Aromatherapy – New Age or Old Time Pharmacy?
Aromatherapy is the science of using pure essential oils for therapeutic, mood enhancing and cosmetic benefits – basically old time pharmacy. This is not ‘New Age’ – for centuries essential oils have filled dispensaries and provided pharmacists with the raw materials to make medicine. The modern medicines we see today evolved from these practices, but in our haste we left the ‘whole’ of the plant behind. By returning to nature in its entirety, we reduce side effects and work on the body as a whole.
The term ‘Aromatherapy’ can be misleading as it immediately makes us think only of smell. Whilst smell is a part of it, there are many other ways in which the oils work. Inhalation, bathing and topical application are sometimes much more effective, depending on what the issue is. A lot of the oils used therapeutically don’t appeal to our senses, in fact some are so pungent they are used to repel insects! In this regard, you will choose an oil for what it can do for you and apply it further away from your nose. They absorb quickly into the blood stream when diluted and when used topically any leftover smell is minimal. A good example of this is the oil of Thyme, some love the smell and some don’t. When you learn that it assists with phlegm coughs, lung infections, sore throats, bronchitis and asthma – you really don’t care what it smells like. It also eases gout, arthritis, bloating and flatulence and is a strong antimicrobial making it effective for gastro and candida. Emotionally Thyme fortifies us increasing stamina and willpower.
While there are hundreds of essential oils, the main 6 are:
Lavender – one of the few oils we use undiluted safely on the skin. Often referred to as a first aid kit in a bottle it can be applied directly to wound, cuts, burns and abrasions. It eases stress and associated headaches and helps with mild insomnia. Lavender is the nurturing oil that helps you create your own protected space.
Chamomile (German Blue) – is diluted in jojoba as an industry standard due to cost, so it can be applied safely directly on the skin as well. It is used for anything red and inflamed on the skin and features in many blends for pain, arthritis, and most skin conditions. One drop on a mouth ulcer and it reduces overnight! On an emotional level we use Chamomile to let go of life’s limitations, break negative patterns and old habits.
Eucalyptus – being Australian, we have a strong association with this plant. It is a potent antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. Most commonly used for treatment and prevention of common colds and flu’s, it is also used in pain blends for muscular aches and pains, headaches, neuralgia and shingles. Eucalyptus is the oil of integration, removing restrictions regrets and fears.
Peppermint – is one of the most used oils as it is so versatile. It can be found in blends for headaches through to foot balms. Its digestive properties are amazing – assisting with things like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence and indigestion, whilst its analgesic properties means it is an asset in a pain blend. It helps with itchy skin and clears sinus headaches. Peppermint helps you connect with your purpose in life.
Lemon – is a potent antibacterial, abates infection, reduces oily skin issues, clears the mind, stops nose bleeds and is great for warts and boils. It is the oil of rationality and cools the spirit so that you can respond in a rational manner.
Tea Tree – another well known Australian oil that we grew up with. It has many uses but it is strong so we recommend that it be diluted. It is famous for its antibacterial and anti fungal properties and features in many recipes for things like athlete’s foot, thrush, cold sores, coughs, catarrh and sinus. It is the oil of understanding as it helps you find patience and see other peoples point of view.
It is common to hear comments like – ‘I have a box of oils at home but I haven’t used them in 10 years’. Aromatherapy oils are simply amazing but they don’t jump out of the box and apply themselves. Oils without knowledge are redundant.
To enable you to use aromatherapy properly, we provide 8 different educational workshops. They range from the vary basic understanding and the versatility of the ‘Introduction to Aromatherapy’ through to the intense learning of the ‘Tired Aching Bodies’ where you can learn the use of oils to minimise pain and inflammation.
During this journey you will learn:
- How the oils get in.
- How they know where to go.
- How to synergise blends.
- How to personalise blends to you for best effect.
- How to use oils in the most cost effective and useful ways.
- What gives you the best results and what is the most practical way to implement them.
- How to make small changes now that will give massive results in the future.
Changing the ways of a lifetime can be tricky as even though we understand the process, we can slip back into old habits. That’s why we see this as a journey and being part of a community of people helps us to stay on the right road. Learning ways to integrate them into our daily routine makes the change easier. Replacing store bought, toxin filled bases such as shampoo’s conditioners, body washes, lotions, creams etc with natural bases and adding the oils applicable to our needs allows us to take out the thought process of what to use today. Bit by bit you will instigate positive change.
A great investment to protect your investment is our own Amazing Scents Book.
