"If the day and night are such that you greet them with joy and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet scented herbs - that is your success. All nature is your congratulations." - Henry David Thoreau
Aromatherapy and the Mind (by Karen Way) Our human body is indeed able to experience joy in the sweet fragrance of flowers and herbs. Breathe the aromatic vapors of pure essential oils and you may feel your melancholy lift. A calmness within your being may be noticed, or your mind may focus more easily. This is aromatherapy. You can feel the therapeutic effect simply by breathing the aromatic vapors of an essential oil. When we breathe in air, the aroma molecule is translated into a signal by the receptor cells in the nose. This signal is sent to the olfactory bulb and then on to the limbic and hypothalamus parts of the brain.
While it is not scientifically proven - it is believed that the essential oil aroma activates the "pharmacy" within our brains; the neuro chemicals. These neurochemicals (serotonin, endorphins, etc.) are the "words" that our brain uses to communicate with our nervous and other body systems. For example, the aroma of a calming oil would cause release of seratonin, a euphoric aroma - release of endorphin, a stimulating oil - release of noradrenalin. Pain relief and other physical effects are also experienced when these neurochemicals are released. Studies have been done on the effects of essential oils on brain waves. A rhythm exhibiting calmness was produced when an oil known as a sedative was inhaled, and a stimulating aroma caused an alert response.
There are holistic ways to accomplish healing .. and aromatherapy is one of them. It can be of help by working through the brain - through the mind - and through the emotions. We can experience in our mind how it might work ...
The tender yellow flower of the ylang ylang tree is so sweet - a flower so worthy of love it is placed on a wedding bed in Indonesia. Imagine breathing this exotic fragrance and feeling the joy in your body of its natural perfume.
Now, close your eyes and feel the lush coolness of an immense forest filled with cedars, trees of frankincense and sandalwood. Breathe deeply the fresh scent of those timeless trees. Feel the calm as your mind and being become centered.
...... these are the joys of a life that "emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet scented herbs" ..
CAUTIONS: Our essential oils are full strength, and should not be used internally or applied to the skin undiluted.
How to use essential oils
Bath, Hot Tub, or Sauna: 10-15 drops in warm water. Put drops into the water immediately before entering. Gently stir the water to disperse the oil. For sauna, dilute the oil with 90% water and spray on rocks or into the air.
Compress: Put 3-5 drops into a hot or cold basin of water. Cold water contracts the tissues and warm water relaxes the tissues. Fold up a clean cloth and dip it into the water. Squeeze out the excess water. Apply immediately to the painful area.
Facial Steam: One drop of oil per cup of boiling water. Put the drops into the basin after the water is drawn. Gently stir the water to disperse the oil. Immediately place a towel over your head and move your face as close to the aromatic steam as is comfortable.
Massage: Use 15 drops of essential oil per 1 oz. of blending oil such as sweet almond, grape seed, jojoba, or apricot kernel oils.
Inhalation: Recommended for respiratory problems, colds, headaches, sinuses, and coughs. Use 3 to 5 drops of an essential oil on a tissue or handkerchief. Hold it under your nose and then breathe deeply.
Environmental Fragrance: Electric diffusers are a simple and effective way to fragrance a room for aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. Do not use carrier oils in diffusers as they will clog and not disperse. Use essential oils alone or use synergies of pure essential oils. Diffusers eliminate the need for aerosol fresheners.
Essential oils are very concentrated so use with extreme care. For external use only. Please consult an aromatherapy book for an in depth description of uses.
50 ways to use Aromatherapy
for a cleaner, sweet-smelling life From Scented Thymes From, Newsletter Published by Janell Squires and Jeanne Rose
Aromatherapy 1. For Scent-Sational smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc. place a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops essential oil to 1/4 cup fabric softener or water and place in the center cup of the wash.
2. Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few drops of essential oil.
3. Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener.
4. Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in potpourri pot.
5. To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns.
6. To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove oil to a simmering pan.
7. For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Cajeput, Sage, and Basil oil to 4 parts Jojoba or other vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.
8. Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary/Lavender oil onto the back of your neck.
9. To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 oz. Jojoba or other skin-nourishing vegetable oil. Don't make too much.
10. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets in your home. Let set for an hour or more, then vacuum.
