Essential oils promote natural healing by stimulating and reinforcing the body's own mechanisms. They also work on the central nervous system. Some oils will relax others will stimulate. Aromatherapy also aims to strengthen the immune system. Orthodox medicine tends to weaken the body's defenses by suppressing conditions without removing the cause. Chemical drugs may cause side effects, which can hamper the body's ability to heal. In traditional orthodox medicine this use of chemical drug use can lead to iatrogenic disease (drug induced), a problem that is far more wide spread than is realized.

It is very important to adopt a balanced viewpoint and accept that the use of drugs has its place in the holistic scheme of things. In some cases drug intervention may be crucial in life or death situations. It would be unrealistic to suggest that Aromatherapy, or any other holistic alternative is the answer or can solve the problem of congenital disorders, such as liver or kidney dysfunction. What Aromatherapy can do is enhance our quality of life by helping us transform stress, apathy and depression into more creative healing energy.

The true beginnings of Aromatherapy have disappeared into the mists of time. Our early ancestors were most likely endowed with highly developed sensory and intuitive powers. These ancestors also discovered edible and medicinal plants. They discovered that some aromatic plants, when thrown on a fire, gave rise to altered states of consciousness. Some aromas made them feel euphoric, uplifted, while others made them feel drowsy. Throughout history fumigation using aromatic substances was used to prevent the spread of infectious disease and is still used in certain parts of the world. The ancient Egyptians used aromatics in magic, healing, massage, cosmetics and embalming. They collected beautiful and exotic plants from distant lands and transformed these into perfumes, medicines and unguents.

Aromatherapy may help many disorders and for best results it should form a part of a holistic regime. It is important to remember disease and illness happens over a period of time, which can be brought on by our mental state, stress factors, unbalanced diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. Holistic Aromatherapy, as well as with other holistic therapies, demands a commitment from yourself. You must take control of your life and accept responsibility for your health. Aromatherapy can help you to increase your energy levels and restore a sense of harmony to your life. By creating favorable conditions in the whole person body-mind spirit, the body will be allowed to heal itself. The following is a list of a few essential oils one can begin with. Familiarize yourself with the following oils and then expand your horizons.

Basic Aromatherapy kit

1. Lavender -antibiotic, vulnerary, antiseptic, antidepressant and detoxifier.
2. Tea Tree -antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and vulnerary.
3. Peppermint- anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and digestive.
4. Chamomile- antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant.
5. Eucalyptus-analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic and deodorizing.
6. Myrrh-astringent, antiseptic, fungicide and vulnerary.
7. Geranium-sedative, antiseptic and astringent.
8. Melissa-sedative.
9. Clove-antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and sedative.

Definitions

Back