What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essences to promote health and well being. It consists of the use of pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants. They can be steamed, distilled or squeezed from fruit, bark, flowers and roots.

Aromatherapy can help ease a wide assortment of ailments: easing aches, pains and injuries while relieving the discomforts of many health problems. Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system. It can relieve depression, anxiety, reduce stress, relax, uplift, sedate and restore emotional wellbeing.

The appropriate oils can have powerful results, both on the body and the spirit. Fragrance oils, perfumes and other artificially made substitutes do not compare. Only essential oils have these amazing qualities. Many of the oils have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, which unlike pharmaceutical drugs, do not leave behind dangerous toxins.

The word "therapy" is in aromatherapy because the scents truly are therapeutic. Be aware that the word "Aromatherapy" is placed on many commercial products like soaps and candles. That may be just a marketing tool. Look further into what you buy to be sure you receive all of these wonderful benefits of pure essential oils.

The Best Uses of Lavender

*Add a few drops in to your laundry machine. It will leave you clothes smelling fresh and also help clean away bacteria.

*Heat it in your candle diffuser to have your house smelling pretty and to help diminish stress.

*Add a few drops into your bath water along with some low-fat milk. It will make your skin feel amazing.

*Have a pillow on your bed that is stuffed with the herb to promote a peaceful nights sleep.

*Rub Lavender oil on your sunburn with aloe. It will heal quicker and give you some relief. Vitamin E mixed with these can also prevent scarring with other types of burns.

*Rub it on your temples when you have a tension headache.

Spice Up Your Love Life

Here are a few herbal aphrodisiacs that will have you and your lover going all night. These recipes were passed on to me by a professor of mine who specialized in aromatherapy and herbalism. Have some fun with this!

Love Potion #9
Use the finest Vodka you can find
add a tbsp of Damiana
a dash of lavender
some rose petals
and 2 vanilla beans
Let this sit for 5 days
After 5 days, strain out the herbs except the vanilla bean; Add a little honey and some rosewater or jasmine for taste.
In 2-4 weeks remove the vanilla beans and let sit for another month.
Test taste it and give one ounce to each person you'd like to seduce.

Warming Massage Lubricant
2 Tbsp infused ginger oil 2 Tbsp glycerin 18 drops Essential oil of Orange
This will have a shelf life of 6 months.
Chocolate Peppermint Massage Spheres
2 oz of Cocoa butter
4 drops of Peppermint Essential oil
Gently Melt Cocoa butter, add peppermint oil, remove from heat. Refrigerate until firm enough to roll into a ball. Massage ball on body, it will melt at body temperature leaving a delicious trail.

Warm The Heart
Pack a jar with wild roses
cover with vegetable oil and a splash of spring water
Infuse for 6 weeks then strain.
Drink this with your lover.
HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

What Kind of Massage Should You Get?

Swedish Massage consists of long strokes that promote relaxation. It's great for anyone who is stressed out.
Hot Stone Massage can help suck out any bad energy trapped within your body. The therapist uses dark river stones that hold heat from a crock pot filled with water and essential oils. It feels very nice.
Deep Tissue Massage is for anyone with chronic back pain. It can be a bit painful since the therapist will go "deep". A couple days later, you will feel relief.
Prenatal is the only type of massage a pregnant woman should receive. Any other kind could cause a miscarriage.
Shiatsu is a Chinese massage focusing on points and meridians used in acupuncture. It will put you back into balance and promote health.
Rolfing is a serious type of massage that puts your body back into correct alignment gradually.
Reiki is a bit different than massage, it's relaxing, energizing and is especially great for anyone who has a serious illness. It is very non invasive since you keep your clothes on and the therapist hands only rest above the body.
Go on and book yourself a massage today, your body needs it! bornsold@yahoo.com

7 Health Benefits of Aromatherapy

1. Essential Oils Supply Antimicrobials
Research indicates that they are highly effective against fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Studies find in some cases, essential oils can be stronger than Penicillin in the fight of a Staph infection. Putting thyme in a diffuser can protect you from airborne diseases. Other oils of this nature include; tea tree, clove, melissa, geranium, rosemary, and eucalyptus.

2. Essential Oils Decrease Insomnia
Lavender is reported to promote sleep, enhance relaxation and decrease anxiety. Pure grade lavender can be sprinkled on a pillowcase to promote a peaceful night of sleep. Here are some other oils that can be helpful; chamomile, valerian, frankincense, and marjoram.

3. Essential Oils Soothe The Digestive System
When you rub the oils on the stomach with a light massage, it has a n effective and soothing way to calm upsets. Some can help with nausea, heartburn, gas, indigestion and diarrhea. Just make sure the oils are diluted in a cream or massage oil. Some are too strong to put directly on the skin. Try peppermint, fennel, ginger, basil, clary sage, chamomile or patchouli.

4. Essential Oils Support Immune Function
Try these oils to boost your immune system and stay healthy during cold season; clove, lemon, German chamomile and mountain savory.

5. Improve Your Skin
These oils have been known for thousands of years to rejuvenate the skin. They help smooth wrinkles, clear up acne, clogged pores, eczema and stretch marks. Try; lavender, tea tree, patchouli, myrrh, geranium and chamomile.

6.Improve Your Mental Clarity
As you get older, you become forgetful. Sometimes we are so busy that we get confused with what really makes us happy. Essential oils have a strong impact on keeping the mind focused, alert and grounded. Heres the ones that help; cedarwood, lavender, frankincense, orange, peppermint and rosemary.

7. Essential Oils Are known Best For Easing Stress And Anxiety
Bring calmness, balance, peace and soul into your life with; bergamot, lavender, chamomile, vetiver, sandalwood, melissa and clary sage.
Corinne Mazzola, certified aromatherapist, herbalist and massage therapist; editor and chief of anyoneup.com