A great way to quickly identify which therapeutic quality an oil will impart is to think of the sensory experience you have whenever you smell, taste, touch, or see the fruit, flower, or plant of its origin.
For Example:
CITRUSES:
Remember those Orange Crush Soft Drink Commercials From The 70’s and 80’s? You know, sun drenched beaches, young, happy people smiling and laughing, surfing, partying, falling in love!
That’s what citruses feel like!
No, they won’t make you fall in love, but they’ll bring a dramatically more cheerful effect to your mood and outlook!
Think of holding a fresh, ripe, orange or lemon in your hand…
Its smell is fresh, tart, and uplifting…reminding you of a sunny, warm summer day.
Its juice is purifying, astringent, and refreshing.
Even the color of the citrus is bright, colorful, cheerful and fresh!
So, from a mood-elevating/therapeutic perspective…citrus oils uplift, cleanse, remove toxins, purify, lighten the spirit, energize and eliminate depression and sadness. Citruses: Have a “high vibration” therefore they uplift, cleanse, purify, lighten the spirit, energize and eliminate depression and sadness. All citruses also clear the mind and create focus in addition to being great toner/cleansers!
Relaxing, calming, uplifting, 'sunshine' oil, soothes nerves, depression, anxiety, eases obsession and fear, aids sleep, helps alleviate constipation, assist in relieving water retention, cellulite, lymphatic drainage, promotes mental clarity and emotional balance, stimulates creativity and confidence.
See how this works! Pretty cool huh?
Now let’s try another category…
Check upcoming postings
- just click on picture
See More Information In E-BookSO HOW EXACTLY DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?
Well, the short answer to this question is that essential oils, affecting the most primitive parts of the brain controlling mood and hormone production, assist the body in producing the correct ratio of bio-chemicals necessary to heal the body, create elevated moods, and eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
So, in essence essential oils simply assist the body in doing what it does naturally…eliminate toxins and disease, and repair, rebuild, and restore its systems…which lead to optimum health.
As far as being anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-biotic…essential oils have been clinically proven to eliminate harmful pathogens because of their unique ability to “smother” bacteria, virus, fungus, and other harmful pathogens.
See, this is really key because many people these days are developing “anti-biotic resistance” meaning that the strains of viruses and bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals.
But many ‘super germs’ never develop a resistance to essential oils because these incredible plant essences actually “smother” or “suffocate” bacteria!
In her article…”The Wonder Oils” published in The Herbalist, Author and Senior Editor of Vegetarian Times Norine Dworkin cites that Tea Tree alone has been clinically proven to kill the dreaded Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, so prevalent in hospitals…as published in the 1995 Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
In addition she writes, “A 1990 study by Lederle Laboratories and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital found that a 5% tea tree oil gel was AS effective as benzyl peroxide in treating acne, with less drying, stinging, and redness.”
Even more compelling, a study published in the Journal of Family Practice (June 1994) found that “pure tea tree oil relieved nail fungus as effectively as clortrimazole, a topical anti-fungal drug.”
But get this…A 1985 study at the University of Paris showed that 21 of 28 women, who were given tea tree oil suppositories to combat Candida albicans (common ‘yeast’ infection) showed complete recovery after one month of use!
Other Power Oils like Oregano are being closely researched these days.
According to a study done by the Anadolu University in Turkey…”topical applications of oregano oil worked better than ibuprofen and nearly as well as morphine for controlling chronic pain…applied to gums, fights plaque and gingivitis.”
And Author Cass Ingram (The Cure is in the Cupboard: How to use Oregano for Better Health, 1997) says “I’ve never seen anything reduce inflammation or swelling for burns so quickly…for sunburn it’s a total life saver.”
As you can see, the medical community is fast beginning to catch on to and prove through clinical research what aroma therapists, alternative healers and seekers have known
for years:
Essential oils when properly used are one of the most powerful substances on the planet for restoring, healing, and bringing balance to the body, mind, and spirit…Period!
But let’s talk for a minute about…
WHAT AROMATHERAPY IS NOT…
There is so much mis-information floating around the internet and perpetuated by the “commercial marketing machine”. The average person who hears the word ‘Aromatherapy’ would no doubt have some confusion regarding the actual definition of the word.
And its no surprise considering how many large commercial Giants have jumped on the aromatherapy bandwagon by referring to their plug-ins, room sprays, and even candles as being “aromatherapy”.
Not Even Close!
The authentic definition of Aromatherapy is: The application and use of plant based essential oils to heal, tend, beautify, and restore the body, mind, and spirit.
In fact, a much more appropriate title for the use of essential oils would be “Essential Oil Therapy”…except that probably wouldn’t be as much fun as the word Aromatherapy would it?
