Secrets of Aromatherapy - Part 1
By Liz Santher
Aromatherapy can be used to relieve the discomfort of a
wide range of minor physical complaints including burns,
colds, flu, sinus problems, cold sores, eczema, headache,
indigestion, menopause, menstrual irregularities, muscle
aches, nausea and toothaches.
Diluted in healing carrier oil such as aloe vera,
essential oils can relieve the pain of minor burns. Just
add a few drops of chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli or
peppermint oil to eight ounces of aloe vera to make your
own healing salve. Of course if you are suffering from a
serious third degree burn that exposes blisters, pus or red
and raw bleeding skin you should immediately take yourself
to a hospital!
Aromatherapy can also be used to ease the discomfort of
suffering from colds and flus. Oils such as peppermint,
eucalyptus, ginger, clove, juniper and rosemary can help
relieve congestion. Warming oils such as clove,
frankincense and pine can help relieve aches and pains.
Diffusing lavender or eucalyptus through the air can help
purify the sick room of any viruses as well as soothe sore
sinuses.
Mixing a few drops of geranium, lavender or tea tree oil
in healing carrier oil such as jojoba or aloe vera can also
help remoisturize dry cracked lips and heal annoying cold
sores. Applied to the face the same oils can help clear up
acne and blackheads.
If eczema is a problem then gently applying a couple of
drops each of any combination of chamomile, geranium,
lavender, neroli, patchouli or tea tree oil can help soothe
the pain as well as reduce the angry red appearance of the
skin.
Aromatherapy has proved to be so effective at relieving
headaches that there are now many commercial aromatherapy
preparations on the market concocted especially for this
purpose. Applying oils such as basil, eucalyptus, lavender,
linden blossom or peppermint (in a commercial cream based
mixture or prepared yourself in eight ounces of a carrier
oil) is thought to be as effective as aspirin and anti-
inflammatories at relieving a headache.
If nausea or indigestion is a problem you can try rubbing
a blend of orange, ginger or peppermint oils (in a carrier
oil) with a circular motion onto your stomach or you can
put a few drops on your pulse points or a hanky and inhale
whenever your tummy feels cranky.
If irregular periods or cramps are a problem the
inhalation or application of the following oils may provide
you with some relief: chamomile, clary sage, jasmine,
lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood, tangerine, ylang ylang
and peppermint. Geranium is thought to be particularly
soothing for women going through menopause as it can
relieve hot flashes.
If you need an oil to relieve the discomfort of muscle
aches and pains try rubbing a lotion made of arnica oil,
almond oil or jojoba oil and a few drops of any of the
following essential oils: balsam fir, clove, ginger,
chamomile, peppermint or rosemary.
One of the best kept secrets of aromatherapy is using a
dab of clove oil to relieve a toothache. Apply the oil
directly to the affected tooth and it will be numbed and
disinfected until you have time to book that all-important
appointment to the dentist!
 
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