Aromatherapy and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs when neurons in the brain fail to produce enough dopamine. This results in many troubling symptoms for those that suffer from Parkinson’s disease including tremors, rigidity of the muscles, loss of balance and coordination, trouble sleeping, and depression. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, but aromatherapy can help to manage the symptoms. Essential oils such as frankincense, vetiver, lavender, and helichrysum are just a few of the oils that can be beneficial to treat symptoms.
Lack of dopamine production is what causes symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to occur, so it is beneficial to help increase dopamine production in the brain. The essential oils of lemon, clary sage, eucalyptus, and cedar wood may help increase dopamine levels while being diffused into the air. Add a few drops of undiluted oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and allow the scent to fill the room. The uplifting scent of lemon is especially good for lifting the mood and helping the brain produce more dopamine.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease often suffer from tremors and involuntary shaking. These symptoms may respond well to aromatherapy treatment using essential oils known for their antispasmodic properties. Helichrysum is known for being a powerful antispasmodic and would be the top choice for treating tremors. Other antispasmodic oils include marjoram, sandalwood, peppermint, and vetiver. These essential oils can be diffused or diluted in carrier oil and applied topically to the feet, temples, or spine to aid in treating tremors.
Painful muscle rigidity is another symptom reported by many people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Aromatherapy using oils with anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties may help to ease the tension of sore and tired muscles. Frankincense, helichrysum, marjoram, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, and chamomile are all excellent choices for treating muscle rigidity. These oils can be diluted into a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and then applied directly to the affected muscles, or used during a relaxing massage treatment. Clary sage is also noted for being a powerful pain reliever, but must be used with caution if it is used topically. Aromatherapy can be a very effective way to manage pain from rigidity.
Essential oils can also be used to help relieve sleep problems. Chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, sandalwood, vetiver, and lavender are all appropriate oils to use to help bring on a state of relaxation. Diffuse these oils to promote sleep, or rub a little lavender oil on the temples before going to bed.
Symptoms of depression often plague patients with Parkinson’s disease. Feelings of depression may be reduced using the essential oils of sandalwood, lavender, clary sage, helichrysum, cedar wood, chamomile, and marjoram. When using aromatherapy for depression, diffuse one or a few of the oils listed above and enjoy their mood enhancing qualities.
Using essential oils such as marjoram, helichrysum, frankincense, and vetiver can target specific symptoms and may help bring some necessary relief to patients. Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, aromatherapy is a natural way to aid in managing symptoms of this debilitating disease and may help promote the production of dopamine in the brain.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
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Aromatherapy and Relaxation
Effective relaxation techniques can be enhanced with the use of aromatherapy. Using quality essential oils as a component of aromatherapy heightens the effectiveness, helping to reduce tension and relieve stress. This is especially important to achieve and maintain overall good health and well being as today’s busy and stress-filled life takes a toll, not only in our minds, but on our bodies as well.
Diffusing essential oils is one of the easiest aromatherapy methods to use to relax your body and soothe your mind while you use the relaxation techniques that work best for your situation. There are several types of diffusers that release the essence of the oil into the air benefiting all those nearby. For those who suffer with respiratory difficulties steam inhalation eases restricted air passages in addition to relaxing the body and mind. Additionally, adding oils to a warm bath or a warm compress are also effective methods of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is not strictly limited to traditional inhalation methods. Aromatic lotions can be used during massage that effectively calms the mind, while relieving tension in tight muscles.
Numerous oils have been identified as useful in aromatherapy for their calming properties. Lavender is the most popular and for good reason. Proven to be effective in calming anxiety, lavender is also useful for reducing stress and relieving tension. Ylang-Ylang and bergamot are also essential oils that relax both mind and body. Warm chamomile tea has long been known to have a relaxing effect and the use of chamomile oil has the same powerful effect. Simple blends can also be used to further enhance any moment of relaxation.
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Essential oils have long since been used to cure, treat, alleviate, transform and heal various skin conditions. This beautiful, all-natural skin care remedy is amongst the best you can choose for your skin. Choosing an essential oil that is best suited to your particular skin care need is the key to getting the most from this all natural treatment plan.
