Aromatherapy is a combination of natural medicine and herbalism

Essential oils are the most precious gift from planet Earth to mankind - they are the essence and soul of every plant. No wonder, then, that essential oils have
such an intense effect on our most delicate, sensitive aspects.

Aromatherapy is a fantastic, simple, effective and also very pleasant therapeutic method. It is often regarded as a mood inducer, capable of stimulating our energies. The precise effect of aromatherapy depends on the type of oil used.

Aromatherapy involves introducing biologically active aromatic substances and essential oils of plant origin into the patient's body - either through the respiratory system(i.e. inhalation), or skin - by massage, bathing or poultices.

The use of aromatherapy in massage and cosmetic treatments

The most effective treatment in aromatherapy is an aroma massage, providing the most potent and very quick results. The oils used are mixtures of selected ingredients, creating an unlimited number of aromas.

Basil, clove or lemon oils stimulate and refresh, enhance focus and relieve anxiety and insomnia. They have an analgesic effect, especially during pains of neurological origin, such as migraines, rheumatic neuralgia or arthritic/muscular pains. They soothe the effects of insect bites.

Gingerbread oil has an antihistamine effect and relieves motion sickness.

Rosemary oil is a stimulant and aphrodisiac known since ancient times. It was the main ingredient in the famous Water of the Queen of Hungary - a medicinal perfume created by Elisabeth Łokietkówna, a Polish princess and queen of Hungary in the 14th century.

The effects of aromatherapy

Properly selected natural oils have a beneficial effect on human health - both physical and mental. They can:

• Increase general fortitude of the human body by restoring balance(homeostasis),
• Strengthen the immune system,
• Speed up recovery and improve excersise fortitude,
• Promote rejuvenation, accelerating the secretion of deposits from the body.

Here is a list of only some of the indications and examples of oils used during aromatherapy and inhalation. The total list would be way too extensive :)

Inhalations

Inhalations are one of the therapeitc metods used for colds, bronchitis and sinusitis - effective for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. They can be performed using an inhaler (nebulizer), or at home - simply by inhaling steam from a heated oil and water mixture.

Some indications for aromatherapy and inhalations

Here is a list of only some of the indications and examples of oils used during aromatherapy and inhalation. The total list would be way too extensive :)

• Back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain aromatherapy eases muscle tension, relaxes the body and warms it. Oils used: rosemary, juniper, eucalyptus.
• Insomnia, hyperactivity, anxiety, stress Oils: lavender, lemon, lemon balm.
• Respiratory system support. Frequent colds, runny nose, sinusitis, tonsillitis, coughs, sinus problems, purulent inflammation of sinuses and throat, asthma. The wonderful effect of eucalyptus oil for treating such conditions has been known since ancient times. Other oils: pine, siberian fir, tea tree.
• Cracked capillaries, cellulite, stretch marks. The oils nourish the skin, give it a healthy, firm appearance due to their pulling effect and improve blood circulation. Oils: geranium, cypress, tangerine/mandaring, juniper, chamomile.
• Wrinkles, skin aging. Oils: geranium, lavender, rosewood.
• Oily or excessively dry skin. Oils appropriate for the skin type are used.
• Acne, eczema, herpes, ringworm(tinea), urogenital inflammation. The oils have an anti-bacterial effect and help treat eczema and skin lesions. They are added to baths or carefully diluted and applied to the skin. Geranium oil added to a bath helps with urinary tract inflammation. Other antifungal oils include: tea tree, sandalwood, juniper, geranium. Oils recommended for acne with the strongest antiseptic effect: bergamot, geranium, juniper, petitgrain, tea tree.
• Hypertension. Oils: lavender, marjoram, rosemary, rose, sage.
• Low blood pressure. Oils: bergamot, peppermint, lavender, lemon.

 

Fragrance oils stimulate circulation, oxygenate the blood and dilate capillaries. They alleviate long-term depression, irritability, exhaustion and stress! They help with anxiety, neuralgia, insect bites, digestive disorders, rheumatic/menstrual pains. They also reduce muscle pains and accelerate muscle regeneration.

Contraindications to aromatherapy and inhalation.

Allergy to a particular essential oil is an absolute contraindication to aromatherapy or inhalation. A simple test should be performed beforehand - you sprinkle the oil on the bend of your elbow, and seal it with a patch for 12 hours to make sure that the oil is not allergenic.

• Epilepsy. Carefully review the effects of the oil. Some are contraindicated, such as rosemary.
• Sun exposure. Citrus: tangerine, lemon, orange, bergam and grapefruit - these oils can sensitize you to sunlight. This treatment must be done at a time when you can avoid being outdoors for at least 6 next hours. Also, please do not use a tanning bed during this period.
• Euphoria, headaches, nausea. These symptoms can be caused by ylang ylang oil.
• For children use mild oils, such as chamomile oil. Examples of oils to avoid: jasmine, ginger, ylang ylang.
• Pregnancy. Use mild, diluted oils with caution. Oils to avoid: rosemary oil, jasmine oil, sage oil, marjoram oil, juniper oil, cypress oil, fennel oil, lavender oil, lemon balm oil, peppermint oil, rose oil, chamomile oil, thyme oil. Mild 1% solutions recommended: frankincense oil, geranium, sandalwood.
• Taking homeopathic medicines restricts the use of oils. Do not use peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil.
• Skin lesions. An absolute contraindication is having open, oozing wounds or other lesions that can be spread. The use of oil on acne lesions should only be local.