses for different smells. For example, mint can make you

more energetic, lavender can calm you down. You can choose which scents you

want to use for your aromatherapy depending on your needs. You can even

combine scents to make a unique to you treatment for your particular conditions.

Improve Energy – Do you feel tired and lethargic? If so you can use

aromatherapy to help energize yourself. Many smells can help you feel more

peppy, like citrus and mint.

Relieve Stress – Everyone has stress in their lives but with the right

aromatherapy you can reduce your stress exponentially. Use lemon oil,

lavender, peppermint and other essential oils to help lower stress levels.

Reduce Anger – Some stress responses cause angry outburst, if this is the

case for you or your child try using lemon oil as your stress reliever.

Enhance Memory – Sage and orange are good essential oils to use for

memory enhancement. One way to trigger memory is to smell the same

things you smelled at the time you experienced the memory.


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Natural Antidepressant -- If you suffer from depression or get sad

sometimes, you can use aromatherapy to help. Chamomile, jasmine,

lavender and peppermint are good scents for helping reduce depression.

Get Rid Of Headaches – Eucalyptus, Peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood are

good scents to help eliminate your headache so that it will go away faster.

The best thing to do is determine the cause and treat that. For example, if

you are stressed, you can use lavender to help instead of one of the above.

Sleep Better – One of the most important factors in health aside from eating

right and exercising is sleeping. Any of the calming scents will help you such

as lavender and chamomile plus many others.

Reduce Pain – Essential oils can help with chronic pain in many ways from

directly putting on the painful area, to using as a compress on the affected

area, or by inhaling to help you relax your body.

Using aromatherapy in conjunction with traditional medicine can do wonders for

your life in all aspects. Plus, when used correctly it’s safe and effective for all types

of issues.

Aromatherapy Explained

The way aromatherapy

works is that essential

oils are extracted from

the natural source,

concentrated, and then

used as scents for the

treatment of various

issues. The oils are used

in candles, diffusers,

lotions and sprays.

These oils can have

many medicinal uses.

Some oils are


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considered carriers, and some are considered scents. When used on the skin a

carrier oil needs to be used to help aid in the distribution process and to avoid using

too much of the scent.

Essential oils can be extracted from leaves, fruit, flowers, seeds, wood, berries and

roots. Many oils are extracted using a distillation process and some is captured

using a solvent. The structure of essential oils allows you to mix them with other

oils and creams or use in a variety of ways to affect your emotional, physical and

cellular life.

You will use various essential oils in different ways depending on the aliment

you’re trying to treat:

Painful muscles or arthritis: Mix the essential oil, such as sage, with carrier

oil like sweet almond oil.

Stress Headaches: Rub a drop of lavender oil on the back of your neck.

For Energy: Put some citrus oil like orange or lemon in some water and put

it into a spray bottle. Spray the air around you.

To Relax: Put some essential oil on a candle in the hot melted wax, and it will

fill the room with the smell.

Alleviate Depression: Put a few drops of each lavender and geranium in your

bath at night to help reduce depression and improve sleep.

Cure a Hangover: Fill a sink or small basin with hot water, add a few drops

each of cedar-wood, grapefruit, lavender, fennel, rosemary and lemon then

wet a wash cloth with it, ring out, and place on your forehead and / or neck.

Reduce Driving Stress: Put some essential oil onto a cotton ball and leave it

under the seat in the car, then you can relax, energize or clear your mind

while driving.

For Massages: Massages are stress relieving in and of themselves, but adding

some essential oils is a great way to reduce stress, cure headaches, eliminate

or relieve pain and more.


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Using essential oils in this manner will go far in helping you improve your life.

Finding the right mixture for you can be a lot simpler than you think. You can

purchase essential oils in sampler sets so that you can try out different

combinations to see what works best for you.

The Safety of Essential Oils Many people erroneously believe that essential oils aren’t harmful at all, but

studies have shown that over use of essential oils can cause issues with the lungs

and other problems not to mention lose their effectiveness. That’s why it’s

important to understand that even natural components,

overused, can cause side effects and issues.

Dilute Properly – Essential oils are highly

concentrated, and if used on the skin it could harm

you if you don’t dilute it. The phrase “less is more” is

important to remember with all aspects of using

essential oils.

Be Careful with Citrus – Due to photosensitizing

molecules it’s imperative that if citrus oils are applied

to the skin that you don’t get direct sunlight for at

least 12 hours otherwise a burn could occur.