Would you like to treat or repair the signs of aging? Are you wanting to clear acne or heal rosacea? Perhaps you’d like to soothe a sunburn or protect your skin from the sun. Whatever your need, there is an essential oil that can help!
Following is a list of essential oils and common skin care ailments that can be healed by using the corresponding oil. Often times, a blend or mixture of a few different oils can help to restore and heal multiple skin concerns.
Lavender – This oil has been known to heal skin irritation and cleanse cuts and scrapes. It can also be used to calm stressed skin and is suitable to be used on all skin types.
Geranium – This is a versatile oil that helps to balance oil production. A good tip is to add this oil to your regular moisturizer to help with over and under oil production.
Basil – This essential oil is ideal for sensitive skin types and can also be used to soothe insect bites.
Frankincense – This oil is a real treat for aging skin, helping with elasticity issues and the regeneration of skin cells. It can also be used help with pigmentation, as well as toing and tightening the skin.
Ylang Ylang -This oil is wonderful for treating oily or acne prone skin while still helping stimulate cell growth to fight the effects of aging.
Lemongrass – This essential oil can be used to treat acne and large pores. An excellent oil to use as an astringent, skin toner and to enhance the skin’s natural glow.
Cypress – An oil that can help repair capillary vein damage often found around the nose area. It helps to shrink swollen blood vessels and is a good choice to use as an astringent.
Tea Tree – This oil has many wonderful uses for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The properties of this oil make it a first choice for acne prone or oily skin types.
Chamomile – This essential oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions which also include: eczema, cracked skin, inflammation and rosacea.
Juniper – This is a beautiful cleansing oil that (when diluted) and applied to wounds can speed up the healing time and prevent infections.
Neroli – This essential oil is often used to treat mature, aging and sensitive skin types. It can also be used as a toner to tighten and revitalize aging skin.
In future articles we will discuss specific skin care regimes for common skin concerns such as aging, acne, sensitive skin, and cleansing the skin with essential oils. Nature’s therapy really does have all the answers in a beautiful bottle of essential oil.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
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Five Amazing Benefits Of Cedarwood Essential Oil
The strong, fresh scent of cedar trees has inspired travellers and adventurers for untold centuries, but only in modern times did we come to understand that cedar has a host of physical and mental benefits as well. Cedarwood essential oil, which allows us to unlock the hidden goodness of cedars, has been shown to confer all of the following health advantages:
1. Cedarwood oil helps to combat eczema.
Cedarwood essential oil (which is derived from the cedrus atlantica genus of cedar) is excellent for treating skin conditions. Unlike the harsh steroid and coal tar creams used in conventional medicine, cedarwood oil does not damage the skin or contain harmful toxins. It does, however, work powerfully to fight the redness, itching, and cracking of the skin that’s associated with chronic eczema. Cedarwood oil can be added to your bathwater (this also provides the benefits of aromatherapy—more on those below), mixed into lotions or soaps, or applied directly to the skin.
2. Cedarwood essential oil promotes clarity of mind.
Cedarwood earned a place in the Bible for its ability to inspire wisdom. Blends of essential oils containing cedarwood relieve tension, clear the mind, and promote insight. Even the popular natural health expert Dr. Axe has warm praise for cedarwood oil, noting that it’s “Known to bring people together and improve personal outlook and self-esteem. This may seem strange, but the soothing power of cedarwood oil has the ability to change a person’s perspective,” says Dr. Axe. “Inhaling cedarwood oil, vaporizing it or adding it to a body spray can have long-lasting therapeutic effects,” he adds.
3. Cedarwood oil is an excellent topical antiseptic.
Apply cedarwood oil directly to cuts and burns to clean away bacteria, promote healing, and prevent infection. (Note that this works best when the cedarwood oil is combined with a base oil, like coconut oil, which helps to slow absorption and create a protective barrier over the wound.) Cedarwood oil can also be used to treat existing fungal infections.
4. Cedarwood oil reduces arthritis symptoms.
One of the most powerful benefits of cedarwood oil is its unique ability to bring relief to arthritis sufferers. Cedarwood essential oil, when inhaled or applied directly to the skin, calms inflammation in the joints and tissues, leading to a reduction in pain and stiffness. For an added boost, mix 5-10 drops of cedarwood oil in a warm bath—the hot water will magnify the relaxing effects of cedarwood oil.
