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Basil oil and basil leaves share a rich history with modern man. Indigenous societies were the first humans to discover the amazing properties of basil and the oil derived from the plant. It has been cultivated around the world for thousands of years. During the early years it was also used to treat headaches as well as to enhance the sex drive.

Pliny, the Roman author and naturalist, claimed it was an aphrodisiac, and the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed it for headaches, but his contemporaries used it as horse feed during breeding season. In modern aromatherapy, basil oil is used to lift the spirits and cheer the mind, especially when melancholy and sorrow overwhelm active thoughts.

Being a polymorph, basil oil comes in different strengths and is offered in a variety of scents and compositions. Scented oils range from the lemon, clove, and cinnamon and when the green and purple curly lettuce leaf basil plants are turned into oil they yield another type of oil.

There are two varieties that are used to extract large quantities of essential basil oil in this modern aromatherapy era. The first variety is the Exotic basil, which is grown and distilled on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The European type of basil is also used to produce commercial essential oil. It was originally harvested and distilled in Southern France, but is now cultivated in America as well. The constituents that give basil oil its flavor and aroma are methyl chavicol, linalool, and eugenol.

Reunion basil contains camphor but very little linalool. It has a harsh, woody aroma so it’s not used on its own in aromatherapy since those qualities don’t conform to the energizing and refreshing elements found in a sense of well being. Basil oil is often mixed with lavender, geranium, clary sage, and bergamot to give it balance and a more pleasing aroma. Sensitive skin may react to the methyl chavicol so basil oil is often diluted with another carrier like vegetable oil to prevent skin redness.

The basic uses for essential basil oil are to stimulate the adrenal cortex, decrease anxiety, depression, and fatigue and to treat symptoms of bronchitis, indigestion, gout, fever, and colds. It has hot and cold qualities that can pep up circulation or invigorate sluggish skin. When basil is combined with thyme it’s a powerful antiseptic.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used in baths, inhalers, massages, and facial masks. Basil is still popular as a culinary seasoning, but the essential oil of basil is a valuable friend that can help relieve common cold symptoms as well as rejuvenate and promote emotional stability. Basil has been a soul protector as well as a body protector for centuries. It’s no wonder the early Egyptians offered it to the gods.
Michael D. Thompson, an organic perfumer and accredited Master Herbalist, is the founder and director of Florapathics, LLC which manufactures all-natural, organically-derived personal care products that are infused with pure essential oils for aromatherapy.

Nowadays, people often love to have some fun and just feel the serene state of a place we called home. Even though more often we cannot feel it right inside our home, we can still find ways on how we can actually feel the serene, tranquilized state that we want to achieve. We may never try to feel the endless feeling of being relaxed but what we can do is to be more resourceful as it may seem. Sometimes, the thought that we cannot achieve this through something is not that good, like achieving tranquility can be done thru aromatherapy methods being offered. And to be more relaxed, aromatherapy can be more effective thru pairing it up with essential oils that suit our needs and wants. Essential oils are more often judge by its scent and form but can we try to dig deeper and may be we can get the necessary information needed. One essential oil type is the Fir Needle oil, though it is not that common but may be this is what we needed.

With its botanical name, Abies alba, Fir Needle oil is carefully extracted through steam distillation. And as what the name reads, it was extracted through the needle part of the plant. Bulgaria, Germany and France are just few largest countries wherein fir oil is produced. The aroma can be described as soft, fresh and very greeny, very earthly to smell. It has been widely used to treat respiratory difficulties such as bronchitis and coughs, and may be effective as expectorant for person who cannot expectorate phlegm properly. The oil can also be used as disinfectant.
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Fir Needle essential oil blends well with the following essential oils as well; Cistus Oil, Pine Oil, Lemon Oil, Marjoram Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil and Rosemary Oil. And though its name may sound delicate, but it can cause extreme irritation when used on higher dosages, so using this oil needs extra care and be more cautious. And here are some chemical constituents of this essential oil; limonene, borneol, piperitone, careen, a-pinene, santene and tricylene.

And as what you think of it, it may seem less attractive but then try it, it may be the oil that you had been waiting for to use. Just be more careful when using this, you might be in trouble at no time.

Massage is a very sensual experience. When one gets a massage, it is quite understandable that their attention is drawn mostly by the sense of touch. After all, the sense of touch is the meat and bones of the whole experience. A person goes to get a massage mainly because they want their muscles touched expertly enough t provide a soothing relaxation.

