Essential Oils & Their UsesAromatherapy combines massage with the application of essential oils of plants, each of which have specific therapeutic effects and can improve physical and emotional well-being.
The use of aromatic substances goes back to ancient times beginning in Egypt and spreading to Greece and Italy. Essential oils from plants were used in Rome. Wealthy Romans were massaged with scented oils after bathing.
Aromatherapy wasn’t introduced into Britain until the 1950’s. The essential oils are diluted with other pure oils before being applied to the skin. These oils are able to penetrate the skin and enter the blood circulation and lymphatic system.
The aroma of the oils themselves enter the nose and the olfactory nerves carry messages to the limbic system in the brain which is known to be linked with emotions and psychological feelings. So the limbic system is affected by the smells of the oils. The memory is also located in the limbic system, so odours can affect the memory and recall of events and possibly the emotions linked with those events.
At a consultation the aromatherapist will discuss with you what you want to achieve from the treatment, make sure that you are a suitable candidate for treatment, determine any special needs that you may have, answer any questions and agree a treatment plan with you.
The aromatherapist needs to ask questions about your health because massage should not be given in some conditions, for instance during the active phase of rheumatoid arthritis, or with cancer unless under medical supervision. If female, the therapist needs to know if you are pregnant. This is not usually a problem as aromatherapy can usually be given if pregnant but certain oils must not be used.
With some localised complaints the therapist may wish to avoid certain parts of your body. For instance where there has been sunburn, bruising, sprains, swelling etc. Special care needs to be taken with patients who have diabetes, epilepsy or heart problems.
Basil
Coughs and colds, aching and painful muscles, steadying nerves.
Not to be used when pregnant.
Benzoin
Colds and catarrh, helps clear phlegm from chest, good for rheumatic pain and chapped skin. Very calming.
Bergamot
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, good for digestion Calming.
Not to be used after sunbathing or with children.
Black Pepper
Poor circulation, stimulates appetite, chesty colds, expectorant. Stimulating
Cedarwood
Water retention, cellulite, good for oily skin, general tonic, insect repellant.
German Chamomile
Spasmodic or inflammatory condition. Good for allergies, pain relief, the skin
Not to be used in high concentration.
Roman Chamomile
Spasmodic or inflammatory conditions. Skin irritation, muscular pain/stress. Soothing.
Moroccan Chamomile
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory. skin conditions particularly acne, headaches. Uplifting.
Not to be used in pregnancy.
Clary Sage
To relax muscles, relieve depression, exhaustion, overwork. Uterine tonic. Relaxing.
Not to be used in pregnancy or menopause.
Cypress
Stimulates circulation, rheumatic pain, menopausal problems, cellulite, coughs and colds.
Common Eucalyptus
Good for the respiratory system and useful as an inhalant. Decongestant, helps colds, bronchitis, coughs. Relieves muscular and rheumatic pain.
Lemon-scented Eucalyptus or lemon gum
Anti-infectious, rheumatic conditions, insect repellent. Cooling.
Fennel
Digestive problems. Diuretic.
Not to be used in pregnancy or lactation, with uterine disease or on young children or in high concentration.
Frankincense
Chest conditions especially stress-related, good for older skin, calming, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating.
Geranium
Skin disorders, bruises, burns, dry and red skin. Stimulates lymphatic system, useful for cellulite. Anti-inflammatory, good for respiratory and digestive problems. Balancing.
Ginger
Warming, decongesting. Nausea, aching muscles.
Grapefruit
Stimulates lymphatic and digestive systems. Calming and uplifting.
Not to be used after sunbathing.
Jasmine
Calming. Anti-depressive. Used for insomnia and nervous tension.
Not to be used in pregnancy.
Juniper
Diuretic. Fluid retention. Cellulite. Cystitis. Problems skin such as acne. Disinfectant. Cleansing.
Not to be used with kidney disorders.
Lavender
Boosts immune system. Calming. Balancing. Healing, especially burns. Muscular pain, Problem skin.
Lemon
Recovery from viral-type illnesses. Stimulates circulation, good to use over areas of fat and cellulite and in rheumatic conditions. . Stimulating. Refreshing.
Not to be used in pregnancy. Use in low concentration. Avoid exposure to sunlight up to 12 hours after use.
Lemongrass
Muscle aches and pains. Stomach upset. Fungal skin infections. Strengthening.
Not to be used on children. On people with broken/hypersensitive skin. Use in low concentration.
Mandarin Orange
Calming. Good for insomnia and nervous tension. Soothing for stomach cramps and indigestion.
Avoid exposure to sunlight after use.
Marjoram
Warming and anti-spasmodic. Useful for digestive and respiratory systems and as an analgesic for arthritis and muscular pains.
Neroli
Fatigue. Aids sleep. Anti-depressive. Anti-bacterial. Good for digestive system.
Patchouli
Anti-inflammatory. Good for skin infections, acne, digestive system, nausea. Helps repel insects.
Peppermint
Stomach upsets. Clearing the head. Coughs and colds. Good for tired feet. Cooling.
Not to be used in pregnancy, lactation, children under 5, those with heart disease, epilepsy, sensitive skin.
Rose Otto
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, menstrual problems, pain.
Rosemary
Colds, respiratory problems, stiff muscles. Uplifting.
Not to be used in pregnancy, lactation, high blood pressure, epilepsy.
Sandalwood
Stress, nervous tension, chest conditions. Good for the skin. Balancing.
Tea Tree
Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral. Immune system stimulant.
Not to be used on sensitive skin.
Thyme
Anti-bacterial and antiseptic for acne and skin infections. Warming for stiff joints. General tonic.
Ylang ylang
Anti-depressive. Warming. Soothes and boosts confidence. Traditionally known as an aphrodisiac.
Carrier Oils
Essential oils are too strong to be used directly on the skin, so they are mixed with carrier oils.
A common carrier oil is sweet almond but there are many others that can be used including apricot kernal, avocado, borage, coconut, evening primrose, grapeseed, jojoba, peach kernal, rosa, rubiginosa, soya bean, sunflower, wheatgerm.
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