Shamefully, I'd always assumed essential oils could only be used in aromatherapy by using the tools necessary to heat the oil and scent the air. I was way wrong:
Today, essential oils are extracted from the plants used for aromatherapy, making them very concentrated. The two basic ways aromatherapy is accomplished is by applying the oils to the skin and by inhalation. The term "aromatherapy" can be a bit misleading because it's not only the aroma that is therapeutic. The oils also interact with body chemistry directly, thus affecting certain systems and organs. You can demonstrate this yourself by rubbing garlic on the soles of your feet. After awhile, the garlic aroma will be evident on your breath. (http://headaches.about.com/cs/alternative/l/aa_aromatherapy.htm)What? That's pretty cool.
Now I'm most interested in finding "recipes" that can be used topically to soothe and relieve pain. Here are a few blends I've found:
The article also recommends that despite how strong your headache may be or feel, essential oils are incredibly powerful, and less is more.
- Blend #1: 8 Drops Lavender Oil, 4 Drops Roman Chamomile, 1 oz. Carrier Oil
- Blend #2: 4 Drops Spearmint Essential Oil, 4 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 1 oz. Carrier Oil
- Blend #3: 4 Drops Helichrysum Essential Oil, 8 Drops Roman Chamomile, 1 oz. Carrier Oil
- Blend #4: 4 Drops Spearmint Essential Oil, 8 Drops Lavender Essential Oil, 1 oz. Carrier Oil (http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapy-essential-oils-for-headaches.asp)
Another great benefit of aromatherapy is that the side effects of essential oils are less intense and frequent than those of otc and prescription pain relievers, when used as recommended.
What about you? Have you tried aromatherapy in any way? Has it worked? What blends or recipes have you tried? We're anxious to know! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment