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psexypsychic
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The Magic of Aromatherapy!
**NOT INTENDED TO TREAT ILLNESSES, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN!!**
Check back for more info and if you have any questions or opinions to add, feel free to reply! I'll be adding info about oils and scents and how they help.
"Aromatherapy" is the art of healing with "essential oils"- distilled essences that have been extracted from plants. They can be used in massage and inhalation techniques and added to bathroom products such as soaps, lotions, creams, bath gel, shampoos and used to create room fragrances.
Some believe that aromatherapy also involves the use of incense (in loose, powdered form or as joss sticks), potpourri, steam inhalations, scented candles and fresh flowers. I personally don't find potpourri and candles to create much of an aroma. I prefer the oils and incense (I use sticks) of various kinds. In incense, I prefer a single scent or a simple blend- sage and lavender, for instance.
Essential and blended oils: The most commonly used "equipment" is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores (such as new age shops, health stores- I've even seen some at Walmart- I got my rather large bottle of Tea Tree Oil from Walmart).
If the little bottle of oil seems pricey, worry not- you only need a few drops of the oil added to water to create the desired scent. Undiluted oils can be added to vaporizors, steam inhalations, and baths. You can also add a few drops to a "carrier base" such as avacado oil, unscented shampoo- for use in massages and well, shampooing.  *WARNING* It is not recommended to put UN-diluted oils directly on the skin. It MAY cause irritation.
Incense: Another excellent way to fill your room with uplifting scents is to burn incense- most common in "stick" form or "joss sticks". Also in powder and cones. Like I mentioned, I prefer the plain single scent of incense or the simple blend of only two. As the stick burns down, it leaves behind ash. Be sure to use a fireproof holder. If you don't have an actual incense holder, you can stand a stick upright in a potted plant or dish of sand.
Incense is especially useful in creating a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga. (I like to use it for meditation).
Scented Candles: I don't mind scented candles, I just don't find their "scent" intense enough to fill my room. I have noticed that the specialty candles at new age shops are of a higher quality than of those found in stores (like Walmart or a grocery store). Their effect is subtle, less invasive. They work better on your mood and emotions than on a physical healing level. Fragrances such as citronella and lavender make good insect repellents (nice for those evenings outside for a full moon rite, eh?).
I have a vaporizer for my essential oils. I fill the little bowl with water and add three to five drops of the oil I want to use. A tea light under the bowl heats the water and the water steams, releasing the scent throughout the room.
A picture of mine-
Last edited by psexypsychic, 2/15/2007, 5:42
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2/10/2007, 17:11
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psexypsychic
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
Carrier Oils for Blending
These oils can be used alone, but are more often used to dilute essential oils to a safe consistancy.
Grapeseed oil- This very light, nongreasy oil is ideal for skin that does not absorb other oils very quickly. As it's odorless, it's a good general carrier oil. It is alos slightly astringent, tightening and toning the skin. It is suitable for all skin types.
Sweet Almond- Good for all skin types. Can help relieve itching, soreness, and dryness. Very lubricating, but not penetrating, making it a good massage oil. Lasts three months. NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE WITH NUT ALLERGIES!!
Aloe Vera- Penetrates the skin deeply, providing valuable nutrients and promoting cell repair. Its natural anesthetizing, cleansing and anti-inflammatory actions help reduce swelling, providing instant antiseptic pain relief to small wounds.
Jojoba- A liquid wax rather than an oil, used as a 10% addition to other oils. Penetrates the skin rapidly, therefore, not good for massage, but excellent for nourishing skin, healing inflamed areas, psoriasis and eczema.
Calendula- Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, this oil is also antiseptic and regenerating. In addition, it aids the healing of wounds and burns and eases acne, impetigo and eczema. It can help alleviate rashes, dry, chapped or cracked skin.
Rose hip- High in saturated fat, rose hip is excellent for moisturizing and rejuvenating skin. It contains healing compounds, making it valuable in treating scars, minor wounds, burns, and eczema. Rose hip can also be used to reduce wrinkles.
Wheat germ- Used as a 10% addition to other oils, wheat germ can ease eczema, psoriasis, and prematurely aged skin. It also slows down the deterioration of mixed blends of other oils. NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE WITH WHEAT OR GLUTEN ALLERGIES
Avocado- Avocado oil is a very thick heavy oil, best blended with lighter oils fro use in body massage. A valuable facial carrier oil, avocado nourishes and moisturizes dry and mature skin. It is especially good for eczema and dehydrated skin. Suitable for all skin types.
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2/15/2007, 5:44
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psexypsychic
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
How it works:
Through the nose: When we smell a fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning joss sticks vaporizes the oil so we can breathe in its molecules more easily.
Through the skin: Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream to take immediate effect.
Eight Catagories of Essential Oils
Antiseptic
These oils have a camphorous smell, and have strong antiviral, antiseptic and cleansing properties. They can be used to disinfect the atmosphere, as well as cuts and scrapes.
*Cajeput *Eucalyptus *Tea Tree
Herby
These oils have a refershing, uplifting effect on the emotions and the body. They can stimulate your circulation, helping to warm tired and aching muscles. They are also good natural antiseptics.
*Aniseed *Basil *Bay *Clary Sage *Fennel *Marjoram *Oregano *Parsley *Rosemary *Sage *Thyme
Spicy
These have warming properties that are good for treating respiratory infections, tired muscles, arthritis, and rheumatic aches. Their relaxing aromas lift the mood and banish stress.
*Black Pepper *Cardamom *Cinnamon *Clove *Ginger *Nutmeg
Fresh
These oils have a stimulating effect on the mind and body. They are natural disinfectants and are good for easing digestive and urinary complaints.
*Cypress *Niaouli *Peppermint *Pine *Spearmint
Floral
These have a relaxing, calming effect on the mind and body, helping to release stress and tension in the muscles and balancing the emotions. Theire uplifting aromas relieve mood swings, depression and headaches.
*Chamomile *Geranium *Juniper *Lavender *Niaouli *Palmarosa
~heady scents: The following oils are in the floral catagory, but have heavier floral scents. They share some qualities with the woody/earthy oils as well. They tend to be more expensive than other oils, but as their aromas are more intense, they need to be applied in only small quantities to be beneficial. Their aromas can last for hours or even days.
*Jasmine *Neroli *Petitgrain *Rose *Rose Otto *Rosewood
Citrus
These oils all have stimulating effect on the mind and body, especially the immune system. They can perk up tired minds and muscles and are also good natural skin toners.
*Bergamot *Citronella *Grapefruit *Lemon *Lemongrass *Melissa
~Warm Citrus: Some citrus oils have a warmer, more floral scent. These often share properties with the floral oils as well as with the sharper citrus scents.
*Mandarin *Neroli *Orange
Woody/Earthy
The heady scent of these oils has an extremely calming effect on the mind and emotions, promoting feelings of peace and well-being. These soothing and relaxing qualities are useful for when you feel stressed or anxious, and some of these oils even help to reduce high blood pressure and alleviate palipitations. In addition, many are considered to be aphrodisiacs, helping to calm nervous tension and heighten sensual pleasure. They are also good for treating skin conditions- especially mature or dry skin- due to their nourishing and moisturizing properties.
*Benzoin *Cedarwood *Frankincense *Myrrh *Patchouli *Sandalwood *Vertivert *Ylang-ylang
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2/15/2007, 14:35
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psexypsychic
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
The active ingredients in essential oils can ease muscle tension, improve your mood, boost your circulation and clear respiratory problems (such as hayfever). By rubbing oils over or onto the affected area, you will begin to feel their healing effects almost immediately.
A great way to get immediate benefits from your oil is to add a few drops to your favorite body lotion.
To ease Hayfever
Chamomile
Eucalyptus
To relax sore and aching muscles
Frankincense
Ginger
Sweet Marjoram
Rosemary
To ease stomach/period pains
Aniseed
Clary sage
Juniper berry
Lavender
Marjoram
To ease upset stomachs
Ginger
Mandarin
Peppermint
To help oily skin
Cypress
Lemon
Mandarin
Tea Tree (also good for acne)
For hair
Cedarwood
Cypress (for oily hair)
Rosemary (for dry hair)
Tea tree (dandruff)
To ease headaches
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Peppermint
Rosemary
To clear a blocked nose
Bergamot
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Rosemary
To ease a sore throat
Frankincense
Jasmine
Sandalwood
Tea tree
To ease eczema
Chamomile
Geranium
Juniper berry
Lavender
To moisturize dry skin
Bergamot
Chamomile
Jasmine
Rose
Sandalwood
Ylang-ylang
To improve cellulite
Juniper berry
Geranium
Rosemary
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2/16/2007, 17:38
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psexypsychic
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
Using Vaporizers
***NOTE*** Oils that are already blended for use in massage are NOT SUITABLE for use in a vaporizer.
Aromatherapy vaporizers are a quick and easy way to make your home or environment smell beautiful. Simply put- vaporizers gently heat the essential oils, turing them into a liquid vapor (steam), which then wafts through the air. Your room is filled with the beautiful scent.
