Aromatherapy I: The Magic of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy involves the use of plant and essential oils to treat various physical and psychological conditions. Natural essential oils are believed to have various therapeutic properties, ranging from soothing the nerves to treating skin conditions, aches and pains.

The healing properties of essential oils come from their fragrance and constitution. Several essential oils have aromas that trigger positive reactions in the brain, while others are used along with carrier oils in aroma massages.

The appropriate aroma therapy technique for individual cases depends upon the nature of the problem. For instance, most psychological and stress-related problems require inhalation of a particular essential oil, while skin problems, digestive issues, aches and pains, and more discomforts may require physical application – and, in some rare cases, swallowing of an essential oil.

The choice of essential oil also depends on the physical or psychological issue requiring treatment, since every essential oil has distinct healing properties and therapists choose particular oils based on their usefulness for treating the situation at hand. The following is a short list of the most commonly used essential and their therapeutic properties:

Angelica Oil This oil helps increase gastric secretions, purifies the blood, possesses detoxifying properties and is believed to help in boosting immunity. Angelica oil is also considered useful for treating gout, arthritis and rheumatism.

Basil Oil Basil oil has anti-depressive and mood-elevating properties; that is, it helps increase alertness and concentration levels and is also believed to be useful for improving digestion and easing the discomfort of insect stings and bites.

Bay Oil Considered an excellent remedy for treating dandruff and digestion problems, this oil also has pain-alleviating and anti-inflammatory properties and can promote sweating in cases of fever.

Bergamot Oil Inhaling this oil’s aroma can help in relaxing the nerves, and mixing it with a carrier oil and rubbing it on the legs helps support the repair of varicose veins.

Clary Sage This oil has both relaxing and mood-uplifting properties.

Cajuput Oil Used for treating several kinds of fevers and viral illnesses, this oil is also considered useful for reducing congestion and treating gastritis and rheumatism.

Cedar Wood Oil This oil has antiseptic properties and is considered useful for treating skin-related problems and opening one’s bronchial passage.

Caraway Oil Caraway oil is considered an excellent remedy for treating digestive problems. It also has diuretic properties, is helpful in curing menstruation pain, stimulates circulation and can even help in reducing vertigo. Several aromatherapy experts also recommend caraway oil for treating acne.

Chamomile Oil Known primarily for its soothing affect on the nerves, this oil is often used as a natural sedative. It also has anti-allergic properties.

Cinnamon Oil An oil also known for its anti-viral, antiseptic and blood-purifying properties, cinnamon is also considered useful for clearing excessive toxins and treating muscular pains and aches.

These are just a few examples we will expound upon in subsequent blogs; however, before you decide to experiment with aromatherapy on your own, we offer a word of caution: Never apply essential oils on the skin directly without mixing them with carrier oils (eg., vegetable oil, almond oil, etc.), don’t swallow any essential oil without consulting with an expert first, and make sure you check with an aromatherapy expert before using any oil if you are pregnant, epileptic, have high blood pressure or suffer from lung-related problems like asthma, bronchitis, etc.

Essential oils provide enormous support to one’s body to enable it to heal itself with few side effects when used appropriately and safely.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen