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Lemongrass Essential Oil – Some Uses And Benefits

January 7th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are keen on oriental food, especially Vietnamese and Thai food, then you will have tasted lemongrass in numerous meals. Many herbs and spices used in Asian foods are not only added for taste but also for the therapeutic benefits they can have. This is the case with lemongrass and it is also used in aromatherapy and as a supplement to produce these benefits. This article will discuss the uses and benefits of lemongrass as an essential oil and how it is used in aromatherapy.

Lemongrass essential oil is normally steam distilled from the lemongrass plant. The plant is a long stalk like plant, a bit like the stalks of a young bamboo plant. The resulting essential oil is a viscous, pale oil that is noted for it’s versatility. Some of the properties of the oil include antiseptic, analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial and even antidepressant effects. This oil can treat a variety of problems such as athlete’s foot, acne, skin rashes, excessive sweating, stress, muscle pain and flatulence.

Among the many benefits of lemongrass essential oil are those that treat the skin. Because it has great astringent properties, it helps clear up excessive oily skin which can cause acne outbreaks. In addition, it is effective as a skin toner because it naturally dilates the blood vessels, tightening pores and wrinkles.

On the mental side of things, the oil is thought to benefit the emotional well being of the person. By diffusing the oil throughout the room or by sniffing the oil from a tissue or cloth a person can help to improve their spirits. It is also thought to aid concentration too. The oil has a distinctive smell that acts as a relaxing agent that can help to relieve stress, anxiety and even depression. A massage using lemongrass essential oil can be very therapeutic and calming for a tired body with aching muscles.

There are also anti-fungal properties of the oil. It can be used to treat athletes foot and other fungal infects of the skin. It can even be used for dandruff by adding it to shampoo. Surprisingly it can also be used as an insect repellent. Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks do not like the smell of the oil so by rubbing a bit on your skin you can avoid irritating or painful bites.

There are a variety of other lemongrass essential oil properties which could make your life a lot easier and great smelling to boot. Carry lemongrass essential oil with you on long trips as it will help you fight jet lag and fatigue and even nervousness. It also kick starts the regeneration of ligaments and connective tissues and even improves lymph and blood flow. Because of these positive lemongrass essential oil benefits, it has also been prescribed for edema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and even the retention of fluid.

Lemongrass essential oil is a versatile product that can be used on it’s own or by combining with other oils. It can be used in all the standard ways , either by diffusing in the air, inhaling, adding to bath water or by using as a massage oil.

Geranium Essential Oil Facts

December 18th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Essential oils are a fundamental component of aromatherapy care. There are hundreds of different types and many can be blended to create compounds of the original oil. Essential oils and the various blends are created to heal ailments or simply to create a pleasant smell when burned. They are often used by burning the oil to create a scent and aroma, by topical application through massage or dropping into bath water or by inhaling when added to hot water. One such oil that is popular and extremely useful is geranium essential oil. This article will cover some geranium essential oil facts and how it can be used in aromatherapy.

Geranium essential oil comes from the geranium plant, a perennial, hairy shrub. It grows to around one meter high and has pointed leaves and a pink flower. The plant is found in many parts of the world however the popular varieties are the Geranium robertanium found in Britain and Geranium maculatum found in the United States. Another type that is used for perfumes and scents is the Bourbon Geranium that is indigenous to the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The essential oil is created through steam distillation of the leaves, stalks and flowers.

Geranium essential oil is known as a cure all in aromatherapy because of the wide and diverse range of uses it has. This is partly due to the different chemical constituents that are found in the oil. It is composed of apinene, citronellol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl butyrate myrcene, linalool, limonene, menthane. Many of these chemicals give an inkling of the benefits the oil can give. .

Benefits of Geranium Essential oil

There are many benefits offered by this oil, namely in terms of the therapeutic properties that it features, which are astringent, haemostatic, cicatrisant, diuretic, deodorant, styptic, tonic, and vulneray. The geranium essential oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, lice, and as a mosquito repellent.

 

Possibly the best use of the oil is for skin care. It is often a ingredient in popular skin care products and can treat skin blemishes and acne.

It is also used as an antidepressant. It is thought that the scent of geranium stimulates the adrenal cortex and can balance the hormonal system while stimulating the lymphatic system at the same time.

The oil itself has a light green color and is quite watery. It creates a rose-like scent with a musty, minty green undertone when burned or diffused into the air. This is due to the chemicals geraniol, linalool and citronellol found in the oil.

Geranium essential oil is generally seen as a safe oil. It is non-toxic and non-irritant. It can generally be applied to the skin but may cause sensitivity in some people (this is more the case with Bourbon geranium) so it is always prudent to do a patch test before using it on the body.