Vaporizers can be used anywhere in the home or office (although, if you work in a cubicle environment, you might want to make sure your coworkers don't mind). They can lift your spirits, ease stress, and relax you after a hard day. The effects are subtle and are better suited for raising your mood than for "healing". Vaporizers are great for helping you focus during mediation.
Vaporizers can be found anywhere- from new age shops, shopping malls, even Wal-mart or similiar stores. It is up to you to decide if you want something plain or elaborate. (In my case, it was cost that made me choose the wire-beaded one).
Candle Vaporizers- this consists of a small bowl of oil and water, suspended over a candle. (Most of these are used with "tea light" candles). The heat from the candle causes the oil to vaporize and evaporate into the air.
*Fill the vaporizer bowl with water and add three to five drops of your chosen oil. As the candle heats the bowl, the oil rapidly evaporates.
*Use a scented candle to blend your favorite aroma with the oil's vapors.
Electronic Vaporizers- One of a kind electronic vaporizers consist of a ceramic dish that plugs into a socket. Put water in the dish, three to five drops of your oil and the dish heats till it causes the oil's evaporation.
*Another type of "electronic" vaporizer is a small ceramic loop that fits over the bulb in a table lamp or ceiling light. The bulb's heat evaporates the oil drops on the loop.
Homemade heaters- If you don't want to buy a vaporizer, a good way to "make" your own is to simply put a small saucer or ceramic bottle on top of your radiator. Place some water in the saucer or bottle, use a few drops of oil and allow your radiator or heater vent to heat the oil.
*You can also put a few drops of oil on a wet hanky and drape it over the radiator or heater.
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2/19/2007, 14:17
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EturtlelyYours
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
Oh I love aromatherapy!! I works great!
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2/22/2007, 22:52
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psexypsychic
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
The best essential oils to use in your vaporizer
energizing
to help you wake up in the morning
Bergamot
Black Pepper
Lemon
Peppermint
Rosemary
Relaxing
to help you unwind in the evening
Lavender
Mandarin
Sweet Marjoram
Melissa
Neroli
Antiseptic
to help keep the air free of germs
Benzoin
Eucalyptus
Juniper Berry
Tea Tree
Thyme
Sensual
to help create a romantic mood
Cedarwood
Lavender
Patchouli
Rose
Ylang-Ylang
Ease Tension
to help overcome anxiety and nerves
Geranium
Juniper Berry
Marjoram
Rose
Sandalwood
Headaches
to help soothe away the pain
Chamomile
Lavender
Marjoram
Neroli
Rosemary
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2/23/2007, 12:37
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Re: The Magic of Aromatherapy!
Fragrance "notes"
Aromas are sometimes called "notes" and aromatherapy oils are labeled: "top, middle, and base" notes. A good aromatic blend, like perfume, is a mix of all three notes, with the proportions changed to accord with the purpose of the blend.
A single oil can contain more than one note. Ylang-ylang contains traces of all three and is often considered "the perfect fragrance".
Aromatherapy Top Notes
To be classified as a top notes, these oils are typically fresh, light, and sharp scents. They evaporate quickly and have antispetic and anitviral qualities. They are good cleansing oils and have an uplifting effect on the mood and emotions- providing a quick energy-boost. These oils are clearing and invigorating and are good for helping with a cold. Consider the overall properties of each oil before you use them.
Citrus
Bergamot
Lemon
Lemongrass
Orange
Petitgrain
Mint
Peppermint
Spearmint
Fresh, woody
Eucalyptus
Tea tree
Pine
Middle notes
Aromas classified as middle are usually warm, rich and powerful scents. The aroma lasts typicall, two or three days. They affect most of the body's systems, making them a healing and relaxing note. These oils are good for healing things that require attention over time, such as muscular or respiratory problems. They are good to use for conditions that recur, such as migraines, PMS and painful periods. Some middle note oils are NOT safe for use during pregnancy, so check each oil before use.
Floral
Chamomile
Geranium
Melissa
Warm, spicy
Clove
Nutmeg
Aniseed
Black Pepper
Herb-y
Fennel
Juniper
Marjoram
Rosemary
Base Notes
The aromas that are called base notes are soothing, deep, lingering scents. They evaporate slowly and their scent can linger for up to a week. They have a strong effect on the mind and emotions, making them good for relaxation.
Base notes can heal the body inside and out. They can treat a range of conditions such as dry or oily skin to circulatory and digestive problems, to boosting low immune systems. They also have aphrodisiac properties.
Woody
Cedarwood
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Rosewood
Resin
Frankincense
Myrrh
Benzoin
Strong floral
Ylang-ylang
Rose
Jasmine
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2/23/2007, 12:39
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