The reason essential oil application got the name Aromatherapy was largely because the volatile plant chemicals and compounds found in essential oils, that are so therapeutic for the body and mind, almost always have a naturally pleasant scent and since the quickest way of absorbing essential oils into the body is through the nose…
…well, you can imagine why it would come to be known as “Aroma-Therapy”!
Unfortunately, many people are mis-informed about what Aromatherapy actually means due to the sheer frequency with which the word is so freely used in the media.
It really urks me that so many companies have simply slapped the label of “Aromatherapy” on their products when in fact most of these commercial products are laden with petroleum based chemicals.
In fact, most have nothing to do with essential oil based aromatherapy whatsoever!
Yet, a large majority of the population has this idea that anything that “smells good” must be aromatherapy! Not So!
Only the application and use of therapeutic grade essential oils truly deserves the title Aromatherapy.
So the next time you are shopping for candles, room sprays, body mists, bath oils, etc…just remember…
…there is no such thing as “peach” or “blueberry” essential oil! (Although I’m sure some of the larger commercial manufacturers would love for you to believe that.)
And even though a candle may have the name…”Green Tea and Lavender” doesn’t mean it has anything to do essential oils. In fact, you have to get really good at reading labels because so many commercial products will use the name Lavender Fields, or Orange Blossom, or Herbal Blend…when in reality the scent in the product is mostly synthetic.
Okay, so now that I’ve gotten off my soap-box (sorry if I seem a little aggressive about this issue…it’s just that it really bugs me when the Big Commercial Machine tries to pull the wool over the publics eyes just to sell more merchandise!)
But let’s move on shall we!
In this article we will be exploring the quickest, easiest, and most convenient ways of:
1) Categorizing Essential Oils Using the Quick Mind-Map Method!
2) Creating Your Own Unique Essential Oil and Perfume Blends!
3) Easy Tricks For Turning Ordinary Household and Body Care Products into Aromatherapy Items!
So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
*Bibliography:
1) David Flegel , MS, “Do Scents Make Health Sense?”,
WebMD Medical News, Jan. 7, 2002
“Five minute tricks to quickly mastering the therapeutic, mood elevating use of essential oil aromatherapy!”
Break through the confusion and overwhelm of choosing essential oils by learning the “quick category” method!
Mind Map your way to aromatherapy success with a “free association” game!
I love to share information that empowers other people.
I have a God-given talent for finding secret-shortcuts that eliminate hassle and aggravation!
Let’s face it, you would much rather live your life than spend endless hours trying to implement a process that’s supposed to make your life more pleasant in the first place!
So, Lets Get Started Now!
Ever wish you could quickly condense volumes worth of essential oil knowledge into a quick, fun, easy to use method of categorizing essential oils so that you always know which ones to use and why?
One of the most intimidating things about learning to use essential oil aromatherapy is the downright dizzying array of lists, cross-references, Latin names, origins, uses, applications, safety information:
Which oils do what?
How do I use them?
· What should I avoid?
· How do I make sure this is safe for my family?
· Where do I buy essential oils that are high quality?
Admit it…
When you first became curious about essential oils and aromatherapy you no doubt had a mixture of excitement and sheer overwhelm?
There’s so much information to learn, how on earth can I wrap my brain around this extensive science …right?
Well, it’s your lucky day!
Because I’m going to show you a magnificent shortcut past all the confusion so you can begin identifying and mastering the use of essential oils quickly!
After all, most people aren’t trying to use essential oils to detox the liver or heal psoriasis, that’s for the pros to do…
You just want an easy way of using essential oils to make your daily experience happier, healthier, and smelling like a heavenly garden!
So, for the sake of using essential oils in your daily life to elevate your mood, freshen and cleanse your environment, and beautify your skin and hair… I’ve discovered an easy method to shortcut past the confusion. In a nutshell, all essential oils can be easily broken down into 5 major “mood” categories:
Citruses (& Citrus ‘types’)
Florals & Herbals
Woods & Roots
Mints & Menthols
Spices
One of the best ways that I’ve discovered of understanding and categorizing essential oils is to create a simple “Mind Map” through “Free Association”
All that means is fitting all essential oils into 5 easy categories, understanding the properties of each category.
“Trust your nose…it “knows’ a lot more than you think!”
Why?
Because our sense of smell is directly connected to one of the oldest parts of our developed brain and is also one of our keenest senses!
Buckle J
[Medline record in process]
Chronic pain consumes approximately $70 billion per year and affects some 80 million Americans. Increasingly, aromatherapy has been used as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
This therapy is thought to enhance the parasympathetic response through the effects of touch and smell, encouraging relaxation at a deep level. Relaxation has been shown to alter perceptions of pain.
Even if one ignores the possibility that essential oils have pharmacologically active ingredients--or the potential pharmacokinetic potentization of conventional drugs by essential oils--aromatherapy might possibly play a role in the management of chronic pain through relaxation.
