Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Aromatherapy-ayurveda

All the various methods of using essential oils discussed through the book- baths, inhalations, massage oils, compresses and creams- can be used for children as well as adults, with a few safety provisos.

Do not use any oil undiluted on a child, except for Lavender oil on small burns or bruises.

Dilute essential oils in a base oil before adding them to a bath for a child; they tend to enjoy splashing around in the bath more than adults and could get the oils in their eyes otherwise. Reduce dosage too, to a maximum of 4 drops per bath. For young infants, perhaps simply make a tea, of Lavender flowers for example, and add that to the bath.

In massage, use lower dilutions of essential oils: a maximum of 1 percent for ages 12-16; ½ per cent for ages 8-12; and ¼ percent for ages 4-8. Under 4-year-olds will need just a drop or two in 100 ml(4 fl oz/½ cup) of base oil.

Never leave a young child alone with bottles of essential oils, and always supervise their use .

Use steam inhalations only briefly, and not at all if breathing is affected. Sometimes it is better to put a drop or two into a wash-basin of steaming water and sit with the young child next to it, rather than bending over a bowl.

A good way to help to fight infection, suitable for all ages, is to use a few drops in a plant spray, typically 600 ml(1 pt/ 2½ cups) capacity, fill with water, shake and spray the room at regular intervals. Use oils such as Lavender, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.

Probably the two most suitable essential oils for use in childhood ailments are Chamomile and Lavender. They are both soothing, relaxing and anti-inflammatory, and help to calm the child as well as help to fight the illness. For instance, in a condition such as chickenpox, 2 drops of Lavender oil in 5 ml(1 tsp) of water can be dabbed on to the emerging spots to soothe the irritation and heal them at a much faster rate; Chamomile cream is very versatile, soothing many inflamed skin disorders. Additionally, the aroma of these oils helps to calm the child and give them a more restful sleep.

For colds and such like you may consider Benzoin, Frankincense and perhaps tiny amounts of Eucalyptus or Peppermint.

Although aromatherapy oils may appear harmless, they are very strong and should always he kept out of the reach of children.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/aromatherapyayurveda-332649.html

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Twelve Great Ways to Use Lavender Oil

Lavender is not just another pretty flower. The oil of this fragrant and much-loved plant is amazingly useful, as I learned when I co-authored a book about a lavender farm in Hawaii. From the farmhouses of old Europe to the palace of the Hawaiian monarchy, lavender has found a place in homes of every description.

Like other essential oils made from various herbs and flowers, lavender oil carries the essence of its parent plant, distilled into liquid form. But, unlike other essential oils (which must be mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond, olive or canola), lavender oil may be used "neat," straight from the bottle.

Aromatherapy texts contain many suggestions for how to use this oil, and research has shown that a lot of the lavender-based folk remedies passed down through the generations have a basis in science. Lavender is antibiotic, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal, which means that it can protect and promote health in many ways.

Before the days of antibiotics, sweet-scented commercial soaps and lotions and all the other modern preparations that keep our bodies healthy and our homes clean and smelling fresh, lavender was a housewife's best friend. For centuries, lavender has disinfected sickrooms, healed wounds and burns and sweetened the air in castles where the nobility's pets were as much at home as their owners!

Great for home first-aid kits, lavender oil will maintain its therapeutic powers for about two years. After that, use it for its fragrance, perhaps as part of your housecleaning routine.

Here are a dozen simple suggestions for using lavender essential oil.

-Add a few drops to any body lotion to make a fragrant moisturizing cream. Smooth it on before bedtime to take advantage of lavender's famous relaxing properties.
-Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel, add a drop of lavender oil and rub over an acne breakout.
-Put a drop of essential oil on an open blister to prevent infection. Be prepared: It will sting!
-Rub a few drops of oil over sunburned areas. You'll be amazed at how quickly that sunburn feels better.
-Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow to help you sleep at night.
-Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a few drops of lavender oil, shake well and use it as you would any room freshener. (Be sure not to spray it on wood.) -Lightly mist your bedclothes for a soothing scent at bedtime.
-Put a drop of essential oil on a cold light bulb, where it will radiate fragrance as the bulb heats up. The oil is flammable, so don't drop it onto a hot bulb.
-Make your own defuser: Buy wooden shish kabob sticks and cut them in half. Put lavender oil into a pretty little bottle and stand the sticks in the oil for a long-lasting fragrance.
-Scent your kitchen: Add drops of oil to the final rinse water when you clean kitchen counters or floors, or add a few drops to a bottle of dish-washing liquid.
-Sweeten your clothes: Put a little oil on a small square of cloth and toss it into the dryer.
-Put some onto small cotton wool balls and tuck them into drawers. Your clothes will be fragrant, and the lavender will discourage moths.
-Add a few drops of oil to your hand-soap dispenser next time you refill it.

