*Aromatherapy in general*

Advantages: relaxing, uplifting, calming
Disadvantages: Can cause irritation if not mixed correctly

The History of Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is one of the most accessible and enjoyable of alternative therapies. Whether on a conscious level or not, smell plays a very important role in our every day lives. You smell cooking food and it makes your tummy rumble you recognise a perfume that someone is wearing that reminds you of another person entirely, you smell a rose and the scent seems to relax and uplift you. These are all different responses that ...
...smell receptors in your nose are directly connected to the section in the brain where memories and emotions are kept. This is why, whenever I smell CKOne, I always think of my German friend Dorothee, who always wore that fragrance. Different smells have different affects. Some can make you hungry, some can make you feel sick, some can stimulate, while others can relax, and some can even make us feel happy. It was when the ancient Egyptians noticed ... Read review

Advantages: Completley natural,so many uses
Disadvantages: none

Until a few years ago, I had never tried Aromatherapy and decided to find out more on the subject. I found it very interesting and had no idea of the amount of uses it has. Did you know that it can improve your immune system and can help with stress of everyday life? Well I have been experimenting for some time now and have been pleased with the results. I will start by explaining a bit about the history behind Aromatherapy. HISTORY Knowledge of ...
...plants dates back to 3500BC, where Egyptian’s burned resins, such as Frankincense, to clear the mind. However the Romans used essential oils for massage and aromatic herbs in the home. In the 17th century here in England, pomanders made of oranges and cloves were used to ward off the Black Death. Interestingly it was a chemist; a Frenchman called Rene Gatefosse, who in 1937 found the name Aromatherapy. He burnt his hand while working in his ... Read review

Advantages: Relieves tension, improves concentration, fights infection, reduces inflamation, speeds the healing process etc
Disadvantages: Some oils are expensive

I felt so relaxed after my evening bath. All the stresses of the day had been washed away down the plug hole. I was beginning to believe that this aromatherapy stuff really might work. In my bath I'd used two drops of camomile, two drops of rose and six of lavender and it had done the trick for me. My 'bunny' was due home soon. He'd had to go to Bristol for the day so I expected him about nine or ten o'clock. Half past nine in he walks, Financial ...
...in his hands. He looked grey and worn out and not a happy bunny. He said that his computer had gone down on him. I made a joke and asked him where I could get similar software. I said something about how I didn't realise you could get computers to do that sort of thing. My imagination had raced ahead, in a relaxed sort of way of course. "Could make Ciao even more interesting", I thought. My poor little bunny wasn't amused. He went into a tirade ... Read review

Advantages: The power of healing with all things natural
Disadvantages: Not suitable for everyone

Aromatherapy is an ancient art of healing; it is holistic therapies using the aromas of essential oils which are obtained form various plants and trees. It is said that these essential oils are the life force of the living plants that they are extracted from; this essence is then absorbed into the skin by many methods of application which in turn brings balance of mind, body and spirit to promote good health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy is very easy ...
...healing treatment. Last year I was lucky enough to study Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Massage and learnt a great deal about the way alternative therapies can help treat every day symptoms we all suffer from whether it is stress or just PMS. Aromatherapy can help relieve the following conditions and many other more:  Stress and Anxiety  Cellulite and fluid retention  Colds and bronchial symptoms  Headaches and ... Read review

Advantages: A fresh change from the norm
Disadvantages: Not guaranteed to work, but is anyhting else really is?

Following on from recent ops on various branches of complimentary therapy (homeopathy & Bach flower remedies), I thought I'd cover another branch, I.e. aromatherapy. Initially, I thought of cramming everything into one op, but after reflecting on the matter, I found the background on the subject so interesting, I decided on splitting the op into two parts. The first will deal with the history of aromatherapy, while the second part will try to ...
...its principles, and the various aromatheraputic preparations available. WHAT EXACTLY IS AROMATHERAPY ? ----------------------------- This branch of complimentary therapy has been gaining popularity over the past few years in Britain. When used correctly , essential oils can be used safely in the home to aid relaxation, beauty care, stress elevation, and improvement of general health. Aromatherapy is a natural treatment utilising concentrated ... Read review

Advantages: Lovely smell, many uses
Disadvantages: none

...Patchoulli has for many centuries played a key role in many eastern health systems. It was used extensively to prevent the spread of epidemics. One of the main uses I put Patchoulli to is in facial creams and body lotions. I always add a drop to my moisturiser and it is one of the oils I instinctively reach for when I am giving myself a general aromatherapy rub. It smells delicious and the perfume really lingers ... you can smell it throughout the day after applying it to the face in the morning. Patchoulli can be used on an emotional level, for those who feel fatigued, who suffer from anxiety or where a weak immune system leaves someone prone to picking up minor ailments and niggles. The aroma is musky, sensual and has aphrodisiac qualities, often used in perfumes, it may help those who feel frigid or impotent, or who have sexual... Read review

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Advantages: Very cheap and informative
Disadvantages: Doesnt really have any!

...'Aromatherapy - A Guide to Home Use' is an introductory guide to Aromatherapy for the general public. It provides an easy to use referencing section of essential oils and their applications for conditions commonly encountered. The book is not intended as a substitute for consultations with a qualified Aromatherapist but as these sessions often prove expensive it gives you a good idea. For less than £2.00 cover price this book is excellent value for money. It is paperback as you would expect for this price.It has 46 pages packed full of information. The cover is as illustrated above. I actually scanned the pic in. Section 1 What is Aromatherapy? This chapter gives a complete history on the methods of Aromatherapy and how it has developed over history. Section 2 How essential oils are obtained A description of the different... Read review

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Advantages: Very versitile essential oil which is easily available and inexpensive.
Disadvantages: It must not be used on babies or children or by pregnant women and those suffering from chronic illnesses such as epilepsy.

...Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citatus) Lemongrass is a tall, aromatic grass, which is used as flavouring in Thai cuisine and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. The essential oil is steam distilled from the grass leaves. It is yellow in colour and has a strong refreshing citrus smell that has many aromatherapy and domestic uses. Lemongrass has a tonic effect on the nervous system and the body in general. It is also noted for its painkilling and antidepressant properties. It is great for the treatment of headaches, lethargy, symptoms of stress, and is also beneficial to those suffering from muscular pain and poor muscle tone. It can also be used in the treatment of acne, athlete's foot, flatulence, oily skin, and scabies! It has fever-reducing properties and helps the immune system to fight infections. Lemongrass can... Read review

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