5. Cedarwood oil is a potent anti-spasmodic.
What do restless leg syndrome, respiratory seizures, and asthma have in common? They’re all spasmodic conditions—and they can all be minimized through the inhalation of cedarwood essential oil. Reducing spasmodic attacks helps prevent damage to the respiratory system, muscles, intestines, heart and nerves.
Note that cedarwood essential oil should only be used as a topical agent or inhaled—it should never be consumed. Cedarwood oil is incredibly potent, so if it’s taken internally, it will cause nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Stick to using cedarwood as an aromatherapy oil or skin balm to reap its many amazing rewards.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
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This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
Contact us anytime with your questions about organic skincare, aromatherapy, clean beauty and wellness or to just say hey.
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Every day we are exposed to a range of elements that can be toxic for the body: pollution, stress, processed foods, air- and food-borne chemicals, and more.
If you live in a place free of cars and factories, you live a life free of stress, and you make all your food from scratch – you are a lucky minority in today’s urbanized world. For the rest of us, we need to think about the best ways to keep out body in balance through regular detoxification.
Detoxification is comprised of ridding your body of toxic chemicals and components, stress, negative thoughts, anxiety, and organisms that can make you sick. There is still much clinical research to be carried out to demonstrate the positive effects of essential oils in these areas, but those who have used essential oils swear by their effectiveness.
Here are some essential oils that help detoxify the body:
1. Juniper oil:
Juniper oil comes from juniper berries and needles, and it has a wide range of detoxifying uses due to its antioxidant and relaxing properties. It is a “depurative”, meaning that it is believed to help clean toxifying elements from the blood, including heavy metals and pollutants.
2. Peppermint oil:
Peppermint oil has a very strong smell, and very potent effects regarding muscular relaxation, while at the same time improving concentration.
3. Spearmint oil:
For many people, peppermint oil is much too strong, and may cause irritation when used topically. Spearmint oil is a much less potent option.
4. Grapefruit oil:
Grapefruit oil is one of the less known essential oils, but it may be effective for staving off bacteria and viruses, while relieving muscle pain, menstrual cramps, and even mental fatigue when used topically.
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Integrate these essential oils into your regular health routine to stay healthy, reduce pain, and eliminate stress.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
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Because of favourable weather conditions crops and plants were abundant in their versatility in the wilderness and in the cultivation. The more exquisite the plant and its scent was, the higher was the value of the oil derived from it. Scented oil was an item of luxury, and the item associated with the divine. It was a possession of nobility, the ruling class, pharaohs, and even of the gods. Oils played an important part in Ancient Egyptian mythology. Osiris’s mother used it to heal her son’s private parts. Sacrifice rituals included oils, along with cosmetics, food, clothing, and other gifts to the deity. Thus, those who wore scented perfume demonstrated their distinction in society, their vicinity to the deity. The scent of the perfume was usually sweet, since the base for most of them was Moringa oil.
Aside from connotations to deity, religious practice, burying rituals, and the luxury item of nobility, oils in Ancient Egypt were used for many other purposes. Cosmetics and make-up had mineral origin. Moreover, oils were very widely used in medicinal purposes, such as healing wounds with Acacia oil, as an example. Ancient Egyptians understood that certain oils had healing and therapeutic effects upon penetrating the skin. Additionally, Ancient Egyptian surviving poetry describes the use of scented oils in seduction, as well as in intimate encounters between lovers (Manniche 1999).
Between 2000 and 1500 BCE there is plenty of archeological evidence that jars with scented oils were carried across Ancient Egyptian cities. Starting around 1500’s, oils became part of the trade with Mycenaeans. The jars with ointments and scented perfumes were taken around the Mediterranean on the trade ships. Egypt is considered to be the birthplaces of distillation process of essential oils. Although, the first successful distillations in Egypt were accomplished with turpentine and camphor (Guenther, 2013).