Watch for Proper Labeling – When you purchase

essential oils they are required to have the name of

the oil and the country from where it came.

Store as Medicine – Don’t leave essential oils within reach of pets and

children as they can be dangerous and deadly just like medicine. In addition,

essential oil needs to be stored in a cool dark place to maintain freshness and

effectiveness.

Do Your Research – Don’t just use essential oils without reading about them

and learning. When you discover new oils, find out how to use them before

trying it.

http://www.amazon.com/Aromatherapy-100%25-Therapeutic-Eucalyptus-Lemongrass/dp/B005IHJ556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431895919&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+oils


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Don’t Ingest – Some people do ingest essential oils, but it’s not safe to do so

without a physician’s experienced direction and supervision.

Avoid the Eye Area – Don’t put essential oils near the eyes or other mucus

membranes.

Keep Away from Flame – Don’t put essential oils near flame as they can

explode and are very flammable. For example when using with a candle, only

pour on the hot wax, not the flame.

Inhale for 1 Hour or Less – Each day it’s best if you only inhale vapors from

essential oils a total of an hour or less. A few moments are really all you need.

Some respiratory ailments have occurred from overuse.

Using essential oils is safe and effective when used in moderation in the right way.

Learn about the methods that are used and best prescribed for the treatment of

health issues before trying it yourself. Always do your due diligence before trying

anything new when it comes to essential oils.

How to Store Essential Oils for Best Results A very important factor with essential oils to ensure a long shelf life, and that the

work, is to store them properly. In most cases storing in a cool, dark place is the

best way to store the essential oils to ensure that they maintain effectiveness and

don’t break down.

Dark Colored Glass: Most essential oils are stored in dark amber colored

glass jars. This allows it to resist ultra-violent light. But, you can get them in

other colors too such as blue. The important part is that the glass is resistant

to ultra-violent light.

Dark Place: Even with the special glasses it’s important to still put in a dark

place. Instead of leaving them out in the bathroom, or on a window sill, put

them inside the cabinet.

Cool Place: In addition to the right glass, and keeping them in the dark,

putting them in a cool place will keep them fresh longer. If your home doesn’t


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have air conditioning try putting them in the refrigerator, especially citrus.

Some oils may solidify, that’s okay, just remove them to warm up before use.

Out of Reach: Store your essential oils out of sight and out of reach of

children and animals. These oils can be toxic and deadly if ingested or can

burn the skin too. Treat them as if they are caustic chemicals, because they

are – natural or not.

Finally, never use plastic bottles with essential oils in high concentrations. You are

probably okay with a few drops in some carrier oil, or water in a plastic container,

but other than that use glass to avoid the oils from eating away and decomposing

the plastic.

Getting Started

with

Aromatherapy

in Your Own

Life If you want to use

aromatherapy to help

improve your health, it’s

easy to get started, but

there are some things you

should understand first.

There are three main ways to use essential oils for health.

1. Aerial: This is a way to get the fragrance into the air such as putting it with

water to spray in the air, or with other compounds. You will find these in air

fresheners, candles and more. The oil evaporating into the air allows you to

easily inhale the oil.


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2. Inhalation: May be mixed with other oils, and even placed on a cotton ball,

or into hot water to inhale the steam directly. This method is often used as a

quick way to get the essential oil into the system to help with disinfection.

3. Topical: Used in lotions, carrier oils, compresses and baths. This method is a

great way to help people with sore muscles and other issues. You only need

a few drops.

Using these methods to apply the essential oils will be used depending on what

you’re trying to treat. The benefits of each method become clear as you use the

essential oils.

Massage: With massage you get two methods of healing, one through touch

and one through the release of the essential oils into the air.

Baths: Just a few drops added to your bath or your baby’s bath can help so

many problems and encourage relaxation.

Inhalation: If you have stuffed sinus, a headache, or issues with respiratory

passages, inhalation is the best way to help you if you have the flu, a cold or

other sinus issues.

Aromatherapy can go far in treating a number of aliments if you think about first,

which problem you have, then which method will work best, and finally which

essential oil is known to treat that condition. When you take all three factors into

consideration then you can treat the problem faster and more effectively.

Equipment You Need to Get Started with

Aromatherapy

If you’re going to do aromatherapy it’s important to know about the different types

of equipment you need to help you incorporate essential oils into your life in a way

that works for the treatments you want to use.

