Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
In today’s world, where modern medicine sees its fair share of controversy and specifically in the use of prescriptions and other remedies that come with side effects Aromatherapy has become widely popular.
Many people are looking for all natural ways to gain health and wellness. And, the use of botanicals in healing plays a large role in that. And, just as herbalism has seen a rise in popularity in the last several decades, so has Aromatherapy that is being used by more and more people not just to create a nice scent at home but for the profound medicinal values that plant essential oils have.
Aromatherapy Uses
Aromatherapy can be used to simply increase wellbeing, reduce stress and facilitate.
It can also be used for medicinal purposes, such as, to heal coughs, congestion, respiration problems, reduce Asthma symptoms, Athlete’s foot, stress, anxiety and for many other conditions.
It can also be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
For example, you may use aromatherapy to ease pain after a surgical procedure. You still get the benefit of the surgery, but, many no necessarily have to take the powerful and often dangerous pain medications that a doctor prescribes.
The Best Essential Oils
The best essential oils for use in Aromatherapy are pure and 100% natural. Synthetic oils will not provide the same results. The good stuff is expensive, but, the results are in line with the cost.
Proper packaging of essential is in dark glass bottles, as anything else will decrease their effectiveness and shelf life.
You can purchase essential oils online, at a specialty Aromatherapy shop or at some health stores.
Safety And Precautions
Before starting with Aromatherapy for healing purposes it is very important to check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions, or are pregnant as some oils can be dangerous in those cases.
Essential oils are powerful when they are not diluted with a carrier oil. When you purchase carrier oils and want to dilute your own or make special blends it is important to follow all instructions very carefully.
- Essential oils used topically must be diluted with a carrier oil or else skin irritations can occur.
- Never alter the recipes, this means if it says two drops, use only two drops.
- People with nut allergies should not use carrier oils made from nuts.
- Any use of Aromatherapy for kids or pregnant women requires the approval of a medical professional.
- Essential oils are not meant to be ingested.
- They need to be stored in a cool dry place, and when capped tightly will last six to twelve months.
Contraindicated Oils
Some essential oils are dangerous under certain conditions or when one has a particular medical condition. Here are a few, but, this list is not exhaustive. These should only be used under the supervision of a qualified Aromatherapy practitioner.
- Those with high blood pressure should avoid: Common sage, thyme and hyssop.
- Epileptics should avoid: Sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and rosemary.
- Diabetics should avoid: Angelica.
- Those with hypoglycemia should avoid: Geranium
- Those with kidney disorders should avoid: Sandalwood, Coriander and juniper.
- Pregnant women should avoid: Juniper, lemon, hyssop, peppermint, fennel, rosemary, clary sage, lemon verbena, and wintergreen. And, pregnant women should check with their doctor before using any Aromatherapy essential oils.
- While drinking alcohol avoid: Clary sage as it will intensify the alcohol’s effects.
- Marjoram and chamomile cause drowsiness.
- Essential oils believed to cause cancer: Calamus and sassafras.
- While using aspirin: Avoid sweet birch essential oil because Aspirin contains it and it can result in an overdose. This essential oil is also very dangerous for kids and should not be accessible to them.
- Wormseed – Toxic for liver and kidneys and can suppress heart function.
- Dwarf Pine and Savin are skin irritants.
- Birch, sage and Thuja should all be used under supervision of an Aromatherapist.
- Oils That Should NEVER Be Used
- Horseradish
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Rue
- Sage
- Sassafras (banned by FDA as a carcinogen)
- Southernwood
- Bitter Almond
- Calamus grown in Europe is a known carcinogen
- Yellow Camphor
- Tansy (other than Annual Tansy)
- Wormwood
- Boldo Leaf – Produces convulsions even in small quantities
- Arnica – Can cause dizziness and heart irregularities
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