About the Author

Learn more from award-winning Hawaii author Jill Engledow about the history of Hawaii and about lavender in Hawaii at her website, http://www.islandlife101.com.

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Essential Oils For Your Emotions

Holistic healing products means taking an holistic approach when seeking treatment for imbalances and choosing to live a more balanced lifestyle. What primarily distinguishes holistic healing apart from alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and integrative medicine is that physical health is not necessarily the main focus.

Even so, it is often the experience of physical discomfort that will first prompt a person's pursuit of holistic healing products. Inner wellness and piece is the main goal.

Carrier oils and lotions are all 100% natural aromatherapy products and are organic for many holistic healing needs. Carrier Oils dilute the essential oils to allow them to be used topically. The ratio of carrier oils to essential oils will be determined by how the product will be used.

For example, our synergies contain 90% essential oils and only 10% carrier oil. A synergy is applied to the skin sparingly. On the other hand, massage oils contain about 5% essential oils and 95% carrier oils. The massage oil can be applied in larger amounts if need be.

An Ion Cleanse draws waste from the body though a unit placed in water with a positive and negative electric current. Your feet are immersed in warm water along with the ionizer for 30 minutes. During this time, you will see the water change color - from dark brown, orange or foamy - depending on the toxins released.

Because of poor diet and high stress, we tend to accumulate and store excessive quantities of waste products. During this 30-minute session, the ions enter your body and begin to neutralize these tissue acid wastes. The process is called reverse osmosis.

The aromatherapy facial is a facial steam and then gentle herbal cleansing, followed by a glacial clay mask, balancing toner, skin serum, carrot eye lift gel, then Rosee moisturizer. Your face, shoulders, neck and upper arms will be massaged, pressure points accessed. A great way to rejuvenate tired skin and have a healthy glow. All products used should be 100 % natural.

Essential oils can provide holistic healing for the emotions.

Anger:
Bergamot, Jasmin, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver,
Ylang Ylang

Anxiety:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli,
Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Confidence:
Bay, Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary

Depression:
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon,
Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout:
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum,
Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Fear:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange,
Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Grief:
Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Happiness and Peace:
Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Insecurity:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Irritability:
Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood

Loneliness:
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Rose

Memory and Concentration:
Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary

Panic and Panic Attacks:
Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose

Stress:
Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin,
Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/essential-oils-for-your-emotions-483873.html

Aromatherapy During Labor for Natural Pain Relief

Aromatherapy is one of the most popular natural therapies not only for relaxing mind and body but also for treating many health issues. It is very helpful in relieving pain. Aromatherapy massage during labor helps you to relax and cope with the contractions and it can also reduce the tension and fear you will naturally feel because of its calming effect on your nervous system. You may find that early on in labor you like the feeling of quite firm pressure but as your contractions become more intense gentle strokes may be all you can bear.

Aromatherapy massage for natural pain relief -

If you have already experienced aromatherapy massage earlier in your pregnancy your partner will have an idea of the kind of touch that is most helpful to you.

Tummy massage

This is helpful in the earlier stages of labor and the movements are soothing when the contractions feel like period pains. Use three drops of camomile or lavender oil in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of light carrier oil.

• Using relaxed hands make figure of eight movement across the tummy and under the bump. This movement should be fairly light, especially if the tummy is tender.
• Gently stroke around the bump using your fingertips in a circular movement.

Repeat these movements as necessary.

Back soother

Again use three drops of camomile or lavender oil in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil.

• With the heel of your hand apply pressure to the small of the back. Gently move your hand in an anticlockwise circular movement while keeping firm contact with the skin.
• Place one hand on top of the other in the small of the back and allow heat to build up under your hands.

These movements are helpful for concentrations felt in the lower back.

If you are feeling too sensitive to be massaged or even touched on your body, try the following aromatherapy relaxers.

Face soother

Add a few drops of lavender or rose oil to some chilled rosewater. Dip a small face sponge into this mixture then smooth it over your forehead down your face and neck, gently and rhythmically. Alternatively your partner can do this for you. The flowery aroma is very comforting and helps to take your mind away from the labor pains.

Hand soother

When the contractions become difficult this simple touch is very reassuring and helps to create a feeling of safety. Ask your partner to rub a little lavender oil (in carrier oil) into the solar plexus area on your hand.