11. To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft rope with Pennyroyal or Tea Tree oil, roll up in a handkerchief and tie loosely around the animal's neck.
12. Smelly feet or shoes can be remedied by either dropping a few drops of Geranium essential oil directly into the shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon oil into the shoes. Athlete's foot? Tea tree is great!
13. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in your vacuum cleaner bag. Lemon and Pine are nice. Rose Geranium helps with doggy odor.
14. To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent dabbed on a cotton ball in an inconspicuous corner.
15. Are mice a problem? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them at problem locations.
16. The bathroom is easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls in inconspicuous places or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
17. Apply true Lavender oil and Tea tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes, or scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing.
18. Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when scented with essential oils. Use Woodspirit's Soaps which contain pure essential oils.
19. Home-made sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are blended with the flowers and herbs.
20. An essential oil dropped on a radiator, scent ring, or light bulb will not only fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, but also will set a mood such as calming or uplifting. Don't put essential oil in the socket.
21. A few drops of your favorite oil or blend in the rinse water of your hand washables makes for pleasant results.
22. Anise oil has been used by fishermen for years. Use a drop or two the finger tips and hands before baiting up. Anise covers up the human scent that scares the fish away.
23. Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own personal essence! 25 drops to 1 oz of perfume alcohol. Let age two weeks before using.
24. To dispel mosquitoes and other picnic or Bar-B-Q pests, drop a few drops of Citronella oil in the melted wax of candle or place a few drops on the Bar-B-Q hot coals.
25. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an effective means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone.
26. Rosemary promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale occasionally during long car trips and while reading or studying.
27. Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Fill the kitchen area with the aroma of spices such as Clove, Cinnamon, and Vanilla. Simmer a few drops of the essential oils of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and other spices, Geranium oil sprinkled throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful, and inviting mood. Add Cinnamon oil to furniture polish and wipe down the wood.
28. Add essential oils to paper mache, the result is the creation of a lovely aromatic art piece.
29. Infuse bookmarks and stationary with essential oils. Place drops of oil on paper and put them in a plastic bag. Seal it and leave overnight to infuse the aroma. Send only good news in perfumed letters.
30. Neck pillows, padded and decorative hangers make more memorable gifts simply by putting a couple of drops of essential oil on them before giving.
31. Overindulge last night? Essential oils of Juniper, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary, and Lemon help soften the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of 6-8 drops in a bath.
32. Essential oils of Vetivert, Cypress, Atlas Cedarwood, Frankincense. and Myrrh all make wonderful firewood oils. Drop approximately 2-3 drops of oil or blend of your choice on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire.
33. Flies and moths dislike Lavender oil. Sprinkle it on the outside of your window frames.
34. Place 1 or 2 drops of sleep enhancing oils such as Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Marjoram, or Hops, on your pillow before retiring for restful sleep.
35. When moving into a new home, first use a water spray containing your favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to your own. Do this for several days until it begins to feel like your space.
36. Ideal scents for the bedroom are Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, or Lemon.
37. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a soft cloth will polish copper with gentle buffing.
38. When washing out the fridge, freezer, or oven, add 1 drop of Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin, or Orange essential oil to the final rinse water.
39. For burns or scalds, drop Tea Tree oil directly onto the affected area.
40. Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve upset stomach.
41. Use 1 drop Chamomile oil on a washcloth wrapped ice cube to relieve teething pain in children.
42. 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in summer and protects it in winter.
43. Add 1 drop Geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a radiant glow in your skin.
44. Place 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary on your hair brush before brushing to promote growth and thickness.
45. When the flu is going around add a few drops of Thyme to your diffuser or simmer in a pan on the stove.
46. To bring fever down, sponge the body with cool water to which 1 drop each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender oils have been added.
47. The blend of lavender and Grapefruit oil is good for the office. Lavender creates a calm tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit stimulates the senses and clears up stale air.
48. A blend of Geranium, Lavender, and Bergamot alleviate anxiety and depression. Use ia a room diffuser or 6-8 drops of this blend in the bath.
49. A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Geranium diluted in 2 Tablespoons Sweet Almond oil.
50. 1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed on the back of the neck helps to relieve headaches.
