|
MATERIALS IN AROMATHERAPY:
•Essential
oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from plants
mainly through steam distillation (e.g. eucalyptus oil).
•Absolutes:
These are also fragrant oils, but extracted from flowers or delicate
plant tissues through solvent extraction (e.g. rose absolute).
•Phytoncides:
These are volatile organic compounds obtained from plants that
destroy microbes.
•Hydrosols:
These are aqueous by-products of distillation (e.g. rosewater).
Many herbs are used to make herbal distillates. They have culinary,
medicinal as well as skin care uses.
•Infusions: They are aqueous extracts of various
plant materials (e.g. infusion of chamomile)
•Carrier oils: These are oily plant based triacylglycerides
used to dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet
almond oil) so as to avoid irritation4.
PRINCIPLE OF AROMATHERAPY5:
Aromatherapy works by synergistically
using the properties of all the chemicals in essential oil for
their correct application
Aromatherapy works through-
a) Inhalation- The vapour formation
of an essential oil is very minute and passes through the lungs
from where they diffuse across tiny air sacs (alveoli) into the
surrounding blood capillaries and eventually find their way into
the systemic circulation from where they exert their therapeutic
effect.
b) Skin absorption- The shin
is a two-way road capable of both absorption and excretion ;
for example, rub a small piece of cut garlic on the sole sof
your feet, within 5 minutes you will have garlic breath . The
tiny molecules of essential oils pass through the hair follicles,
which contain sebum, an oily liquid to which essential oils have
an affinity from here, the oils diffuse into the blood stream
or are taken up by the lymph or interstitial fluid to other parts
of the body.
MEDICINAL HERBS USED
IN AROMATHERAPY:
Aromatherapy is used in the
treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, fatigue, migraines,
respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis, muscular aches and pains,
cystitis, cold and flu. Aromatherapy also encourages emotional
peace and calm with a gently calming effect on mind, body and
emotions2. Aroma therapy is a holistic treatment that works as
a natural stress buster that can be easily fused into your work
environment with immediate positive benefits for conditions like
lack of concentration, depression, agitation and of course stress.
Essential oils that form the basis of this treatment are derived
from flowers and have calming effects on the central nervous
system, thereby relieving you of stress and increasing concentration
levels. Some of the aroma oils that work best to relieve office
stress include the following6:
Lavender Oil: It can be used in a diffuser, which
heats the oil and allow its molecules to harmonise with the atmosphere
to keep you relieved. If a diffuser is not available, then put
just a drop or two of lavender oil on a cotton bud or tissue
paper and place it near your work station. Soon you’ll find
the fragrance working for you. Not just this, studies show that
scenting your office with Lavender essential oil can even reduce
computer errors by at least 25 per cent.
Quantity: 1-2 drops
Neroli Oil: The best time to use Neroli oil is
the moment you lie on your bed. Just put a drop of the oil on
your pillow and let it work to give you a soothing sleep.
Quantity: Less than 1 drop
Geranium oil: The best way to use geranium oil is
to create your own spa with it. Add it in a tub full of lukewarm
water and soak yourself in it for 20-30 minutes before going
to bed.
Quantity: 3-4 drops in bath tub.
Basil oil: Take a bowl of water and put less than
a drop of Basil oil in it. Now, soak a towel in it and then use
it to wipe off your body, specially the exposed parts of your
body before going to sleep.
Alternately, you can also put
one tenth of a drop of this oil behind your ear and feel the
fragrance giving you a relaxing effect.
Fennel Sweet Oil: Again, it can be used in a diffuser
placed in the room or on a cotton bud.
Quantity: 1-2 drops
Rosemary oil: It can be used in a bath or in a diffuser.
Apart from these, if you have
any other favourite essential oil, you can use it in the following
ways in your office:
1. A few drops of oil on the
cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper works well to ensure
a nice smelling bathroom.
2. Want to spread the scent
around? Simply keep cotton ball dipped in essential oil between
your business card box and there - you have scented cards!
Herbs with their
therapeutic uses in aromatherapy7:
Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Basil)
Family:
Labiatae
Usage: Used for bronchitis,
fatigue, migraines, and aches & pains.
Citrus bergamia (Bergamot orange of Europe)
Family: Rutaceae
Usage: Uplifting, refreshing
and relaxing. Encourages cheerful emotions, ideal for depression.
