| Do you ever remember as a child, waking up from a | | | | also provide psychological benefits like improving the |
| bad dream, crying out? Still sleepy, you felt | | | | mood and reducing anxiety. Although there is little |
| comforting arms around you and a familiar scent. | | | | proof that aromatherapy can cure diseases, there is |
| Safe once more, you easily dropped back into a | | | | considerable anecdotal evidence of its benefits. |
| trusting slumber. The immediate benefit of an uplifting | | | | Some hospitals are experimenting with using |
| scent could arguably be called aromatherapy. | | | | aromatherapy to help patients relax so that other |
| Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils | | | | healing modalities can do their job. Aromatherapy has |
| from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, | | | | also been used in birthing centers as an alternative to |
| blooms, leaves, stems and roots. Aromatherapy is a | | | | medications. |
| term coined by French chemist R. Maurice Gattefoss | | | | Holistic |
| in the 1920's to describe the practice of using | | | | As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a |
| essential oils taken from plants, flowers, roots, seeds, | | | | preventative approach as well as an active treatment |
| etc. | | | | during acute and chronic stages of illness or 'dis'-ease. |
| This type of therapy (aroma, as in the sense of | | | | Certain oils, such as Roman chamomile, have cell |
| smell,used as a beneficial therapy) is said to restore | | | | regeneration, antiseptic, and wound healing effects as |
| or enhance mental, emotional, physical or spiritual | | | | well as anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, |
| health. Today it is usually used to relieve tension and | | | | making them the ultimate active principles for holistic |
| promote relaxation. Aromatherapy is an ancient yet | | | | natural skin care. From a holistic perspective, |
| timely and stunningly modern approach to total | | | | aromatherapy is a form of preventive health care. |
| well-being that is in tune with nature. | | | | Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in |
| Healing | | | | holistic medicine. |
| Each oil has its own scent, as well as its own claimed | | | | Effect |
| healing characteristics. The healing power of essential | | | | Effects of ambient odors of lavender and cloves |
| oils is the main attraction in aromatherapy. | | | | include changes in cognition, memory, affect and |
| Eucalyptus Oil: clears respiratory passages and is said | | | | mood. One of the most effective ways to use |
| to be good for skin infections. | | | | aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing |
| Frankincense: for ulcers, skin care, and laryngitis . | | | | inflammation are hot compresses:. Adding different |
| Geranium: calming effect on the nervous system, | | | | essential oils to your massage oil or bath oil can |
| kidney stones, skin care. | | | | enhance the relaxing or invigorating effect of the |
| Lemon: counteracts stomach acidity, and is noted as | | | | massage or bath. Each of the essential oils used in |
| a bactericide. | | | | aromatherapy can be used either alone or in |
| Mint: Relieves headaches and vomiting, fevers and | | | | combinations to create a desired effect. |
| colds. | | | | Fragrance |
| Orange Oil: Has a mildly sedative, slightly hypnotic | | | | Aromatherapy has shown fragrance to be more than |
| effect. | | | | a fashion accessory. In dealing with patients who |
| Lavender: It is only one of the most versatile | | | | have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found |
| essential oils in the world today. Lavender has an | | | | that a life without fragrance can lead to high |
| effect on mind, emotions, and the body. Lavender | | | | incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and |
| also contains a high percentage of phenol, a strong | | | | depression. |
| antiseptic and antibiotic. Lavender and chamomile can | | | | The most common aromatherapy field is aesthetic, |
| help a person relax. Lavender and lemon are good | | | | the sense of well-being derived from enjoying |
| with wounds, infections and burns. | | | | perfumes, scented candles, baths, and other |
| Certain oils, such as Roman chamomile, have | | | | fragrances. s Inhaling the appropriate fragrance can |
| antiseptic and wound healing effects as well as | | | | reduce stress, lift a depression, hasten a good night's |
| anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties making | | | | sleep, soothe your soul, or give you more energy. |
| them the ultimate active principles for holistic natural | | | | Remember, the best aromatherapy is achieved when |
| skin care. | | | | the fragrance is subtle, not overpowering. |
| Benefits | | | | Aromatherapy is already slowly getting into the |
| The benefits of essential oils are numerous. Some | | | | mainstream. It is an ancient yet timely and stunningly |
| benefits that have been linked to aromatherapy, such | | | | modern approach to total well-being that is in tune |
| as relaxation and clarity of mind, may arise from the | | | | with nature. Aromatherapy is emerging as an |
| placebo effect rather than from the inherent | | | | enormous field where serious research is just |
| properties of the scents themselves. Essential oils can | | | | beginning. |