| p>The use of plants and herbs is the oldest form of | | | | each inhalation, for 30-60 seconds. |
| healing disease and pain, and the medicinal properties | | | | TIP: By moving your tissue/cotton ball closer or further |
| of plants have been recorded in the oldest writings in | | | | away from your nose you can adjust the potency of |
| history, in myth, and folklore. According to ancient | | | | your oils to suit your comfort level. The scent of pure |
| Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests | | | | aromatic oils can be quite powerful, so go slow when |
| and physicians were using essential oils thousands of | | | | introducing them into your system. |
| years before Christ to heal the sick. | | | | You can also apply oils on a tissue or handkerchief |
| Essential oils are highly concentrated, a drop or two | | | | and inhale them. This method is especially helpful for |
| can produce significant results. I have had consistent | | | | inducing relaxation and sleep, or place a single drop on |
| success administering essential oils for inhalation to | | | | your pillow. Most pure essential oils are non-staining. |
| resolve panic attacks and heart palpitations. The | | | | Please test first. |
| results are usually evident within seconds after | | | | Research shows that essential oils are primarily |
| inhalation. For a migraine or tension headache the | | | | absorbed through your olfactory nerves from where |
| results after inhalation are usually within 10-15 minutes. | | | | they immediately enter your blood stream. Your blood |
| What exactly is aromatherapy and how does it work? | | | | circulates to distribute the oils to every cell in your body |
| Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through | | | | within 20 minutes. Research findings show that |
| inhalation. Essential oils are the subtle, aromatic, and | | | | essential oils remain in your bloodstream for up to 4 - 6 |
| volatile liquids extracted through distillation from a single | | | | hours. |
| botanical source (flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark, | | | | II. Air Diffuser: An air diffuser has a basket in which a |
| and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs and trees), the part | | | | pad with drops of oils are applied. A small fan blows |
| of the plant yielding the maximum amount of essential | | | | cool air through the oils lifting them into the air for |
| oil. | | | | dispersal. This is a cost effective method for scenting |
| Essential oils act as the blood of the plant, protecting it | | | | a room and an easy way to instantly create a relaxing |
| from bacterial and viral infections, cleansing breaks in | | | | and cozy ambiance in your home. |
| its tissue and delivering oxygen and nutrients into the | | | | Another inexpensive way to diffuse your aromas is to |
| cells. | | | | use pure aromatic mists made with organic or ethically |
| There are many cheap chemical copies of essential | | | | wild crafted essential oils. These make great air |
| oils available, but these are not recommended for | | | | fresheners and will quickly and effectively eliminate |
| therapeutic use. For best results get the highest quality | | | | offensive odors, as well kill any air borne virus and |
| oils that you can possibly find. Organic, or ethically wild | | | | bacteria, an excellent preventive measure for colds |
| crafted oils should be used whenever available. | | | | and flu! |
| Ways of Using Aromatherapy for Managing Stress: | | | | III. Topical Application: In the USA and England dilution in |
| Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic | | | | a carrier oil is the primary method used for enjoying |
| benefits. The method applied can effect the results. | | | | the benefits of essential oils. Carrier oils inhibit the rapid |
| First, please remember that most essential oils should | | | | evaporation rate of essential oils and allow for safe |
| not be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. You may, | | | | application of oils to the skin. |
| however apply them neat to the palms of your hands | | | | STANDARD DILUTIONS FOR APPLICATION OF |
| or soles of your feet. | | | | ESSENTIAL OILS TO THE SKIN PER FLUID OUNCE |
| Delivery Methods: The choice of delivery method often | | | | OF CARRIER OIL |
| depends on the intended goal. We'll discuss the primary | | | | Use pure vegetable carrier oils, preferably organic: |
| three methods used in practice for stress relief. | | | | Adults - 15 drops essential oil (EO) in 1 oz carrier |
| I. DIRECTION INHALATION: | | | | Children under age 18 - 10 drops EO in 1 oz carrier |
| Direct inhalation is the method used most in Germany | | | | Children age 6-10 - 6-8 drops EO in 1 oz carrier |
| and the one KG primarily uses in practice for best | | | | Children age 4-6, elderly/infirm - 4-6 drops EO in 1 oz |
| therapeutic results in managing stress with essential | | | | carrier |
| oils. | | | | Children age 1-4 - 1-4 drops of EO in 1 oz carrier |
| TIP: Stimulating circulation of blood, lymph and nerve | | | | Children 6 months-1 year - 1 drops EO in 1 oz carrier |
| flow prior to or while administering the oils greatly | | | | Newborns - 1 drop EO in 1 oz carrier, maximum |
| enhances their delivery into your system, i.e. some | | | | Please note: Generally Chamomile is the only oil KG |
| form of movement or exercise, massage, or a warm | | | | considers safe for very young children, infants and |
| bath. | | | | pregnant moms! |
| Application: | | | | Aromatherapy is a natural healing therapy using |
| Put 1-3 drops of oil onto a tissue or cotton ball and | | | | essential oils to improve physical, mental, and emotional |
| slowly introduce the oils into your system by bringing | | | | well-being. Continued research studies, as well as |
| the tissue/cotton ball your up to your nose and inhaling. | | | | empirical evidence show aromatherapy to be highly |
| Breathe the oils, slowly at first, then more deeply with | | | | effective for helping those affected by stress! |