Used to freshen and uplift a
room
Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood )
Family: Cupressaceae
Usage: Ideal for soothing, harmonizing
and focusing the mind. Antiseptic and astringent
properties beneficial to oily
skin.
Anthemis nobilis Linn.
(Chamomile)
Family: Compositae
Usage: Aids sleep and soothes
tired muscles, encourages emotional peace and calm with a
gently calming effect on mind,
body and emotions.
Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus)
Family: Myrtaceae
Usage: A Powerful, penetrating
bactericidal and anti-viral oil for sickrooms.
Boswellia carteri (Frankincense)
Family: Burseraceae
Usage: Good for meditation,
relieving stress, tension,anxiety; mucus conditions, aging skin.
Aids in arthritis, rheumatism,
joint aches, radiation burn.
Pelargonium graveloens
L’Herit. (Geranium)
Family: Geraniaceae
Usage: Relieves anxiety, hot
flashes, palpitations, diarrhea, acne, dry, inflamed skin, minor
surface burns.
Jasminum officinale
Linn. (Jasmine
absolute)
Family: Oleaceae
Usage: Good for easing trapped
feelings of sadness, trauma and grief; anxiety, nervousness,
apathy/withdrawal. Eases anger,
aphrodisiac. Good for dry skin. Helpful for post-natal recovery
and also a good skin tonic.
Juniperus communis Linn. (Juniper
berry)
Family: Cupressaceae
Usage: Purifying, eliminating
with a clear woody aroma. This oil clears emotional overload
and
helps to cleanse the body of
impurities. A great tonic for oily or congested skin.
lavandula officinalis
Chaix. (Lavender)
Family: Labiatae
Usage: Helps ease anger, anxiety,
nervousness, stress, insomnia, headaches, neuralgia,
wounds, burns, shock, thrush.
Good for cravings, decreasing appetite, arthritis, rheumatism,
joint aches and chest aches.
Citrus limon Linn. (Lemon)
Family: Rutaceae
Usage: Refreshes and cools bringing
clarity to mind and emotions restoring vitality acting as a
tonic to the circulatory system.
Has beneficial effects on the immune system, is cleansing on
the skin.
Citrus reticulata Blanco
(Mandarin)
Family: Rutaceae
Usage: Fruity, tangy citrus
perfume with a gently cheering effect, aiding youthful thoughts
and
feelings. Soothing effect upon
the digestive system. Can be used in pregnancy with Neroli to
avoid stretch marks.
Origanum marjorana (Marjoram)
Family: Labiatae
Usage: A warm and spicy aroma
with warm comforting tones. Eases loneliness and grief,
relaxing for muscles especially
after sport or work.
Citrus
aurantium (Christm.) (Neroli)
Family: Rutaceae
Usage: Good for aging, dry and
sensitive skin and balancing in times of shock and
hysteria ,aphrodisiac; calm
and soothing atmosphere. Relieves depression, worry, stress,
insomnia, mature skin, stretch
marks.
Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.)
(Palmarosa)
Family: Gramineae
Usage: Refreshing and uplifting.
Gently soothing whilst promoting clear thought. Helps all skin
types especially dry skin.
Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli)
Family: Labiatae
Usage: Deep earthy, sensual,
grounding oil which uplifts the spirit whilst clearing the mind.
Moisturizing for dry skin.
Mentha arvensis Linn.
(Peppermint)
Family: Labiatae
Usage: Clears the head and soothes
the emotions, soothes the digestive system, relieves
tired feet and mind.
Rosa damascena Mill.
(Rose)
Family: Rosaceae
Usage: This oil is soothing
and uplifting, great when sad or tired. A tonic for the female
reproductive system. A sensual
and delightful oil, romantic, creative, gently cheering.
Rosmarinus officinalis
Linn. (Rosemary)
Family: Rubiaceae
Usage: A powerful mental stimulant
which aids memory and concentration restores vitality and
invigorates.
Santalum album Linn.
(Sandalwood)
Family: Santalaceae
Usage:Helps ageing, dry and
itchy skin. Good for meditation; aphrodisiac. Aids in cystitis,
venereal infections, chronic
coughs, dry skin; anxiety, tension and nervousness.