Aristotle, Ancient Greek philosopher, was the first to describe the basic principles of distillation process. This was further elaborated on in centuries to come. Ancient Greeks described plants, their properties in a lot more concise and elaborate manner. Further, when these writings were passed on to the Arabic culture, they expanded greatly on medicinal properties of plants. Elaborate use of oils seems to have always played an important part of every civilization. And our modern world, full of technological and scientific advancements, is not an exception. The sacredness that was ones associated with oils in Ancient Egypt transitioned into a well-informed appreciation of this naturally derived, and truly magical in its capacity substance.
Works Cited
Guenther, E. (2013). The Essential Oils-Vol 1: History-Origin in Plants-Production-Analysis. Read Books Ltd.
Manniche, L. (1999). Sacred luxuries: fragrance, aromatherapy, and cosmetics in Ancient Egypt. Cornell University Press.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
Contact us anytime with your questions about organic skincare, aromatherapy, clean beauty and wellness or to just say hey.
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The story behind the discovery of Thieves essential oils is an exciting one. It tells the story of four thieves in Europe at a time when the world was under a heavy attack from the mysterious and fatal disease known as the plague. Due to harsh economic hard times, the four thieves devised a way through which they could rob the sick and avoid contracting the deadly diseases. Through combining ingredients from cloves, aromatic herbs, cloves and spices, they came into contact with the victims, robbed them and never contracted the plague. While under threat of death for the crimes they had committed, they disclosed their tricks and this discovery changed the world. The blend has undergone research with positive results, and now the thieves oil is called a wonder product, from supporting immune system to promotion of good health, the thieves essential oil is one of mankind’s best discoveries. Here are seven uses of the essential oils.
1. Supporting the immune system
When taken regularly either as a capsule or as a drop in your food, thieves’ oil is known to boost the immune system. It facilitates the production and function of the immune system. Taking it daily will not only keep you away from infections but will keep your body fit.
2. Hand sanitizer
With germs all over, you need a hand sanitizer that will yield the best results in getting rid of germs. Thieves’ essential oil, when added to homemade foaming soap, is a great product for cleaning your hands, it leaves them germs free and soft.
3. Has a great taste when used in homemade toothpaste
Thieves’ essential oil is an perfect ingredient in homemade tooth paste, its nice taste leaves your mouth with fresher breath. It will help in killing the bacteria in your mouth and at the same time leave your mouth feeling fresh.
4. Dishwasher cleaner
Use a few drops of the essential oil in your washer and you will have sanitized it for further cleaning. You will have achieved optimum hygienic levels without harming the environment, you will be contributing to a green environment, or what they call green cleaning.
5. Refreshing the room
The essential oil is a natural air cleaner, when you add a few drops of lemon or cinnamon, you will love the sweet smell in your room.
6. Making a homemade cleaner
Want to make a homemade cleaner that you can trust, thieves’ essential oils is a product which is natural and green. You do not have to use products made using ingredients which you are not sure of. Make a homemade cleaner using the essential oil, it is effective, green and cheaper.
7. Thieves essential oil and chocolate
Want a cinnamon flavor and an aromatherapy touch, add a few drops of oil to the chocolate and you will get a taste that is hard to resist.
Thieves’ essential oils is a great product both at home and in the office, it will promote your health, keep your environment clean and safe, freshen your body and surroundings and keep your mouth fresh, this is a magical product that should form part of your essential requirements every day.
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Effective Essential Oils for Meditation.
Integrating essential oils into your meditation practice can have many benefits. Each oil has specific properties to enhance your meditation, so it can be beneficial to combine a few oils to help you achieve a deeper practice. Incorporate essential oils by using a few drops in a diffuser in your meditation room or using them topically diluted in a carrier oil. Here are the five best essential oils to include in your meditation practice:
For a deeply grounding meditation, incorporate warm woodsy scented sandalwood oil. Sandalwood has long been revered for its deeply cleansing and grounding properties. Uplifting sandalwood is associated with the root chakra and promotes memory, concentration, and spirituality.
Lavender is an exceptionally balancing oil. Incorporating this popular essential oil into your practice creates a relaxing environment, aids in improving mood and memory, and balances the emotions.