However, a massage can be much, much, more sensual if it is able to titillate the other senses aside from the sense of touch. The sense of sight, hearing, and even taste can play a big part in the massage itself but one of the strongest complements to an awesome massage is the sense of smell.

The sense of smell is a strong sense that goes directly to the brain. It also has the longest memory so that the sensations last longer. This is where aromatherapy comes in.

Aromatherapy is a practice where essential oils and their scents are used to improve the health of an individual as it is applied to the body or burned to be inhaled. A sensual massage can do well to incorporate aroma therapy because it can make the massage experience a whole lot more beneficial.

Although there is no long term study that will back claims of the effectiveness of aromatherapy during a massage, recent studies are promising as it shows a distinct positive effect to the subject receiving the massage in conjunction with scents of essential oils.

One such study shows that there are therapeutic benefits that scent has in making someone feel better. Tea tree oils show anti bacterial and anti-viral benefits to the person receiving these scents. In Japan, a recent study has revealed that it significantly reduced stress levels in mice while in lab conditions.

Others may say that one of the benefits of aromatherapy is purely a placebo effect but it is possible that the presence of aromatherapy allows the body to develop a natural ability to heal itself. Certain plant oils have benefits to the body. Some of the benefits stimulated by aromatherapy include stress and pain reduction, mood management and sometimes as a supplement for hormone treatment.

If you apply these benefits in conjunction with a massage, what you have is a much more effective treatment to aches and pains. Massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment and studies are out there that show a significant benefit for those who try it.

Aroma therapy enhances the massage in two ways. First it uses the scent from the oils as it is inhaled through the nose. The olfactory system is a direct line to the brain and affects the limbic system. The limbic system controls the emotions and hormones and as a result sets the mood for the massage.

The second way that aromatherapy works for the benefit of the person receiving the massage is through the direct contact to the skin. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are highly concentrated essences which are easily absorbed by the skin. The chemicals on the oils can energize, soothe, heal or stimulate just to name a few.

Try aromatherapy with your massage today and see, feel, and of course, smell the difference. You have got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Aromatherapy oils and candles are usually used in homes to provide that olfactory satisfaction of breathing in pleasant scents. Most housewives and even people living alone use these to liven up a room and to set a mood for a particular day. Scents of lavender which makes one feel relaxed, citrus and coffee which are good pick-me-uppers particularly during gloomy and rainy days are among the popular scents used. For people who are fond of purchasing aromatherapy oils and candles from home depots and department stores, you may want to know that other than its ability to make a room smell beautiful, it can help you fight off some diseases.

What are aromatherapy oils?

Aromatherapy oils are extracted from plants, meaning these are natural products, and are processed so that it can be used as oils, perfumes, soap, and others. The use of aromatherapy oils can been traced back to early Egyptians who used them to relieve pain and nowadays, the use of these essential oils improve the mood and reduce stress which can give you a sense of well-being. It is also used to treat allergies, some skin conditions such as acne and swelling, and emotional disorders.

How does aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy oils can be inhaled, added to bath water, used as massage oil, or applied as hot or cold compress. Once it is inhaled, the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for a person’s sense of smell, sends signals to the brain where it said to have an ability to affect the neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune system. For the neurologic system, it has a favorable effect with emotions and in enhancing memory. It also affects heart rate and blood pressure which are critical for the body to perform well. As for the respiratory system, it poses a role in breathing affecting its depth. It also has beneficial effects to the way the body responds to certain disorders.

Lavender is used to reduce stress and headaches and is effective in promoting sleep. Arthritis or painful joints, fever, cold sores, and respiratory problems such as cough, colds, and inflammation of the membranes of the lungs and sinuses can be treated with the use of eucalyptus. Cinnamon, which is popularly used in food preparations, can help with eliminating fatigue, exhaustion, and gastrointestinal problems such as difficulty in bowel movement, and having excessive stomach gas. Peppermint, famous for its flavor in gums and candies, is used to relieve the feeling of the need to vomit and fever.

What are the important things to remember when using aromatherapy oils?

It is important to remember that the production of aromatherapy oils may differ in quality and the process used. Different brands have different amounts of oils being prepared. Some may even be toxic when inhaled in large quantities. It should not be used near the eyes as it can be an irritant to your sensitive eyes. It is necessary to be aware of the proper dilution of these oils before applying them on your skin. These oils are available for external use only and must not be taken in. To be assured that it cannot cause allergic reactions; a skin test must be done initially. Its use must be stopped and must be immediately rinsed off when the skin shows signs of allergic reaction. Aromatherapy oils are not only good for our sense of smell, it can be beneficial to our body as well as long as we know the proper way to use it.