Melaleuca alternifolia
(tea tree)
Family: Myrtaceae
Usage: Effective oil with powerful
antiseptic properties benefits the immune system disinfects
and de-odorises, strengthens
especially during the winter months and convalescence.
Thymus vulgaris Linn.
(Thyme)
Family: Labiatae
Usage: A stimulating, protecting
oil that has a strengthening effect on the the nerves. Ideal
for
the treatment of exhaustion
both physical and mental. A help to the immune system.
Aromatherapy and Herbs
that Promote Wound Healing8:
As many Diabetics can tell you,
suffering from wounds that have poor or slow healing can become
unbearable. If a cut or a wound heals slowly, it will increase
the chances of becoming infected and spread. There are many natural
herbs that will promote healing in various wounds and cuts, as
well as carry antiseptic and germicidal properties. These ingredients
mixed together are Mother Nature’s natural remedies to cuts
and wounds. You can try products that carry one or two of these
ingredients, however direct application and Aromatherapy methods
will provide direct contact with these herbs therefore providing
faster results. You may create an infusion by using fresh herbs,
roughly one ounce of dried herb to one pint of boiling water
that may be sipped or added to an Aromatherapy bath. However,
for many cuts and wounds, a salve or poultice may be applied
as well. To prevent infection in slow healing wounds, you can
use Aromatherapy to clean and purify your air, thereby decreasing
the chance of germs in your immediate environment.
Aloe Vera is an incredible medicinal plant that
has been used for centuries. It is making headway in the realm
of Aromatherapy by being used as a base for Essential Oils. To
make a wonderful Aloe Vera based healing balm for wounds, add
your choice of Essential Oils such as: Black Walnut, Fenugreek,
Comfrey, Calendula, Horsetail, Rosemary, and Apricot Seed. All
of these herbs also promote wound healing and help prevent infection
in cuts and are a wonderful addition to your Aloe Vera based
balm.
Black Walnut may be infused with Olive Oil for a
wonderful herbal remedy that prevents infection in cuts and wounds.
Black Walnut also treats fungal infections as well. It has been
used for many centuries and is also a great darkener for brunette
hair. You can add a few drops of Black Walnut oil into your bath,
but be prepared for a dark ring to be left in the tub. It can
be mixed with Tea Tree Oil for a healing salve that may be applied
directly to cuts and wounds. The leaves, hulls, and bark of the
Black Walnut tree have all been used in various herbal remedies
and formulas.
Fenugreek was used by the Ancient Egyptians to
treat everything from coughs and colds to skin infections and
irritations. It was also a main ingredient in many Egyptian beautifying
regimes. The seeds of the Fenugreek plant are known for softening
the skin as well as preventing infection.
Rosemary is known for its rich aroma that smells
like Camphor. It has many antiseptic properties, which makes
it perfect for wound and cut healing. Rosemary has also been
used for treating headaches, coughs, cold, mental confusion and
fatigue, to brighten drab hair color, in perfumes, and to improve
circulation and fight cellulite.
You can make an infusion of
Rosemary for your bath by using one ounce dried Rosemary to one
pint of boiling water. Rosemary is also a stimulant, so make
sure that you don’t use Rosemary before going to sleep,
or you will find that it will keep you awake.
PRECAUTIONS IN AROMATHERAPY5:
a) Avoid essential oils deemed
hazardous.
b) Keep flammable oils away
from fire.
c) Always consult your health
care professional before starting any therapies with essential
oil.
d) Dilute essential oils as
recommended to avoid irritation.
e) Always test essential oils
on a skin patch first.
References:
1) http://www.beautymakeuptips.org/aromathrapy.
2) http://www.iloveindia.com/indian - herbs/aromatherapy.
3) Wilson R. Aromatherapy- essential oils for vibrant
health and beauty. 2002: 5
4) http://www.themedguru.com/articles/aromatherapy_more_than_just_good_smell
5) Bharkatiya M, Nema RK, Rathore KS and Panchawat
S. Aromatherapy: Short overview. International Journal of Green
Pharmacy 2008; 2(1):13-16
6) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
7) http://www.circle-of light.com/Aromatherapy/aroma-remedies.html
8) http://www.bestaromatherapy.co.uk/ |
Refer
