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Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health. Essential oils differ in chemical composition from other herbal products because the distillation process only recovers the lighter phytomolecules. For this reason essential oils are rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, as well as other VOC substances (esters, aromatic compounds, non-terpene hydrocarbons, some organic sulfides etc.).

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Aromatherapy and Pain Management

Corinna Underwood | May 28, 2008

There are two basic types of pain; acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute Pain

Acute pain, most usually, is a result of disease, inflammation, or injury to tissues. It is immediate and usually of a short duration. Acute pain is a normal response to injury and may be accompanied by anxiety or emotional distress. The cause of acute pain can usually be diagnosed and treated.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is continuous pain that persists for more than 3 months, and beyond the time of normal healing.

Using Aromatherapy for Allergies

Corinna Underwood | May 27, 2008

Some allergies are no more than a short-tem nuisance, which on other occasions they can affect you whole system. It is believed that allergies and can develop, if untreated, into more serious problems as we get older, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. The immune system is so complex, that it is not completely understood. During an allergy attack, your immune system will release a number of chemicals. This is one of the main roles of the immune system. Histamine, for example may be released, causing your capillaries to expand.

The Top Twelve Essential Oils

Corinna Underwood | May 27, 2008

Here is a list of the top ten most useful essential oils to keep around to help you stay healthy, make interesting blends and generally keep your home smelling wonderful.

Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia). If you don’t keep any other essential oil around, you must keep lavender. Not only is it one of the most relaxing oils, its antibacterial and antibiotic properties make it great for treating minor cuts and burns.

Tips on How to Buy Essential Oils

Corinna Underwood | May 27, 2008

Essential oils are readily available in health shops, some pharmacies, beauty stores and online aromatherapy specialist stores. Most suppliers stock a wide range so it’s not difficult to find even the less popular oils.

Beware of synthetic, these are less effective. Also avoid essential oils that have already been diluted with a carrier oil. Check the label; it should say 100% essential oil.

How to Blend Essential Oils

Corinna Underwood | May 27, 2008

All essential oils fall into the category of "top notes", "middle notes" or "base notes" depending on their various aromatic qualities. When you are blending essential oils you will usually add a combination of one or more top note, middle note and base note. Though top notes are the most invigorating and the lightest oils, they evaporate quickly so their scent usually only lasts between 4 and 24 hours. Top notes usually tend to have anti-viral properties and have a fresh, mood up-lifting scent.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Software

Corinna Underwood | May 19, 2008

There are a number of excellent software programs available at reasonable prices that can help you increase your understanding of aromatherapy. May of them have features including a database of essential oils and their uses, how to make blends and how to use the oils for aroma, medicinal purposes and other uses. Here is a look at some of the best software currently available.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Software by Zentrum Publishing

This is a complete program which will suit you whether you are a beginner or a professional.

Essential Oil Profile – Eucalyptus

Corinna Underwood | May 6, 2008

The genus eucalyptus contains around 600 different species which comprise of more than 70 percent of Australia's native flora. Of the 20 or so species used commercially only 3 used in aromatherapy. These are:

Sweet eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Common Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriadora)

Eucalyptus Oil’s Origins

Essential oil of eucalyptus is extracted from the leaves and the branches of the eucalyptus tree using the steam distillation method.

Aromatherapy and Alzheimer’s Disease

Corinna Underwood | May 5, 2008

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease go through a number of unpleasant and difficult stages and processes as the disease progresses. These include:

Aggression
Agitation
Depression
Delusions
Insomnia
Sleep walking

Most often these symptoms are treated with a range of prescribed medications which sedate the patient so that he or she can function in daily life.