Clinical trials are in the early stages, but evidence suggests that aromatherapy might be used as a complementary therapy for managing chronic pain! As such, this article examines the potential role of clinical aromatherapy as a complementary therapy in the care of patients with chronic pain. Although the use of aromatherapy is not restricted to nursing, at least 1 state board of nursing has recognized the therapeutic value of aromatherapy and voted to accept it as part of holistic nursing care.
Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 1996 Apr;2(2):38-40
Lis-Balchin M
School of Applied Science, South Bank University, London.
'Aromatherapy' is one of the most actively growing forms of alternative medicine combining massage together with counseling and a nice odor. Most clients suffer from some kind of stress-related disorder and aromatherapy encourages the healing process largely through relaxation and the relief of stress.
Stress is also a major problem in hospitals, hospices and homes for the aged and physically or mentally-challenged. Nurses who want to be closer to their patient and doctors who can refer patients with stress-related disorders who do not respond to conventional medicines welcome aromatherapy.
The actual mode of action of essential oils in vivo is still far from known, although there is strong in vitro evidence that essential oils can act as an antimicrobial or antioxidant agent or have a pharmacological effect on various tissues. Studies have shown that essential oils have an effect on brainwaves and can also alter behavior.
It is possible that most of the effect of the oils is probably transmitted through the brain via the olfactory system. Used professionally and safely, aromatherapy can be of great benefit as an adjunct to conventional medicine or used simply as an alternative.
Hosp J 1998;13(3):69-75
Years ago I was attending an aroma-therapists seminar where essential oil novices, students, practitioners, and masters alike gathered to exchange ideas, knowledge, research, recipes, and camaraderie!
I was relatively new to aromatherapy back then (and pretty young as well!) So, I was excited when one of my friends, a licensed naturopathic practitioner, invited me to join the group in order to further my knowledge of essential oils.
It was an exciting meeting. Everyone was *buzzing* about how essential oil and aromatherapy had changed their lives for the better.
You could hear the enthusiasm in their voices and see it in their beaming eyes that they too, like me, had discovered for themselves (first hand) a life changing and empowering application.
Why? Because we all felt such a sense of empowerment that we had found these tools, these powerful essences to improve our lives at will…anytime, anywhere.
Not only that, but we all felt secure in the knowledge that this ancient science had so many pioneers, doctors, and healers, today and throughout history, to provide us with verifiable information, scientific research, and real-world results as a guideline on this new path.
Little did I know that this sense of empowerment and excitement was about to be tested and proven in a huge way that day!
How quick thinking and the right essential oil can
empower you to turn crisis into TRIUMPH!
We all stood up before the group and made our individual presentations and testimonies about what each of us had discovered about essential oils and how they were working daily in our lives.
We exchanged oils, smelling, testing and giggling like little school children…the mossy scent of Tea tree, the ancient biblical mystery of Frankincense, Lemon, and Sweet Orange. We were all having so much fun!
I turned to the man sitting next to me, Tom…a gentle, kind man who was new to aromatherapy but eager to learn all he could! (Little did he know, he was going to learn A LOT about essential oils in the most direct and powerful way possible!)
I noticed he had been developing a cough throughout the day, and his neck was becoming flushed, like he was getting a rash.
I was growing concerned, so I reached my hand to his shoulder and asked if he was O.K.
He said he was having some trouble breathing and I could tell he was beginning to wheeze a bit. He explained that he was allergic to cat dander and was developing an allergic reaction to it.
(Here, the owner of the building had brought her cat to the seminar with her.)
None of us had really paid much attention, after all pets were welcome in this group.
But, Tom, never one to make a fuss, never mentioned that it might be a problem. We were so busy testing, giggling, joking, and smelling oils we were completely oblivious!
At this point I was Extremely concerned; his wheezing got worse and his face grew redder as he continued to cough repeatedly.
I was about to suggest we step outside for a moment to catch a breath of fresh air. He had even forgot to bring his inhaler!
Just then Linda, (the naturopath I was telling you about earlier) instinctively reached for her Lavender Oil and immediately began applying it to Tom’s neck and back-
“Just breathe deep Tom,” she said handing him the bottle of Lavender to inhale, continuing her gentle application of oil to his face, neck and back.
”How’s that?” she asked.
“Much better” he said, his cough had subsided considerably within less than a minute. He began breathing deep once again, and his color seemed to be returning to normal.
The group waited silently to see if he was all right, he looked up and with a deep, full breath said, “ Thank you, I’m alright.” Indeed, he was all right. In fact, he never once got up to go outside!
Linda’s application and quick thinking, and Tom’s strangely quick recovery opened up an exciting discussion among the group. Would you believe, 4 out of 15 at our table had cat allergies!