In terms of blending it is compatible with a large number of other essential oils, notably lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot and other citrus oils. Due to it’s popularity and ease to create it is relatively cheap, however bourbon geranium is harder to get and thus is more expensive.

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Using Aromatherapy In The Home Safely

December 13th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aromatherapy has become increasingly popular along with many other alternative health care philosophies like meditation, acupuncture and Reiki. Why these things have become popular is not exactly clear but I think people have become a little skeptical of pharmaceutical companies and the high cost of health care. It has prompted them to take more control over their health care. In the case of aromatherapy, it is also an interesting hobby. It is popular in the United States even though it is not recognized as a valid form of health care. Most people start with pre-made oils and burners and move onto researching how essential oils work. They move onto making essential oils and blending different oils for treating health problems.

Aromatherapy is easy to get into. There are many products on the market that are ready to use. So you have things like pre-made aromatherapy candles, lotions and massage oils. Most of these products tell you what type of essential oil is in the candle and what sort of results you can expect from it. This is the first part of your aromatherapy education. Clearly pre-made items like candles may differ in quality and may not even contain any essential oils but simply smell good. So although it is safe to start your aromatherapy education buying ready made products you really want to move on to creating the essential oils yourself. This will produce the most concentrated oils and you will be able to see how they work.

What Are Essential Oils

If you think of the olive fruit, it is harvested and pressed to produce an oil that can be used for adding to food. There are health benefits to eating olive oil over, say, saturated fats like lard or vegetable oil. The same thing applies to many other plants and fruits. This is the basis behind aromatherapy. By extracting the essential oils out of plants or flowers like lavender or basil you can use these oils to benefit the body. For instance, lavender can be used for many things, notably to relieve pain if your skin is burned and to speed up the healing process.

Essential oils are typically pressed or extracted through steam distillation. In some cases they are extracted using chemicals. The extraction process can be quite complicated for some essential oils but pressing and steam distillation is can be done at home. Obviously steam distillation is more complicated than pressing. It involves passing steam through the plant or fruit in question and them cooling this steam. The result is a liquid and oil. The oil rises to the top due to its density and can be skimmed off. This is your essential oil.

Essential Oils And The Skin

This is a very concentrated oil and in some cases essential oils can cause skin irritation if applied directly t the body. So essential oils are great for burning to create rejuvenating scents, you should be careful about applying to the skin. You can either read about the essential oil in reference books or on the internet. They will tell you if the oil is considered toxic, an irritant or safe. You could also try a patch test. This is where you place a drop of the oil on a part of the skin and wait a few hours to see if there is any adverse reaction. After a day or even a few hours you should know if the reaction is good or otherwise.

If the oil is not good for the skin then you can always blend it with other oils that are not irritating to the skin. This will have a diluting affect and make the product safe for the skin.

In terms of safety in the home with aromatherapy, it is advisable to start off small and build your knowledge and experience of aromatherapy before you try exotic oils and involved aromatherapy treatments. The same applies with creating essential oils. You can buy essential oils initially and then build towards creating your own.

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Learning About Different Essential Oil Properties Is Key To Aromatherapy

November 25th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aromatherapy is the use of medicinal properties in plants and fruits to heal the body and mind. It can do this in a number of ways but it has been popularized as a technique that produces a scent or aroma that has positive effects on the person being treated. Aromatherapy also includes massage and rubbing of essential oils onto the body where there is some ailment. A fundamental part of using aromatherapy effectively is to understand the different essential oil properties and how they are used to treat people. This article will look at how essential oils are created and some common essential oils. It will cover what they are used for and how to apply them.

Creating Essential Oils

Essential oil is the extract from a plant or fruit. It is generally obtained by steam distillation, by pressing the fresh product or by applying a hydrocrabon solvent. In some cases it involves more than one of these processes to produce the viscous liquid substance that is known as essential oil.

The most common method is steam distillation. This is where steam is passed through the natural product. The resultant steam is then cooled down to produce a mixture of water and oil. As the substance cools the oil separates from the water and rises to the top. This is skim off to produce the essential oil. The left over water can also be used for various things as it is scented water. Rose water is an example of such a product.

Essential Oil Properties - Lavender

The resulting oil is often very concentrated and it cannot be used neat. It often has to be diluted with other oils or filtered through water when burning. An essential oil that has many uses is lavender. It can help to sooth aches and pains and it can also be used to fall asleep. Putting a few drops on your pillow should help with this.

Chamomile Essential Oil

In fact, each essential oil has it’s own distinctive properties. For example, Chamomile oil can do wonders for your rashes, dry skin, acne and also allergies plus having many other beneficial essential oil properties as well. It also has the ability to provide relief from pain and it can help your muscles to relax. Other essential oil properties of chamomile can help your immune system and has anti-bacterial properties. Chamomile oil is generally blended with other oils, such as almond essential oil to make it last longer or make to prevent skin irritation.

