Aromatherapy Bathing. What Essential Oils Can Be Used. by: Kerris Samson
Long before the term alternative medicine was being used, aromatherapy was being practiced by the Egyptians for over 5,000 years. When being used by the Egyptians oil was being extracted from the many aromatic plants around them through infusion and then used for their not only cosmetic and medicinal purposes but also for embalming as well. They then passed the knowledge they had gained on to the Greeks and it served as the beginning of their research into how to use the oils and fragrance of some flowers for their relaxing and stimulating effects. In fact when looking back further in history we find that ancient man depended very much on his environment for their basic needs and to survive which led them to discover the more natural ways of preserving food and how certain conditions could be treated using herbs and aromatics. First of all we will look at Eastern Roots. The use of aromatics are shown in a Chinese Herbal Book by Shen Nung dated 2,700 BC and which provides specific details on over 300 plants and how they can be used. Also the ancient Chinese would burn incense and wood as part of their religious beliefs and practices and even in today’s modern society many Chinese still observe these practices today. You will also discover that the Chinese used aromatics in relation to the acupressure, massage and other therapies that they used. Whilst now in modern society many people place a very high premium on their health and well being but due to the high cost of traditional and conventional medicines available (surgery and Medicare) more and more people are turning to aromatherapy and essential oil therapy as well as other forms of alternative medicine. The basics of using essential oils in an aromatherapy bath are as follows:- 1. It facilitates equilibrium of both the physical, mental and spiritual health of a person through natural means. 2. In some cases it has been found that alternative treatments are considered as strong and effective as complementary treatments to regular medical practices. 3. The main component of aromatherapy is the essential oils and are highly concentrated essences which are known for their healing effects. Essentials oils are aroma producing oils which come from flowers such as the rose, from leaves such as basil, twig, bark, fruit rind and many other parts of plants. Although experts say that extracting the oils can be quite time consuming and complex and requires a large amount of patience on behalf of the person carrying out the work the benefits at the end are great. Certainly you need to recognize and accept that if you want to get about 5 tsp of oil from rose petals it will take about 220lbs of petals to do it and this is why pure essential oils are so expensive. Although the effectiveness of the oils is not comprised as it only takes a few drops to generate the effect required. However there is a cheaper alternative namely synthetic oil, however they do not offer the person the same healing properties as their natural counterparts. Essential oils work by stimulating a person’s olfactory system and later on the brain or limbic system. The fragrance along with other properties and effects relating to the oils will determine how a person’s body system and its parts are stimulated. Whilst having a massage using these oils they are not only absorbed by the body but are inhaled at the same time and eventually when being absorbed through the skin they will reach the organs and body system of the person being treated. The time it takes for the oils to absorb through the skin can be from as little as 20 minutes and take as long as 2 hours or more and there it is wise to avoid taking a shower or bath straight after any massage so that the maximum effect is received from the massage therapy. The time that the effect lasts on a person can vary from 3-24 hours to 2-3 days or even as long as week. Oils that have a short live time span in regard to their scent are Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Thyme and Bergamot whilst Hyssop, Lavender, Balm and various other oils can last between 2 to 3 days. The oils that take as long as a week to completely evaporate are Jasmine, Sandalwood, Ginger and Cedar Wood. Many people when using aromatherapy are looking to achieve a sense of calm in their lives and these people will look to using a combination of three types of oils to help with this and they will base them on how long they last. They can be used by mixing them into a warm bath and will help the person to become relaxed and calm, they will help to eliminate the stress and depression that they are feeling as well as both energizing and soothing the body of any aches that they are feeling. Certainly by using essential oils during a massage will help increase the healing and calming effect that the person is feeling. However any massage carried out using essential oils must also include a carrier oil to help prevent irritation and skin reactions on the person being treated. Such carrier oils that are used to help dilute the essential oils are avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil.
About The Author
Kerris Samson a work from home mum who has carried out extensive research in all forms of alternative medicines, treatments and therapies over the last year. She has now set up a site dealing with all aspects of baths and if you would like to learn more please visit http://www.bath.letsgetpampered.com/.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Herb Garden - Why and How to Grow Herbs by Carol Stack
Herb Garden - Why and How to Grow Herbs by Carol Stack
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to try out your green thumb, you may want to try growing an herb garden.
Herb gardens actually trace back to medieval times when monasteries and nunneries would use them to grow needed medicinal herbs and as time went on they were also used for culinary and decorative purposes.
Now herb gardens are making a comeback and many people are beginning to try their hand at growing these simple gardens.
Why Have a Herb Garden?