Oil Burners


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There are many different types of oil burners you can get from electric, metal, glass,

ceramic and soapstone. Oil burners fill the room with the scent of the oil you put

into it. The oil burner warms and then warms the oil, causing it to evaporate into

the air. All of the oil burners work about the same using either a tea light candle or

a plug to warm the oil.

Burning oil like this can lesson some of the medicinal effects but it can be a great

way to improve the room ambiance, as well as get the oil into the air quickly and

effectively. You can buy oil burners in all different price points that will work for

you. A great thing about an oil burner is you can put many different types of oil

together to make your own treatment.

Compresses You can make a compress with gauze, essential oil sheets, and wash cloths. A

compress can be hot or cold. Simply put some of the essential oil in some water,

then soak the compress, wring it out, and place on the affected area.

For example if you have a headache you can put it on your forehead or your neck.

If you have a sprain, place the compress directly on the sprain. Essential oils can

absorb into the skin as well as be inhaled through the nose.

Glass Bottles

Get some colored glass bottles that keep ultra violet light out so that you can mix

your own medicinal oils into a bottle. For example you might mix mint and lemon

into one to use for extra energy, or chamomile and lavender to calm you. It’s up to

you how you do it.

You can also add the oils into carrier oils such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil to

rub on the skin. While you can use plastic in these cases, glass will keep it fresh

longer. Having your own bottles will help you a lot so that you can premix.

Diffusers


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These offer a way to distribute the oils into the air so that you can process it within

your body. There are pros and cons of each one. Use the method that works best

for you depending upon the reason you’re using the essential oils.

There are numerous types of diffusers that you can use such as:

Evaporative – Using a fan which blows air on a cloth or pad with drops of

essential oils to evaporate the oil into the air which is blown into the room.

It makes the room smell good but it doesn’t give some of the healthful

benefits of the essential oils due to destroying some in the evaporation

process.

Nebulizing – This is kind of the same idea as a perfume atomizer. It turns the

oil into a fine mist with a burst of air. It turns the oil into very tiny droplets

and helps conserve the oil and avoid using too much.

Humidifying – This uses a combination of vibration and air to push the oils

into small particles that are perfect for inhalation. Works great for

respiratory problems and for infusing an entire room with essential oils.

Ultrasonic – This method of distribution uses vibrations to turn the oil into a

very fine mist creating tiny micro particles that are easily absorbed into the

lungs. It’s accomplished without the use of any type of heat.

Heat – This method uses a flame or electricity to heat and cause the essential

oil to evaporate into the air. Many oils break down with the use of heat and

sometimes this can ruin the medicinal effect.

The type of diffuser you use will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish and

your budget. With diffusion you can improve the environment, reduce stress, help

improve insomnia, feel happier, more alert, and even reduce airborne pathogens.

Uses for Common Essential Oils Using aromatherapy is so easy to do but there are some basic oils and things you

should include in a basic care kit to get you started.


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Lavender

There are many uses for essential lavender oil. These are just some of them. You

can likely find even more uses for lavender oil if you wanted to.

Calming – Inhale a few drops of lavender oil to help create calmness. You can

use it in crowded places, in your car, or office discretely. Just put a few drops

on a cotton ball and smell it, or put in a diffuser to spritz the air. You can also

put it into lotion to rub on your hands and arms, inhaling as you do to

enhance calmness. It will also help you get to sleep at night.

Insect Bites, Minor Cuts & Burns, Skin Issues, Cold Sores & Dandruff --

Putting a couple drops of lavender oil into carrier oil then rubbing it into your

skin, scalp or on a bit on irritation can help calm the skin and heal the

problem.

Nausea & Motion Sickness -- Put a couple drops of lavender oil behind your

ears to help with motion sickness and nausea.

Nosebleeds – Make a compress with a drop or two of lavender oil on a tissue

or cloth and then press it under the base of the nose to help stop the

bleeding.

In Food – While you should be careful about eating essential oils because

you need to be sure

to buy the right kind,

lavender oil is

especially good in

recipes and iced tea.

It can help reduce

allergies and more.

Lavender is an

amazing essential oil

with many uses.

Most people also


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love the smell so you can safely use it to help an entire household relax. On a side

note lavender is exceptionally easy to grow requiring virtually no watering or care

after you plant it.

Tea Tree

You can use tea tree oil to treat everything from acne to sunburn if you know how.

