`Essential` Body Health

Written By Jean Mallard
Dated: May 15, 2009

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The subject of Aromatherapy is very complex, yet at the same time so simple to put into practice, that anyone can embark on the journey to better health through Aromatherapy, beginning with an aromatic bath or enjoying the aroma using an oil burner.

All essential oils are antiseptic, several even more effective than the average household antiseptic and some have the added advantage of being analgesic as well, therefore tending an injury such as a child’s grazed knee with household brand antiseptic will cause the injury to sting, however an essential oil such as Rosemary or Eucalyptus smithii will have the antiseptic properties but with no stinging because they actually help to dull the pain.

Essential oils are highly versatile and can have remarkable effects, bringing relief to a wide variety of skin conditions. Oils such as Tea Tree, eucalyptus, myrrh and patchouli have a pronounced antiseptic action and are effective in dealing with conditions such as spots, cuts, boils and acne, these oils are also anti-fungal making them ideal for treating conditions such as athlete’s foot.

Some essential oils improve muscle-tone, others increase micro-circulation and strengthen capillaries, oils such as cypress, lemon and rose particularly work for varicose and thread veins. From an aesthetic point of view, oils such as rose, neroli, frankincense, geranium and lavender all stimulate cellular regeneration and aid healing of scar tissue, so are fantastic for healing wounds, minimising scarring, stretch-marks and encouraging healthy and youthful skin. Geranium and Rosewood are oils which help to regulate and balance, Geranium helps to balance skin that is either too dry or too oily, and also helps with PMT and irregular periods and Rosewood is good for anyone who has a low immunity or chronic fatigue.

Essential oils that help us to relax and can be sedative are Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood, and Marjoram. Lavender is good for burns, headaches and insomnia and is one of the few oils that can be used neat. Roman Chamomile is good for eczema and dry skin, Marjoram is anti-spasmodic, used for digestive and respiratory spasms as found in irritable bowel syndrome and tickly coughs.

Stimulating oils such as Tea Tree, good for treating colds and flu infections, Rosemary helps concentration and helps ease muscle pain and Juniper is renowned for its diuretic properties making it ideal for treating cystitis or detoxifying the body.

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis are on the increase, some of which appear to be due to the use of products containing skin-sensitising chemicals, and stress related illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, backache and insomnia are becoming more common, it is often the case that these physical conditions are triggered by emotional problems. It is important to tackle the psychological effects as well as the physical problems to break the cycle of ill-health and see a return to full health.

The important thing to remember when purchasing oils is to ensure the labels state ‘pure essential oil’ and not ‘aromatherapy oil’ as only pure essential oils are extracted by distillation or expression and not extracted using solvents. True essential oils come in amber glass bottles (7-12ml) with a dropper inside the neck of the bottle and should be kept in a cool dark place. Never use undiluted oils directly on the skin except for Lavender or Tea Tree, or over any skin infection or recent wound. Care should be taken if you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant and when choosing a carrier or base oil beware of nut or wheat based in case of allergies.