Life can be very stressful. Stress causes many health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, migranes and depression. Many of these problems can lead to an early death. It is important to find ways to relax your mind and body. This will increase your life span and help you to have a happy life.

There are many natural remedies to calm oneself. Baths and tea can be very calming. There are certain herbs that have been named calming herbs. These herbs include lavender, chamomile, lemon balm and more. If you need a mild calming herb you may use Black Horehound, Borage, Roman Chamomile, Hyssop, Lavender, Red Clover, Lemon Balm, Cramp Bark, Black Haw. For a moderate calming effect try Mugwort, Black Cohosh, St. John’s Wort, Motherwort, Lobelia, Chamomile, Pasqueflower, Skullcap, Linden, Damiana, Vervain. For a strong calming effect use California Poppy, Hops, Wild Lettuce, Passionflower, Jamaica dogwood, Valerian.

There are several recipes using these herbs that will help a person be calm. You may try these in baths or teas. These seem to be the best ways to calm down. Here are some recipes.

Calming Tea Recipe:

Use equal parts of Lavender flowers, rolled oats, Linden flowers, Catnip and Lemon Balm. You can buy 1/2 oz of each ingredient at a local natural food store. Mix them together. To make a day’s supply, use 4 tbs of blend per quart of boiling water. Pour water over herbs and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink liquid while warm. Drink one cup after each meal and up to six cups a day if needed.

Mellow Mood Tea:

1 tsp chamomile flowers, 1 tsp lavender spikes, 1 tsp kava leaves, 1 tsp lemon balm leaves, 1 tsp marjoram, 1 spray valerian flowers, 1 quart water

In a large pan steep chamomile, lavender, kava, lemon balm, marjoram and valerian to taste in freshly boiled water. Strain out plant material. Drink teas hot or cool as often as needed. Refrigerate leftovers.

Soothing Bath:

one lemon cut in round slices, 1/4 c honey, 1/8 sea salt

Add ingredients to tub as it fills. Lemon is energizing. Honey makes the skin soft. The sea salt exfoliates and cleans the skin.

Lavender Calming Bath:

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to running, warm bath water. Soak in bath for fifteen minutes. This will help you sleep better also.

The word ‘stress’ is used incessantly. It has become part of our everyday language. But what does it really mean?

To be suffering from stress means being in a state of high tension which can eventually be the precursor of a more serious physical or mental illness. Stress is more often known as ‘nervous tension’. What we mean when we talk about a stressful situation is one which is putting pressure of us that we are not able to cope with it. This state of stress us becoming so common the medical profession has now acknowledged its seriousness by convening many symposia and congresses on the subject. It is now recognized as a serious threat to our health. It is a potential killer and we must pay attention to mastering it before it masters us.

How aromatherapy can help

Aromatherapy acts on the nervous system, which is our most subtle system and the one that is most easily disturbed in the modern world. The nervous system is one which we have no control over such as the beating of the heart. Aromatherapy massage automatically relaxes the recipient by working on pressure points on either side of the spine which function like a series of little power stations to produce energy. In this way a state of relaxation can be achieved.

The essential oils used during the massage of the face and body have a double action. Firstly, they work by scent and secondly they are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. They are powerful allies in the fight against stress. Choose essential oils for their calming and rebalancing properties. Such oils are bergamot, chamomile, lavender, marjoram, neroli, orange, petitgrain and vetivert. These are to be used either in a single essential oil preparation with a vegetable oil such as jojoba, soya bean, sesame, St John’s wort or wheat germ, or in a combination of two or three essential oils again with a vegetable oil.

Taking an aromatherapy bath three to four times a week using relaxing essential oils can be very beneficial in reducing stress. If time doesn’t permit a bath, a footbath can be helpful or sponge yourself down with a wet towel to which 1 drop of essential oil has been added. In addition, a single drop of vertivert (which is known as the essential oil of tranquility) will release a great deal of tension when applied anti-clockwise to the solar plexus. This should be performed morning and night.

It is also good to set aside one evening a week where a light meal is eaten, followed by an aromatic bath and early to bed either reading or listening to music. This will help recharge your batteries. An oil diffuser in the bedroom can help relax you. Try it with calming oils such as bergamot, chamomile, lavender or neroli. A herbal tea can be useful before bed, try lime blossom, lemon verbena, melissa, skullcap or marjoram.

A good diet can also help you deal with stress. Avoid red meat, white flour and products made with it, sugar, processed foods and to limit the amount of fat eaten. Try to eat wholesome, natural food where ever possible. Meditation can be helpful for some. Even 15 minutes set aside each day to relax and unwind can be beneficial.

“Aromatherapy is an entirely individual treatment aimed at making each mother feel her very best. It can be used to help prevent or cope with problems that may arise in pregnancy or very early motherhood. Mothers can turn to aromatherapy for very different reasons, and in each case, it will be appropriate and beneficial.”

Allison England, R.N., Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby. In her book, she lists several ways that aromatherapy can help mothers-to-be…

Fatigue

It can help with the fatigue and the aches and the pains that can be constant companions during the pregnancy. Using essential oils also can be a natural way to deal to any minor illnesses that occur during the pregnancy.

Anxiety

It can help relieve any anxiety the mother feels and help deepen relaxation. Stress is not good for expectant moms; anything they feel affects their babies. Aromatherapy can help mothers maintain a positive attitude and hopeful outlook.

Stretch Marks

Added to a lotion or carrier oil, it can provide a way to prevent the stretch marks that sometimes accompany pregnancy.

Massage

Aromatherapy massages are very therapeutic, both short-term and long-term. It helps deepen relaxation, but also helps mothers connect and tune into their bodies. This helps them feel more connected to their babies and will help them bond with their babies in a deeper way.

“After an aromatherapy massage, a mother will often report a feeling of extreme peace and well-being. Her face may take on a look of tranquility. The massage can also help to relieve the tensions in her life.”

Allison England, R.N., Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby. Obviously, no essential oil will take away the mother’s problems, but in helping her relax deeply, it helps make it easier to deal with them, and to manage any other stress that comes along.

Labor

England recommends both ylang ylang and geranium for use during delivery. They both are calming and soothing and good for anyone feeling anxious or fearful. It has been suggested that geranium is like a warm, nurturing, motherly hug, which makes it seem even more appropriate to use during such a maternal moment.
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The author warns, however, that if you are planning a home birth, you should avoid using the oils in the water, because they could wind up getting into the baby’s eyes. But during the early stages of labor, lavender could be used in a massage or a bath oil. Once your baby arrives, you also can do baby massages using essential oils, so from the beginning of pregnancy through the early stages of infancy, aromatherapy can benefit both mother and baby.

Some symptoms of sinus include blood pressure, headache, congestion, swelling and inflammation. All of these discomforts can be avoided if you learn to control your sinus condition by using simple natural remedies for sinus infections.

You can overcome many of the common symptoms by empowering yourself with various precautions and measures. You need to follow these simple plans that can help you stay in control of this painful inflammation.

Plan 1

You need to consult a specialist who will conduct a detailed evaluation. This evaluation will help you to select the right medication for you.

Plan 2

Try to explore the complementary treatment options available. There are actually many complementary natural remedies for sinus infections that you will be able to find, that aim to help with this condition, and some of them may include:

• Exercise: To overcome infection in your sinus you can practise QiGong. QiGong is a combination of exercise, meditation and breathing which will help strengthen your sinus.

• Meditation: When meditation is undertaken regularly, your body relaxes which helps in de-stressing your body. This will help you to overcome allergies that are caused due to over stressing.

• Aromatherapy: One of the most effective natural remedies for sinus infections. Using aromatherapy will relax your body and will also help it de-stress. This will help your body combat infections.

• Herbal medicine: Herbal medicines have been used by both Western and Chinese people to treat diseases. Using herbal medicines that help build the body’s immune system are a great way to combat illness naturally.

• Homeopathy: Homeopathy often uses herbs to cure infection and diseases.

Plan 3

Improve the surroundings that you live in. Try to improve the quality of air that you breathe. Also make sure that your house is clean, as dirty pillows and carpets could cause an allergic reaction in your body. Some common triggers include spores, dust mites and moulds. You can reduce your sinusitis by reducing your exposure to such triggers.

Plan 4

To control the infection in your sinus you should have a balanced diet. Make sure your diet includes the right minerals, vitamins and nutrients, as this is an effective way to help heal allergies. Try to include antioxidants like apricots, broccoli, almonds, lobster, cod liver oil and orange juice in your diet.

Plan 5

One of the major triggers for allergy is stress. Try to relax by listening to your favourite music or just sit back and relax in your favourite chair.

Plan 6

At times, the use of conventional medicines can help you overcome most types of allergies. These conventional medicines are usually used with complementary medicines and can do wonders to your health. Conventional medicines help in maintaining your health and help to heal the body faster. However, it is best to consult your doctor before you take conventional medicine.

You need to be committed and patient if you need to cure yourself from sinus infection. You should follow the plans carefully for the best results.