Geranium Essential Oil

There is another essential oil that has its own distinct essential oil properties and that is geranium oil which can provide relief from pain and help your sores in healing while it also makes your overly oily skin more balanced and it is useful for menstrual cramps as well. It has other properties as well such as being able to put an end to bleeding and it will make the body do away with cellulite while helping with bruising as well, and it can also be used for burns as well as bites though take care to dilute it first.

Understanding how each essential oil works and blending various oils so that they complement each other is not only an interesting challenge but it requires study and experimentation.

Sandalwood Essential Oil – How It Can Be Used

November 22nd, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Sandalwood essential oil has been used for thousands of years in a number of different cultures. It is known to be used in Ancient India and China as a form of incense in religious ceremonies. It has also been used as a perfume or cosmetic and to heal and treat ailments. It is mentioned in the Vedic scripture, Nirukta for it’s use in religious ceremonies. In terms of aromatherapy and healing the essential oil has been used as part of the Ayurvedic traditions to heal and treat many conditions. This article will cover how sandalwood essential oil is extracted and some of the healing properties that it can be used for.

Sandalwood essential oil comes from the sandalwood tree that is a common tree in Asia, particularly the subcontinent region. Most essential oil is produced in India. The sandalwood trees have to be at least thirty years old before they can be used to create essential oil. When they are ready, it is generally the roots or heartwood that is used to produce the oil. This is done by water or steam distillation and results in a viscous liquid with a yellowish brown hue. It has a subtle sweet woody scent.

In India, sandalwood essential oil is used as an expectorant for coughs, flu, sore throat and other respiratory complaints. It is also viewed as an aphrodisiac for impotence or frigidity. It can also be used as a sedative and is believed to ease many stress related conditions like insomnia, depression and anxiety.

In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to treat stomach problems like vomiting or aching. It is used for treating gonorrhoea. It is also used to create skin conditions like acne and dry or cracked skin. It can also be used as an aftershave if blended with other oils.

It is still used in the cosmetics industry, particularly in creating fragrances for perfumes or aftershaves. It is also used to fragrance soaps, shampoos, candles and incense. It is also used as a flavor additive for many processed foods.

The most obvious use of sandalwood essential oil is to create a scent that can act to calm any nervous tension or stress induced anxiety. This can be done using candles, incense or an air diffuser. Sandalwood essential oil can also be enjoyed in the bath by adding a few drops into the water. As a soap it can be massaged onto the skin as part of a shower.

What Is Aromatherapy And How Does It Work

November 19th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Although it has only recently been called Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils for healing is documented in many of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Egyptians used many essential oils as a remedy against common illnesses. Since then most other civilizations have used the essential oils of plants and fruits as a healing balm or for changing an emotional state through scent. In Europe of the middle ages, a form of aromatherapy was used by apothecaries and witches. It was only in 1920’s that it was termed aromatherapy by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse.

How Does Aromatherapy Work ?

Aromatherapy works on all parts of the body. It can benefit skin complaints by massaging the essential oil into the skin. Some essential oils have a warming affect when applied to the body so they are good for soothing aches and pains. Aromatherapy also works by creating a scent that can change a person’s mood. They can make a someone who is stressed and uptight into a relaxed and calm person. They can help to lift people out of depression. In terms of massage an essential oil can be blended with other oils so that it is less concentrated and will not irritate the skin. For scents you can use air diffusers or scented candles.

Getting Started With Aromatherapy

The key to Aromatherapy is knowing what properties the various oils have and how to blend oils so that they are compatible. Once you have an idea of the kinds of essential oils you want to make then it is a case of getting the raw material and extracting the essential oil. This is normally done by steam distillation.

If you want to see an aromatherapist for advice or about problem then you could consult the International Journal of Aromatherapy web site (it lists licensed aromatherapists in various areas.) for an aromatherapist or look at your local holistic health.

As with anything else, there are some people who should not use aromatherapy. If you are pregnant the vapors from the essential oils may cause you to vomit or hyperventilate. If you have a serious heart condition, fever or swollen ankles from a heart or kidney condition you need to avoid essential oils because they can cause heart palpations or increase one’s blood pressure. If you have epilepsy, you cannot use essential peppermint oil because its vapors can trigger seizures. If one has varicose veins, recent scar tissue, inflamed areas of skin, or skin infections you cannot massage essential oils over these areas because they may become infected.

Aromatherapy can be a useful way to treat common and everyday problems that you face. It can also be an interesting hobby and source a relaxation in itself.

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