Acne – Treat your acne with a couple drops added to lotion and then apply

to the blemishes every night to help treat them.

Athlete’s Foot – Add some to warm water to soak your feet in. This will help

cure your athlete’s foot as well as help treat other types of yeast infection

related illnesses.

Antiseptic – Great for use on cuts, burns and other skin problems because it

kills germs and prevents infection.

Chest Congestion – Put some tea tree oil into a vaporizer to help loosen chest

congestion.

Using tea tree oil in these treatments will work wonders. Some people even say tea

tree oil can treat headaches, colds and even lice.

Peppermint There are so many uses for peppermint oil when it comes to aromatherapy. One of

the most used essential oils; it can treat everything from a cold to sore muscles.

Energy – When you are feeling tired during the day, just take a whiff of peppermint

oil and it will pick you up fast. No need for caffeine. Great for road trips, studying,

school and more – try adding a few drops to your shampoo for a morning pick me

up that won’t quit.

Diet Aid – If you are hungry inhaling peppermint oil can help reduce cravings and

hunger. Just put a drop or two on your temples or collarbone whenever you feel

hungry to help get yourself back under control.


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Muscle Care – Put a few drops of peppermint in carrier oils like sweet almond oil

and rub directly on the sore muscles for best results to reduce pain and improve

healing.

Focus & Concentration – Some people claim that smelling peppermint oil can help

people and children with ADHD gain focus and concentrate better on tasks.

There are many more ways to use peppermint oil such as to help with teething,

colic, balancing hormones and more. As you learn more about the uses of

peppermint oil you’ll definitely want to keep it around.

Chamomile Universally thought of safe by doctors and practitioners alike, chamomile is used

for an anti-inflammatory calming action.

Calming – Put a few drops in some hot water, place a towel over your head

and the bowl to inhale the steam.

Bruises, bites, stings, skin irritation – Make a compress by putting a few

drops of oil in hot water and then soaking a cloth in the mixture. Place

compress on the bruises. Alternatively, put a few drops in a carrier oil and

massage into the bruise.

Allergies – Use a diffuser in your home or office during the day and during

allergy season to help lesson symptoms. You can also spray on your feet and

inhale directly during serious flares.

Irritability & Insomnia – Inhale or drink chamomile tea to help experience

the calming effects of this essential oil.

Due to chamomile’s anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, calming and

relaxing properties it’s a very commonly used essential oil.

Eucalyptus


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This essential oil is an analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and

expectant oil. Mostly used for respiratory issues due to the fragrant oil as well as

the way the scent affects people psychologically.

Increase Circulation & Blood Flow – Put a drop in the massage oil and rub

into skin to help increase circulation.

Improve Lung Function – Whether it’s bronchitis, asthma or congestion you

can improve the lung function by using an inhalation tent to breathe in the

steam.

To Wakeup – Whether you have jet lag, trouble waking up in the morning or

are just tired, adding some eucalyptus oil to your bath or shower can do

wonders for your

energy level.

There are many other

uses for eucalyptus oil

too, such as helping

with kidney stones,

reducing pain, and

more. You’ll definitely

want to keep this

around regularly.

Lemon There are so many uses for lemon essential oils. You can use it for many purposes

including antiseptic, cleansing and healing.

Concentration – Put some lemon oil into lotion so that you can rub it on your

arms and neck, inhaling deeply. Then take a test, or do work. You’ll find that

your focus is better and your mind is sharper.


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Alertness – If you feel as if you’re dragging through the day and not really

aware of what is happening around you, try inhaling some lemon oil using a

diffuser in the room you’re working in.

Positivity – Put some drops of lemon oil in candle wax, turn on some positive

music and you’ll feel a lot less negative almost immediately.

Nausea – If you’re suffering from nausea due to morning sickness or as a side

effect to medication try putting a few drops of lemon oil onto a cotton ball

and sniff it each time you are afflicted.

Lemon is so common that you’ll notice it’s in so many things that you use from

shampoo, to skin care, to cleaning products. That’s because the smell is so clean

and fresh and inoffensive.

These are likely some of the most commonly used essential oils. There are many

others that you can use to get started with aromatherapy. Studying scents and how

they can affect your health and quality of life can make a lot of difference in your

life. You can use essential oils in so many ways to help improve and complement

other methods of health care. Used wisely, you can accomplish so much more than

you ever thought.

the art of aromatherapy€¦ · aromatherapy works by absorbing the oil into the skin, or inhaling...

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