One woman spoke up and said “I knew Linda would probably bring her cat so I was sure to apply Lavender before I came, I’ve been periodically smelling it since. I haven’t once had a problem with it today. Usually, I’m so congested and teary-eyed, I’d have to leave”
Story after story of allergies being stopped in their tracks with essential oils, migraines being thwarted, and rashes simply disappearing, and a whole host of other testimonies!
I learned a lot that day, mostly about how quick and effective essential oils really are!
The real, no-bones-about-it definition of aromatherapy is having the daily experience of personal empowerment…having the tools at your disposal to:
o Stop and prevent allergic reactions fast!
o Effortlessly attain relaxed states with Lavender or heighten clarity with "mind sharpening" oils like Rosemary, and Peppermint!
o Quickly restore open breathing!
o Zap infections with the anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties of essential oils like Lavender, Tea Tree, Oregano, and Frankincense!
o Easily convert stress into deep relaxation.
o Instantly purify your environment, scenting while wiping out bacteria and virus!
o Beat depression with high frequency oils like Frankincense, Bergamot, and Geranium!
o Dramatically improve your creativity by trading harmful stress hormones for natural feel good hormones!
The list is virtually endless!
What other natural science in the world offers as many options,
as much flexibility, and as much immediate power as aromatherapy?!
The only other forms of such immediate effect are meditation or drugs. Meditation requires years of practice, and drugs taking, well… for the most blatantly obvious reasons I don’t recommend that path AT ALL!
(Of course, I was referring to recreational drug use. Not the kind of drugs your doctor recommends as part of a regimen. I could NEVER endorse ignoring the educated, professional advice of your doctor. That would be foolish of me.
In fact, your doctor [whether traditional or naturopathic] can be one of your most powerful allies in your goals of achieving optimum health!)
More often, we’re beginning to hear about conjunctive therapy, where the lines between traditional and alternative medicine are beginning to blur!
The following digested articles offer compelling evidence that Science is beginning to ‘catch on’ to alternative therapies like Aromatherapy, proving through research and ‘evidence based guidelines’ that essential oils can indeed have a profound effect on mood, stress relief, pain management, healing, and contribute to overall wholeness and vibrant health!
(Note: the publishers and authors of the following articles are fully cited and recognized as the sole copyright owners. The inclusion of this information is solely for reference and educational purposes only)
Safety Information and Disclaimers:
The Botanical Database and Reference contained in this publication is a listing of plants and other nutrients and some of their traditional properties and uses. This database was developed purely for informational purposes only, and does not in any way purport to be a medical or prescriptive guide.
This reference should never be used to replace the competent medical advise of your physician. The use of essential oils and/or any methods outlined within this reference material is used solely at your own discretion and personal risk. Furthermore, contributing editors all, shall not be held liable, expressed or implied, for damages resulting from any use or misuse of essential oils and/or methods outlined in this reference material.
Be sure to read, follow, and understand all safety information before implementing essential oils and their consequent uses. Strict adherence to safety guidelines will significantly reduce or entirely prevent injury, personal or otherwise. Misuse or misunderstanding of safety information and precautions can result in severe personal injury.Any reference to medicinal or health benefits is not meant to treat or diagnose any problem or condition and is not meant to replace professional medical advice and should not take the place of any regime and/or medication that has been prescribed by a licensed physician. We suggest you always use caution when taking any herb or medication other than those prescribed or suggested by your physician. And if pregnant or nursing, again, please use caution or avoid the use of essential oils altogether. All herbs and essential oils should be kept out of the reach of children
Know what they can do and know how they work.Knowledge is your best friend. Read our safety information.
· Essential oils are very concentrated and can be dangerous if used improperly. Always refer to a reputable source for specific safety data before using a new essential oil.
· All essential oils are HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Always use caution when using essential oils near fire or heating elements.
· Keep all essential oils away from your eyes, ears, nose, genitals, and mucous membranes. They are too concentrated for these delicate tissues. They kill ALL bacteria (even beneficial bacteria).
All Essential oils are pure botanical extracts -THEY IS HIGHLY CONCENTRATED- We strongly suggest against using the oils topically (on your skin) in their "neat" or unadulterated form. ALWAYS DILUTE - dilute with oil, lotion, gel etc... Do not dilute with water, most essential oils do not dissolve completely in water.
DO NOT TAKE ESSENTIAL OILS INTERNALLY! The International Federation of Aromatherapy recommends that you never take essential oils internally. Essential oils do not mix with water, and in an undiluted form they may damage the delicate lining of the digestive track. In addition, some essential oils are toxic if taken internally.
About Use by Children
KEEP CONCENTRATED OILS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Always supervise your children if you allow them to use essential oils (We suggest only for children age 13 and up). The concentrated nature of essential oils can make them harsh for young children's delicate bodies. We strongly suggest using only the mildest oils (Like Rosewood, Tangerine, Lavender etc..) with your children.