Clary sage is an excellent choice for achieving clarity during your meditation practice. Use clary sage to sharpen the senses, dispel stress and negativity, and promote relaxation. When we are able to dispel negative emotions the body is able to fully relax and the breathing slows, promoting a deeper connection to our spirituality.
To increase positive energy during a meditation incorporate Neroli essential oil into your practice. This sweet and spicy floral has a slight orange scent. It can counter mental fatigue and stress and relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Neroli helps to achieve inner peace during meditation.
The most spiritually transformative oil for meditation is frankincense. This soothing oil relaxes breathing and releases stress and anger to help clear out emotional blockages. Using frankincense helps to achieve spiritual enlightenment and enhances mental clarity.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
Contact us anytime with your questions about organic skincare, aromatherapy, clean beauty and wellness or to just say hey.
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Aromatherapy & Healing
The discovery and development of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a growing form of complementary medicine, shown to encourage and support a variety of natural healing process. The use of natural aromatherapy oils has seen the most dramatic growth in popularity of any form of complementary medicine in the US in recent years; a testament to the faith that users of aromatherapy oils place in their healing qualities (Kessler et al., 2001). The energising and esoteric healing qualities of oil aromatherapy has had an undeniably positive impact on the mental and physical health of users throughout centuries (Mojay, 1996).
Aromatherapy can be defined as “the use of concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers & other plant parts to treat various diseases” (Cooke & Ernst, 2000, p. 493). Although the term ‘aromatherapy’ was coined less than a century ago, the medical benefits of fragrant, essential oils have long been recognised. In fact, some researchers argue that therapeutic practices that we would recognise today as aromatherapy are one of the earliest forms of practiced medicine (Kelville & Green, 2012). Scholars in ancient Egypt and India perfected the science of distilling plants and herbs to extract the natural aromatherapy oils within. These essential oils were used for a variety of purposes; from insect repellents and relaxants through to cures for digestive and circulatory conditions. Natural fragrances also had a spiritual dimension, with many herb and plant oils used in ancient religious practices.
Aromatherapists operate on the basis that illnesses are the result of imbalances in a patient’s physical, emotional and mental processes. They believe that the proper application of natural aromatherapy oils can address and counteract these imbalances, leading to an increase in the patients’ well being (Nguyen & Paton, 2008). Aromatherapy treatments do not proscribe a standard dose of essential oils. Instead, treatments vary according to the individual characteristics, needs and afflictions of the individual. This makes aromatherapy a highly personalised and targeted form of medicine.
There are many uses for natural aromatherapy oils. The essential oils can be inhaled or can be physically applied to the skin at home or by a professional aromatherapist as party of a therapeutic massage. People who buy aromatherapy oils to apply to the skin get both benefits; as the oils are applied one cannot help but also inhaled the fragrance. Some people who buy aromatherapy oils also apply the essential oils to their pillow, so that they can inhale the healing benefits of the oils while they sleep. This can be particularly effective for users who suffer from insomnia. Other people who buy aromatherapy oils use them in their bath; a mix of ten drops of essential oil (soothing oils such as lavender and sandalwood are best for this; oils such as lemon and oregano should be avoided as they can cause irritation to users’ skin after prolonged contact) with a cup of salt is an effective treatment for circulatory, skin and respiratory problems (Zielinski, 2016).
Evidence for the healing qualities of natural aromatherapy oils.
People who buy aromatherapy oils have reported a number of health benefits, ranging from positive impacts on the user’s psychological wellbeing and energy levels through to stimulating hormone production, improving metabolism and lowering levels of stress and anxiety. Halcon (2002) reports that oil aromatherapy is most commonly used to manage symptoms of stress and anxiety; essential oils from frankincense and lavender are most effective for this (Cavanagh & Wilkinson, 2002).
Previously seen as a ‘pseudo-science’ with little medical benefit, more and more researchers are taking a careful look at the effects of natural aromatherapy oils. As a result, there is a growing body of experimental evidence to support beliefs about the benefits of aromatherapy. As Lis-Balchin (1997, p. 324) reports, whilst the actual way essential oils work in healing is unknown, “there is strong in vitro evidence that essential oils can act as a microbial or antioxidant agent, or have a pharmacological effect on various tissues.”