Now he or she can gently stroke and soothe your hand, keeping a reassuring contact with you. Concentrate on relaxing into the touch.

Scented water soother

Kneeling in a deep, warm bath can be soothing in the earlier stages of labor and the addition of relaxing aromatherapy oils intensifies this experience. Choose from chamomile, lavender, ylang-ylang or geranium.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read useful articles on Hair loss remedy to control your hair fall. Know how Herbal remedies are helpful in promoting good health. Also read about Natural weight loss to shed your extra body fat.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women's-health-articles/aromatherapy-during-labor-for-natural-pain-relief-551354.html

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Top Herbs for Insomnia Relief

Insomnia is a wide-spread problem in our society. With our increasingly hectic schedules and a disappearing divide between work and home, it is often difficult for our bodies to know when to wind down. Stress and anxiety from a hectic day can often keep a person from getting the rest needed to face another day.

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might consider trying some herbs for insomnia relief. Herbal sleep aids have been around for centuries and do not have the side effects often associated with over-the-counter sleep aids.

  • Lavender: You might notice that lavender is a very popular addition to baby bath soap. That’s because lavender has calming qualities. It helps to ease the mind and induce a sense of calm. If you’re suffering from insomnia due to stress and anxiety, lavender may work to calm your mind at night. It comes in many forms. You can buy a sachet (small packet) and place it under your pillow. You can spray lavender essential oil in the room as part of a insomnia preventative bedtime routine. It’s also available in bath oils, linen sprays and fabric softeners.

  • Valerian: This is actually the root of a perennial flower valerian. It is used by herbalists because it is said to work well with other herbs to induce sleep such as passion flower.

  • The Passion Flower was used by the ancient Aztecs to induce sleep. It helps relax the mind and body. It can be ingested in pill form or in tea.

  • Chamomile: This is an age old remedy for sleeping problems. Chamomile can be most commonly found in tea. Having a cup of chamomile tea before bed is something that may calm your mind. It is widely available at local supermarkets.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Natural Cures For Insomnia - Herbs That Promote Healthy Sleep

Herbs have been used as natural insomnia cures for centuries and many are very effective and safe. The following are tried and tested herbs that can have a real effect on your insomnia.

Lavender has been used for centuries to calm the nerves and lavender essential oil can be added to the bath water for a soothing, calming effect. Lavender can also be used as a massage oil or lavender sachets placed on the pillow to inhale as you fall asleep.

Passion Flower is often recommended by herbalists as an important herb in the treatment of insomnia especially when it is caused by stress or nervous exhaustion. It can be used by both children and adults and is an excellent sedative that has no known side effects.

Chamomile is a safe herb that can be used by children and adults. In the form of chamomile tea it can soothe restlessness and irritability, especially in children. Have a relaxing bath with chamomile oil added to the water before bed. It can also be used as a massage oil.

California Poppy is found in many herbal natural insomnia cures and helps to promote sleep by easing anxiety and helping you to relax. It is mild and can be used by both children and adults. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of California poppy in promoting sleep and helping to reduce anxiety.

Valerian is used by many herbalists for as a natural cure for insomnia. It is a good sedative for those suffering from restlessness and nervousness that is causing difficulty in sleeping. It helps to reduce waking during the night and helps you to fall asleep more quickly. It has no side effects and is often used in combination with other herbs such as passion flower or California poppy.

St. John's Wort has been used for many years for insomnia and anxiety and is now used by many herbalists to help with mild depression and insomnia. It is not an instant sure and may take a few weeks before you being to feel any benefit. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight to increase so take care to avoid exposing the skin to bright sunlight or wear a sunscreen whenever you are out of doors.

Wild lettuce has been used as a mild sedative for many years and contains an opium related chemical plus small amounts of hyoscyarnin which is an anti cramping agent. It is found in formulas for both chronic and acute insomnia.

Promote Healthy Sleep

Ensure healthy sleep by having a calming bath before bed to which you have added some fragrant lavender essential oil. Sleep pillows containing a mixture of aromatic herbs can also be helpful in promoting sleep. Eat a small meal containing carbohydrate with small amounts of protein before retiring. This combination makes tryptophan more available to the brain. This promotes the production of melatonin and serotonin which are important chemicals that regulate sleep patterns. Meals that contain the appropriate combinations include cereal with low fat milk, yogurt with granola, peanut butter and crackers and an apple with cheese.

