Lavender - The Swiss Army Knife of Essential oils

Lavender is considered the most useful of all essential oils. Lavender is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress. Its therapeutic properties have been well chronicled all over the world. Originally an inhabitant of the Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long been recognized for its exotic perfume and medicinal properties. Used in past by the ancient Romans for its healing and antiseptic qualities, the name itself comes from the Latin “lavare” or “to wash”. Tibetans still make an edible lavender butter to use as part of a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the essential oil of lavender is widely used across Europe and North America for a number of illness and medical problems.

Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer. As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers. The more compact variety Hidcote, has darker blue flowers, grows to around a foot high and is very pretty in any flower or herb garden. The easiest way to propagate lavender is to cut softwood cuttings in the spring. However, as lavender benefits from a light pruning in early autumn, these clippings make excellent new plants too, as long as you protect them from frosts and winter bite.

With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil. Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.

Essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy practices to get rid of depression, fight tiredness and get relaxation. It has strong disinfectant properties and was even used on the wars to prevent infection and relieve pain. A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.

Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects. You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.

Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.

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Aromatherapy Guide...

Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty.

Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their "critical factors" - they are needed critically for the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable.

Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices; woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.

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Basics of Aromatherapy

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.

Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions.

At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.

Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.

Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience.

Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents. So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions.

The next step is to introduce those essentials into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.

Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skillfully achieved by blending required parts of different oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience.

How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil.

The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same oil depending on surroundings, time or mood.

If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific. Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:

As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:

* Is it sharp and stinging?
* Is it subtle and smooth
* Is it balanced and tuned?
* Is it light or heavy?
* Is it warming or cooling?
* Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc.?

These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:

* Do you like or dislike it?
* Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?
* What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?
* Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?
* Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?

Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. However, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.

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Aromatherapy History

The roots and fundamentals of Aromatherapy can be traced back to nearly 3000 years before Christ, when the ancient Egyptians used the basics of Aromatherapy in their daily lives. Historical records show that Egyptians burned incense made from aromatic woods and other herbs to honor their gods. Also royal harems and guest houses used many aromatic oils very profusely to satisfy many important guests.

Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing and therapeutic practices. Medicinal plants are used to cure many ailments and used in many sacred rituals to evoke different states of consciousness.

Elaborate religious ceremonies were performed in Egyptian temples, where the dead King was mummified and surrounded with exotic essential oils. Egyptians believed very firmly that essential oils have an unusual preserving property when added with other spices.

Embalming was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the tissue of the bodies for thousands of years. The oils and resins used were so potent, that in the 17th century mummies were sold in Europe and doctors distilled them for use in their medicines.

Aromatherapy truly emerged from the smoky temples of Egypt 6,000 years ago. Egypt was the birthplace of medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and perfumery. Trading was flourishing and traders arrived for trade from all over the world by land and sea to deliver flowers, herbs and plants.

Priestesses and priests strictly supervised the delicate preparations in the temples and palaces, reading formulas & chanting incantations and hymns, as substances were measured & combined with ultimate precision. Purification processes went on for months until the right, perfect subtle blend was achieved.

The use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel, China, India and the Mediterranean. Every culture, from the most backward to the most modern, developed own set of practices. Greek physicians and military surgeons were employed by the Romans every where in the empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the science spread to the Arab countries, where medicine men devoted them to the ancient art of alchemy, perfecting the art of distillation and extraction.

For many centuries essential oils were the only remedies for epidemic diseases and conditions. During the dreaded Black Plague, very few became ill, who in fact were associated with perfumeries and glove industries where these oils were in profuse use.

During the 19th century, with the development of modern science, all forms of herbal medicine disappeared until the 1920s, when French chemist Gatefosse revived the art, giving it the name Aromatherapy. India was one of the few countries where the tradition was never lost, Avurveda being the most ancient medical practice in the world today. Aromatherapy is now used in hospitals, offices, clinics and homes all over the world.

Aromatherapy acts as a bridge between the new and old; most of the industries use these Aromatherapy essential oils for various blends and concoctions, which provide cure and relief for a number of complications and indeed Aromatherapy has become one of the most popular of Natural Home Remedies.

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Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes and Blends

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes and Blends

Aromatherapy essential oils are created by extracting the true essence of herbs and plant life, such as roots, bark, seeds, leaves and flowers of just about any plant there is. For just about any type of illness or un-comfort as well as for reasons of stimulating or activating different types of energies inside our body, you can find a pure essential oil, which is helpful in some way to relieve and to heal.