There are a variety of great reasons to have an herb garden including medicinal uses, culinary uses and decoration. For years, herbs have been used to improve health and there are various herbs that have been found to improve the health of the body as well as the health of the mind.
Growing herbs is much cheaper than purchasing them at your local supplement or nature store, so you can save money by having an herb garden.
Herbs are used for culinary purposes as well and, once again, it is much cheaper to grow your own herbs than it is to purchase fresh herbs at your local supermarket. Herbs make great additions to a variety of foods and enhance the taste without adding unneeded salt.
Another reason you may want to have an herb garden is for its decorative qualities. Herb gardens have long been used as decorative gardens and if you are just getting started at gardening, an herb garden can be a simple place to start.
Where to Plant an Herb Garden
If you want to plant an herb garden, you can either plant it in pots or planters or you can make a garden plot in your yard. If you have limited space in your yard or do not have one at all, the pots and planters will be a great place to start an indoor herb garden.
Whether you decide to grow in pots indoors or you have a plot outside, there are a few things to remember.
You need to be sure that your herbs are in a place where they get plenty of sunlight each day. If you keep them inside, make sure they are near a window with plenty of sunlight and if you have an outside garden, be sure to pick a plot that gets sun for at least 6-7 hours each day.
Also make sure that the soil is good and if not, you can add organic materials to make the soil more productive. Water is also essential to your herb garden, whether it gets rain outside or you are watering it inside.
Choosing Herbs to Grow
Making a choice on what herbs to grow in your herb garden will undoubtedly be somewhat based on your purpose for growing an herb garden. If you are growing the garden for medicinal purposes and special remedies, herbs to consider are aloe vera, ginger, chamomile, calendula and thyme.
If you are growing herbs for culinary use, you should consider growing herbs like basil, oregano, sage, marjoram, bay leaves, chives, parsley, mint and dill. If you want a decorative herb garden, you will want to pick the more attractive herbs like lavender, sage, rosemary, evening primrose, chamomile, hollyhock and lemon balm.
Herbs are both beautiful and very useful and having an herb garden will be a joy. You can have the pleasure of eating your herbs or just enjoying their simplistic beauty while you watch them grow. Whatever your reason is for starting an herb garden, you will undoubtedly find hours of pleasure and enjoyment in your herb garden.
Carol Stack has enjoyed gardening all her life. She lives with her husband, children, dogs, cats and chickens in the United States. They have a large property that keeps them busy with gardening chores. You can learn about landscaping, organic gardening, lawn care and more at Carol's Web site, http://www.howtogarden.info
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Summary
Making a choice on what herbs to grow in your herb garden will undoubtedly be somewhat based on your purpose for growing an herb garden. If you are growing the garden for medicinal purposes and special remedies, herbs to consider are aloe vera, ginger, chamomile, calendula and thyme.
Keywords
herb garden, chamomile, ginger, aloe vera, herb gardens
URL
http://www.articlerich.com/Article/Herb-Garden---Why-and-How-to-Grow-Herbs/126267
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to try out your green thumb, you may want to try growing an herb garden.
Herb gardens actually trace back to medieval times when monasteries and nunneries would use them to grow needed medicinal herbs and as time went on they were also used for culinary and decorative purposes.
Now herb gardens are making a comeback and many people are beginning to try their hand at growing these simple gardens.
Why Have a Herb Garden?
There are a variety of great reasons to have an herb garden including medicinal uses, culinary uses and decoration. For years, herbs have been used to improve health and there are various herbs that have been found to improve the health of the body as well as the health of the mind.
Growing herbs is much cheaper than purchasing them at your local supplement or nature store, so you can save money by having an herb garden.
Herbs are used for culinary purposes as well and, once again, it is much cheaper to grow your own herbs than it is to purchase fresh herbs at your local supermarket. Herbs make great additions to a variety of foods and enhance the taste without adding unneeded salt.
Another reason you may want to have an herb garden is for its decorative qualities. Herb gardens have long been used as decorative gardens and if you are just getting started at gardening, an herb garden can be a simple place to start.
Where to Plant an Herb Garden
If you want to plant an herb garden, you can either plant it in pots or planters or you can make a garden plot in your yard. If you have limited space in your yard or do not have one at all, the pots and planters will be a great place to start an indoor herb garden.
Whether you decide to grow in pots indoors or you have a plot outside, there are a few things to remember.
You need to be sure that your herbs are in a place where they get plenty of sunlight each day. If you keep them inside, make sure they are near a window with plenty of sunlight and if you have an outside garden, be sure to pick a plot that gets sun for at least 6-7 hours each day.
Also make sure that the soil is good and if not, you can add organic materials to make the soil more productive. Water is also essential to your herb garden, whether it gets rain outside or you are watering it inside.