Avoid eating foods that are stimulating late at night. This includes spicy foods that may induce heartburn, caffeine and alcohol. Foods that are high in protein contain tyrosine, an amino acid that is a brain stimulant. Also foods containing monosodium glutamate and foods high in refined sugar which can lead to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels that can disturb the sleep by causing a burst in energy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/natural-cures-for-insomnia-herbs-that-promote-healthy-sleep-784366.html

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Menopause Help With Aromatherapy

Many women who experience perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms are finding relief through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is an alternative treatment, which offers menopause help and is very pleasurable to the senses. It can induce positive side effects that help us cope with both psychological and physical ailments. Studies have found that essential oils have chemical components (IE. Esters, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, etc) that can produce specific effects on both the body and mind.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to stimulate the power of our sense of smell. Certain aromas affect our moods and emotions and can have a significant impact on the way we feel. Many believe that smell is detected when it enters through the fine hairs that line the nose, known as the cilia, and travels to the limbic system. The limbic system is the area of the brain that has control over our emotions, mood, memory and learning.

How can aromatherapy specifically help menopausal symptoms? Aromatherapy has been known to provide relief for a number of menopause hormone-related symptoms including mood swings, hot flashes, headaches and disruptive sleep. The following is a list of menopausal symptoms and some of the essential oils that are considered beneficial for treating each:

• Overall hormone balance: sage; roman chamomile; geranium; fennel
• Hot Flashes: peppermint
Massage oil: lemon; sage; clary sage; geranium.
• Headaches: lavender; marjoram
• Mood Swings: lavender; linden; cypress; patchouli
• Vaginal dryness and irritation: tea tree; geranium
• Insomnia: lavender; linden blossom; violet; dill; sandalwood; chamomile; oregano; neroli; mandarin; valerian
• Fatigue: lavender; violet; white thyme; Spanish sage; rose; pimento; oregano; ginger; nutmeg; pine
• Depression: bergamot; nutmeg; clove; red thyme; ylang ylang; rose; Spanish sage
• Muscle spasms: carrot seed; lavender; jasmine; cinnamon; petitgrain
• Stress: carrot; Roman chamomile; lemongrass, neroli
• Anxiety: geranium; lavender; Spanish sage; German chamomile; coriander; vetivert; ylang ylang; rosewood; oregano; geranium; marjoram; frankincense
• Osteoporosis: Bath oil: chamomile; fennel; thyme; hyssop; lemon; ginger
Massage oil for joints: nutmeg; carrot; Roman chamomile; ginger
• Loss of libido: rosewood; rose; myrtle; sandalwood; jasmine; celery; cumin

How to use aromatherapy - Aromatherapy is a safe alternative medicine. You can burn it and have its scent fill the room, bathe in it, massage it into your skin, or wear it as a perfume. You can enjoy the scents individually or combine them. Best off all; you can use it whenever you want, as often as you want.

However, make sure you follow these few rules before using aromatherapy treatment:

1. Read all instructions before using any product
2. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin unless the instructions explicitly say it is safe to do so.
3. Never ingest essential oils

Due to the fact that essential oils are powerful they can cause irritation. Therefore, the safest method is to dilute the essential oil in a bath, in an oil burner, or purchase it as massage oil.

What to consider when purchasing oils - Studies have found that the quality of the essential oils matter if they are being used for therapeutic purposes. You should only purchase oils that state "pure essential oil" on the product. Although this means you may have to pay more, it's worth it. You can find oils and burners at a variety of online stores and in local health stores.

Personalized aromatherapy - One of the great aspects about using aromatherapy to treat menopausal symptoms is you can create your own special scented treatment. Purchase a journal and experiment with a variety of scents and aromatherapy methods to find out which ones you like the most and provide you with the best relief. Write down how you respond to each scent to determine what the best aromatherapy treatment is for you.

Finally, remember that if you are experiencing painful or chronic symptoms that are disrupting your life, seek medical attention for more menopause help.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women's-issues-articles/menopause-help-with-aromatherapy-99477.html

Friday, May 1, 2009

Aromatherapy Grows: Not Just For The Girls Anymore

Aromatherapy, like many other natural treatments, is growing more powerful in Dallas, Houston and throughout Texas. Once thought of as just so many pretty scents, the populace is becoming more aware of how powerful this therapy can be in changing mood, relaxing muscles, even relieving migraines.

Pain relief, decrease in stress, improvement in medical conditions, and better sleep have all been reported, and all show a positive affect on immunity. With better health, you may even get a better deal on that individual health insurance premium. That's right, boys, chamomile isn't just for the girls anymore.