The pure essential oils of aromatherapy are beneficial to our health and well-being as many can relieve stress and anxiety, as they are soothing, where others are invigorating. Aromatherapy is used in a multitude of ways such as inhalation, bathing, massage and even by candle light. However, keep in mind that aromatherapy essential oils will require the use of carrier oil for dilution.

Here are a few therapeutic blends of aromatherapy, which are helpful for different reasons.

1. Stress and Anxiety

Lavender and Chamomile are both soothing scents and are safe for use with infants and children as they are calming and able to aid in getting a restful sleep. Of course, Rose, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Patchouli, Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine are also beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.

2. Depression

Blends of Sweet Orange, Juniper, Bergamot, Spruce, Clary Sage and Ylang-Ylang are wonderful for helping anyone who may be influenced by depression. Lavender, Grapefruit, Geranium, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh and Neroli are also beneficial for those suffering from depression.

3. Uplifting

Uplifting blends of aromatherapy may include Bergamot, Lemongrass, Sage, Rosemary and Cypress.

4. Fatigue

Aromatherapy blends for fatigue may include Basil, Citronella, Grapefruit, Cardamom, Peppermint, Patchouli, Rosemary and Ylang-Ylang.

5. Headaches

Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Neroli, Peppermint, Rose, Marjoram and Rosemary are beneficial in relieving headaches.

6. High Blood Pressure

Aromatherapy blends for easing high blood pressure are such as Clary Sage, Lavender, Bay Laurel, Lemon, Frankincense, Ylang-Ylang and Marjoram.

7. Insomnia

Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Mandarin, Rose, Sandalwood and Neroli all work well to create a peaceful slumber when suffering from insomnia.

8. Recall and Memory

Rosemary, Peppermint, Lemon and Anise work well to encourage memory and recall in aromatherapy treatments.

9. Nausea

You will find that Anise, Basil, Cardamom, Chamomile, Clove, Lavender, Peppermint, Rose as well as Black Pepper and Sandalwood are great for relieving nausea.

10. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Time has a way of catching up to all of us, fortunately, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Neroli, Rose and Grapefruit are useful for preventing and reducing the sings of aging.

11. Creating a Mood

Aromatherapy Attraction Scents - Cedar wood, Lavender and Patchouli.

Scent to create Desire - Patchouli, Vanilla, Frankincense, Rose, Heliotrope and Jasmine.

Scents to encourage Romance - Rose, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Gardenia and Lavender.

Scents of Sensuous Passion - Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Frankincense.

Aromatherapy Love Scents - Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine and Tuberose.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful means of making life a bit easier and enjoyable as well as smelling great, however, you must watch for signs of allergies while working with pure essential oils. If you are pregnant, there are a few different types of home remedies and pure essential oils, which you should not use. Therefore, it is best that you are observant as well as doing a bit of research to find out if you are able to use any particular therapeutic essential oil.

In our Aromatherapy Home Health Course there are full recipes and blends of essential oils to alleviate many common ailments and a section of precautions and contra-indications of each of the common oils in use.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils - Top Tips and products

There are several things that you can do to help in creating the perfect aromatherapy home. For example, you will want to keep yourself updated and educated about the uses of aromatherapy. You should always be learning about the new products on the market, how to use them and just how effective they are.

Learn from the products, from how they were used in history as well as how other consumers have viewed them by getting some reviews on the web. Here are some more tips for you.

• Make sure that you do not purchase perfume oils or the products that claim to be pure nature products. These products are not likely to be what you are looking for and are usually either poorly made with many chemicals or they are outdated and will not provide the right results for you.

• Do not purchase products hat have a rubber dropper already stored in them. The essential oils will break down the rubber as they are that strong and they will cause the oils to then become contaminated. This is a waste of money then.

• Ask your vendor for samples. They should be willing to provide you something before you buy that you can smell and experience before doing the purchasing.

• Keep an open mind. Make sure that you try different products; new products and that you take your time to enjoy something amazing as you do deserve the treat.

Aromatherapy can easily be added into your lifestyle if you find a way to experiment and to educate yourself. You should spend some time learning about how to properly use them as well. When you do these things, you will reap the rewards of what aromatherapy can provide to you. Once you give them a try, you probably never will go back!

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