In their 2006 study, Rho et al. observed that the practice of oil aromatherapy can produce instant, scientifically measurable changes in the blood pressure, level of muscle tension, skin temperature and brain activity of the research participants taking part in the experiment. MacMahon & Kermode (1998) have shown that oil aromatherapy can have a positive, tangible impact on users’ self-esteem, menstrual pain, and insomnia. Cooke & Ernst (2000) report that, as the healing qualities of natural aromatherapy oils gain wider scientific recognition, the use of oil aromatherapy is being applied to ever more areas of conventional health care, such as midwifery and cancer care. Stea et al. (2014) report that encouraging results have been found showing a reduction in feelings of anxiety and nausea in patients prior to and following surgery. The use of lavender, peppermint and orange essential oils were highlighted for this purpose. This combination of complementary and conventional medicine shows that aromatherapy is increasingly trusted by the medical establishment.
In addition to healing, natural aromatherapy oils have preventative qualities too. Zielinski (2016) reports that the antibacterial qualities of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) essential oils can assist with preventing the onset of skin conditions, whilst rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been shown to normalise blood pressure. This suggest that the regular use of oil aromatherapy can forestall the onset of health conditions. Natural aromatherapy oils such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) are also widely known to be effective at cleaning and healing burns scratches and insect bites. Used correctly, tea tree oil could become a natural and effective alternative to over-prescribed antibiotics.
Fragrant, natural aromatherapy oils have a long history of helping users to overcome and prevent health conditions. It seems that medical science is catching up with the long-help believes of aromatherapy oils users, showing that there is clinical evidence for many cures based on essential oils. Hopefully, as the scientific research improves in future, so too will our understanding and appreciation of the healing qualities of aromatherapy.
References
Cavanagh, H. M. A. & Wilkinson, J. M. (2002) Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research, 16: 301-308.
Cooke, B. & Ernst, E. (2000) Aromatherapy: A systematic review. British Journal of General Practice, 50: 493-496.
Halcon, L. (2002) Aromatherapy: Therapeutic applications of plant essential oils. Minnesota Medicine, 85 (11): 42-44.
Kelville, K. & Green, M. (2012) Aromatherapy: A complete guide to the healing art. New York: Random House.
Kessler, R. C., Davis, R. B., Foster, D. F. et al. (2001) Long term trends in the use of complementary & alternative medicinal therapies in the US. Annals of Internal Medicine, 135: 262-268.
Lis-Balchin, M. (1997) Essential oils & aromatherapy: Their modern role in healing. Perspectives in Public Health, 117 (5): 324-329.
MacMahon, N. & Kermode, J. (1998) Can aromatherapy oils promote sleep? International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 11: 926-927.
Mojay, G. (1996) Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils. Rochester: Healing Arts press.
Rho, K., Han, S., Kim, K. & Lee, M. S. (2006) Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in Korean elderly women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116: 1447-1455.
Nguyen, Q. & Paton, C. (2008) The use of aromatherapy to treat behavioural problems in dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23: 337-346.
Stea, S., Beraudi, A. & De Pasquale, D. (2014) Essential Oils for Complementary Treatment of Surgical Patients: State of the Art. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, doi:10.1155/2014/726341
Zielinski, E. (2016) Heal your gut with essential oils. Atlanta: Health Publishing.
This article has been reviewed by HopeWind.
We are a clean beauty and wellness company. We craft unique natural skincare and wellness creations - using only certified organic, wildcrafted or ethically harvested ingredients. We blend research and nature, using active botanicals that deliver effective products.
Contact us anytime with your questions about organic skincare, aromatherapy, clean beauty and wellness or to just say hey.
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A History of Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a highly versatile herb with a wide variety of therapeutic and aesthetic qualities. The plant has been used whole or in the form of an essential oil for millennia as a relaxant, an antiseptic, a cure for digestive problems and to repel insects. Lavender is as popular today as it has been throughout the centuries, and the essential oil can be found in a range of cosmetics and aromatherapy products. However, despite its popularity, only recently has scientific evidence been produced to support many of the beliefs about the medicinal and calmative properties of the plant. This article explores how lavender plants and essential oils have become such a popular remedy over the centuries.