Choosing Herbs to Grow
Making a choice on what herbs to grow in your herb garden will undoubtedly be somewhat based on your purpose for growing an herb garden. If you are growing the garden for medicinal purposes and special remedies, herbs to consider are aloe vera, ginger, chamomile, calendula and thyme.
If you are growing herbs for culinary use, you should consider growing herbs like basil, oregano, sage, marjoram, bay leaves, chives, parsley, mint and dill. If you want a decorative herb garden, you will want to pick the more attractive herbs like lavender, sage, rosemary, evening primrose, chamomile, hollyhock and lemon balm.
Herbs are both beautiful and very useful and having an herb garden will be a joy. You can have the pleasure of eating your herbs or just enjoying their simplistic beauty while you watch them grow. Whatever your reason is for starting an herb garden, you will undoubtedly find hours of pleasure and enjoyment in your herb garden.
Carol Stack has enjoyed gardening all her life. She lives with her husband, children, dogs, cats and chickens in the United States. They have a large property that keeps them busy with gardening chores. You can learn about landscaping, organic gardening, lawn care and more at Carol's Web site, http://www.howtogarden.info
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Summary
Making a choice on what herbs to grow in your herb garden will undoubtedly be somewhat based on your purpose for growing an herb garden. If you are growing the garden for medicinal purposes and special remedies, herbs to consider are aloe vera, ginger, chamomile, calendula and thyme.
Keywords
herb garden, chamomile, ginger, aloe vera, herb gardens
URL
http://www.articlerich.com/Article/Herb-Garden---Why-and-How-to-Grow-Herbs/126267
Herbs and Alternative treatment ~ Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, commonly associated with complementary and alternative medicine, is the use of volatile liquid herbal plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds from herbal plants for the purpose of affecting a human mood or health. Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs. It has a particularly Western currency and persuasion. Medical treatment involving aromatic scents may exist outside of the West, but may or may not be intended by the term 'aromatherapy'.The main branches of aromatherapy include:Home aromatherapy (self treatment, perfume & cosmetic use) Clinical aromatherapy (as part of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy) Aromachology (the psychology of odors and their effects on the mind)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
"Herbs" - Alternative medicine
The increased number of alternative medicine courses now days, being offered at various medical schools as served to further fuel the acceptance of these forms of treatment. In fact, the majority of doctors today have no problem with utilizing alternative health techniques alongside conventional and modern treatment strategies.
Despite the growing acceptance of alternative medicine, there are still a number of critics who denounce the effectiveness of these traditional practices. This is largely because, by definition, alternative medicine has not been proven to be effective through research studies.
Alternative medicine ~ Acupunture and Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are two non-drug therapies used as supplement or replacement to modern medicine or conventional treatments . Its ease of practice had attract people to explore this method. Herbs, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage therapy can all work as treatments to create a healthy body for both man and woman. As we already known that herbs or herbal plants could provide nutritious and vitamins for human health, but not forgetting the benefits come from herbs through therapy ; Acupunture, acupressure, aromatherapy, touch and massage therapy. Acupuncture is a method that originated in China over 5000 years ago. It is a holistic practice that believe to release blocked energy or “chi” in living beings. These energy lines circulate through 12 invisible energy lines known as meridians of the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system in your body so the needle insertions in each of these meridians reduce the respective disease on respective organs associated with that meridian point. This method had attract crowd to explores the use of alternative medicine or herbal plants in order to improve human health.
More articles could be view here : http://herbs-for-health-care.blogspot.com
Despite the growing acceptance of alternative medicine, there are still a number of critics who denounce the effectiveness of these traditional practices. This is largely because, by definition, alternative medicine has not been proven to be effective through research studies.
Alternative medicine ~ Acupunture and Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are two non-drug therapies used as supplement or replacement to modern medicine or conventional treatments . Its ease of practice had attract people to explore this method. Herbs, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage therapy can all work as treatments to create a healthy body for both man and woman. As we already known that herbs or herbal plants could provide nutritious and vitamins for human health, but not forgetting the benefits come from herbs through therapy ; Acupunture, acupressure, aromatherapy, touch and massage therapy. Acupuncture is a method that originated in China over 5000 years ago. It is a holistic practice that believe to release blocked energy or “chi” in living beings. These energy lines circulate through 12 invisible energy lines known as meridians of the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system in your body so the needle insertions in each of these meridians reduce the respective disease on respective organs associated with that meridian point. This method had attract crowd to explores the use of alternative medicine or herbal plants in order to improve human health.
More articles could be view here : http://herbs-for-health-care.blogspot.com
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