Lavender is native to the south of Europe, particularly the Mediterranean and Adriatic coastal areas of France, Spain, Greece and Italy. The Romans were thought to be responsible for the spread of the plant across much of the European continent; today, a field of fragrant, light purple lavender plants is an arresting summertime sight across much of southern England and Eastern Europe.
Lavandula, the genus of lavender, derives from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash. This hints at the early recorded therapeutic uses of the herb; the calmative properties of lavender meant that it formed an important part of Roman bathing rituals (Muntean et al., 2007).
The first written reference to lavender appears in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher and naturalist Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle who is frequently referred to as the ‘father of botany’ (Walton, 2001). Writing in around 325 BC, Theophrastus made mention of the herb’s ability to assist patients with digestive problems and headaches. In the first century AD, the renowned Roman surgeon Galen listed lavender as an antidote for poisoning and an effective cure for insect bites. Roman physicians also noted that lavender was an effective relaxant; if used correctly it could calm patients and reduce their anxiety (Houdret, 2007). It was used by the Romans to remove lice and repel insects; this natural remedy still used in parts of southern France. Indeed, in the court of French monarch Charles VI (1368 – 1422), lavender lined cushions and pillows became popular for their calming and insect repellent properties.
Lavender essential oil has historically been produced via a process of steam distillation, using both the heads of the flowers and the plants’ foliage. The sweetest, most aromatic oils are derived from the lavender flowers (McGimpsey & Porter, 1999). The oil has been added to teas and foodstuffs to counteract insomnia; it has also been sprinkled directly onto pillows to be inhaled and encourage sleep.
Lavender oil’s capacity to assist with sleep and reduce the severity of symptoms of tension and anxiety have recently received attention from researchers. Scientists have shown in medical trials that lavender essential oils have a positive impact on the quality of participants’ sleep and lead to a reduction in the use of other sedatives (Graham, 1995). Other research has supported the belief that lavender oil can reduce anxiety (Cavanagh & Wilkinson, 2002).
Lavender’s fragrant, purple flowers and medicinal qualities will no doubt ensure that lavender essential oil will continue to be a much-loved remedy for centuries to come.
References
Cavanagh, H. M. A. & Wilkinson, J. M. (2002) Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research, 16: 301-308.
Graham, C. (1995) Complementary therapies: in the scent of a good night’s sleep. Nursing Standards, 9: 21.
Houdret, J. (2007) Practical Herb Garden. London: Anness Publishing.
McGimpsey, J. A. & Porter, N. G. (1999) Lavender: A grower’s guide for commercial production. Wellington: New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research.
Muntean, L. S., Tămaú, M. &Muntean, S. (2007) Treatise of Cultivated and Wild Herbs. Cluj-Napoca: Risoprint Publishing.
Walton, S. A. (2001). Theophrastus on Lyngurium: medieval and early modern lore from the classical lapidary tradition. Annals of Science, 58 (4): 357–379.
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Biblical Essential Oils.
It is well-known that people used essential oils in the past; they have been one of the most important remedies in their lives. In the Bible, both New and the Old Testament, the word oil is mentioned 191 times. Also, there are over 600 references to essential oils and/or the aromatic plants from which they were extracted in the Bible. Essential oils were used in in religious rituals, for supporting health and for spiritual purposes. The most popular essential oils were Sandalwood, Cassia, Rosemary, Calamus, Myrrh, Cinnamon Bark, Thyme and Myrtle.
Sandalwood Essential Oil: The oil comes from the dry and non-functional central core of the Evergreen three; the other name for Sandalwood is Aloes. The Sandalwood has a sweet and rich scent. The Sandalwood oil was mentioned 4 times in the Old Testament (Scriptures: Numbers 24:6; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14) and only one time in the New Testament. It was used for meditation, in religious ceremonies, for perfumes, as aphrodisiac, and for embalming. Today, sandalwood is used for skin care and urinary tract infections. Also, sandalwood stimulates release of the melatonin, a hormone that control sleep and wake cycles.
Cassia: The oil comes from the dried unripe fruits, the buds have warm, slight and sweet aroma, very similar to cinnamon, but definitely more pungent. Cassia is one of the five ingredients in in the holy anointing oil, and it was very popular among the people of Israel. Cassia was mentioned three times in Old Testament (Exodus 32:24, Psalms 45:8 and Ezekiel 27:19). Cassia is also the name of the Job’s second daughter (Job 42:14). Furthermore, the cassia oil as a medical remedy was mentioned in The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient book of recipes. Cassia oil was used for the preparation of the holy anointing oil, and as a very popular perfume (together with myrrh and aloes. Today, cassia oil is very effective in treating arthritic, it is anti-microbial and can reduce high fever.
Calamus: The oil is extracted from the calamus grass, and it has a very nice aromatic smell, a little bit sweet but pleasant. Calamus is also one of the five ingredients in in the holy anointing oil, and it was mentioned three times in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:23, Song Solomon 4:13-14, Ezekiel 27:19). In the ancient times calamus oil was used in the worshiping rituals and as an aromatic stimulant. Today, calamus oil is effective in treating muscle pain and skin infections.
Cinnamon: The oil is extracted from the inner bark which is peeled from the 5 year old tree. The finest oil comes from the youngest branches. The oil have a very sweet, aromatic smell, the color of the oil is golden yellow. In Ancient times cinnamon was imported from Asian countries, mainly through Arabia. The cinnamon is second most important ingredients in in the holy anointing oil and it is mentioned four times in the Bible (Exodus 30:23 Proverbs 7:17 Song of Solomon 4:14; Revelation 18:13). In the ancient times cinnamon oil was used for religious rituals and as a perfume. Today, cinnamon oil has many health-promoting benefits, it is one of the most powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal oils. Also, cinnamon oil can help keep blood sugar stable and prevent chronic fatigue and moodiness.
Myrrh: The oil is extracted from dried Myrrh three; the taste of the oil is very bitter and not very pleasant, the word “myrrh” comes from the word “murr”, which means bitter on Farsi. Myrrh oil was one of the most precious gifts offered by the three wise men to the baby Jesus. It was mentioned ten times in the Bible (Genesis 37:25; 43:11; Exodus 30:23; Esther 2:12; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song Solomon 1:13; Matthew 2:11; Mark 14:3, 4; Mark 15:23; Luke 7:37; John 11:2). Myrrh oil is definitely most important ingredient in in the holy anointing oil; it was also used as holy oil in different religious rituals and ceremonies. The oil was also used for wound healing, and fever. Today, oil is mostly used for aroma therapy and for massages. According to some sources, myrrh oil work very well against coughs and sore throat.
Rosemary: The oil is extracted from herb Rosmarinus officinalis, the oil has a very clear and fresh herbal smell, and the taste is sweet and refreshing. Rosemary oil was considered sacred among many cultures especially among Hebrews. It was also used in many ancient cultures to ward of evils spirits, in religious rituals and as a protection from the plague. Joseph used few drops of rosemary oil, to protect infant Jesus from bugs in his crib. Today, the rosemary oil is mostly used as an antibacterial, analgesic, stress relief and antifungal remedy. The rosemary oil is a disinfectant and is often used as a mouthwash.
Thyme: The oil is extracted from thyme, a member of the mint family. The taste of the oil is very fresh, similar to the taste of the eucalyptus. During the ancient times, the thyme was the herb that grew in the hills near Jerusalem and it was widely cultivated. The oil was used during funerals, and during the rituals of sacrifice. Also, the thyme oil was used for love potions on St. Luke’s day. It was also used for cough syrups and a tasty tea made of sage and thyme, which was very good for upper respiratory illnesses. Today, the Thyme oil is one of the strongest antioxidants, and it is as a perfect natural remedy for the common cold.
Myrtle: The oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stem of the plant called Myrtle. The taste of the oil is sweet and lemony. In the Bible time, the Myrtle oil was widely used in purification and funeral ceremonies. Also, future mothers massaged their bodies for protection against infectious diseases; they also believed myrtle oil will protect their unborn children from curses. In other cultures, the essential oil of myrtle was used to help ease digestive issues and respiratory illnesses. Today, myrtle oil is commonly used to ward off mosquitoes and other insects. Also, oils id used by aroma therapists for skin health and respiratory diseases.
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