While working in a perfumery, the great, early twentieth century French chemist, Renee Maurice Gattefossee, badly burned his hand. Searching for any available cold liquid, he found a quantity of lavender oil, and in plunged his digits. Astonishingly, the burn healed very quickly, with little or no scarring, and inspired his further research.

Essential oils naturally occurring, powerfully scented plant substances are at the heart of aromatherapy. Each plant part often produces unique oils with different properties. For example, orange peel generates what is known as orange oil, while the leaves produce petitgrain, and the blossoms make neroli.

What is even more fascinating is that no one is sure what essential oils are exactly. While certain constituents have been chemically identified, all that is really known is they are volatile, extremely concentrated, oily plant substances with healing properties. They're not an "oil" in the traditional sense, nor are they anything else we've identified in a plant. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Persians integrated them into important rituals, Native Americans throughout what is now Texas and the Southwest were quite familiar with use of concentrated scents, and massage therapists depend on them as a critical part of treatments.

Extracting the essences often require at least several pounds of plant material for every gram obtained. Price of the finished product depends on the amount of labor and raw product required. Eucalyptus oil, for instance, is fairly inexpensive, while rose oil (considered an absolute) is a luxury. Approximately one ton of rose petals are required to manufacture a single ounce of essential oil!

But many species used to produce therapeutic oils are common. Even residents of dry climates like Texas can grow their own bay, eucalyptus, sage, ginger, marjoram, or rosemary plants. For most, buying essential oils is more practical, but those in the congestion of Houston and Dallas can still benefit by growing box gardens in their windows. The herbs, then, can be used for cooking, making small quantities of home products, cleansing the air, and scenting the home.

Very basic knowledge is all that's needed to start applying the power of essential oils. A few drops on a cotton ball, dropped into a vacuum collection chamber, will fragrance the home while cleaning. A sprinkle on a handkerchief, or in bathwater, can provide much needed stress or sinus relief. Cold and hot compresses are just as easy to make, a multiplicity of home products are only a few minutes away, and, if all else fails, inhaling the aroma from the bottle is a great form of therapy. Finally, something all Americans can do to keep healthy and without needing individual health insurance to cover it!

Because essential oils are so powerful, direct application to the skin should only be done with certain oils and, of course, pregnant or nursing women, or those who suffer from any chronic conditions (including allergies), should consult a knowledgeable practitioner first. Never ingest them, and use only oils labeled "pure essential oil" from a quality company. Perfume oils and lower-quality products just won't do the trick.

(1) Stress Relief. Between work, kids, and any glimmer of a credible social life, the "everyday" takes its toll. To relax and relieve tension, use lavender, neroli, chamomile, and vetiver. A back massage with geranium oil is a wonderful remedy for mood swings, and frankincense can restore normal breathing patterns during sensations of panic. Chamomile and marjoram oils are proven remedies for tension headaches, and even some migraines will respond to a few drops of lavender rubbed into the temples and forehead. Rose and lavender oils will send most to dreamland, even with Austin's traffic in the background. Two or three drops on the pillowcase will do the trick, as will a sachet under the pillow...Of course, the ultimate evening is a warm, essential oil bath and relaxing massage before falling into a rose-scented bed. Ahhh.

(2) Aches and Pains. Most of us experience muscle aches and pains from time to time, and, for those with particularly physically-strenuous jobs, it's more often. Eucalyptus is easy to grow throughout Texas. Chamomile, cypress, and rosemary oils are the top choices for complaining muscles. Ten drops in a warm bath, or used with a therapeutic massage, can be excellent remedies. Clary sage, pine, and jasmine oils are also good choices, and a few drops of ginger oil will improve circulation to the area.

(3) Cuts, Scrapes, and Bites. Even minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, and insect bites can be treated with essential oils, common problems in warm, Southwestern climates like Texas. Tea tree is an excellent anti-fungal, anti-viral and antiseptic topical treatment, great for everything from cuts and scrapes to bee stings. Violet oil soothes rashes and sore, irritated skin, while patchouli and chamomile act as effective anti-inflammatory and antiseptic treatments. Peppermint oil is traditional for insect bites, and lavender shows up, yet again, as a great skin healer.

(4) The Dreaded Flu. We all dread it, we all fight it, but at some point, it always happens: the flu. Not to worry. Heat eucalyptus in a vaporizer, to ease breathing and disinfect the air. A few drops of eucalyptus or cedarwood on the pillow at night will help congestion, as will applying a chest rub, so long as it is properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba. Myrrh is a great expectorant when used with steam inhalation, and pine oil is an age-old remedy for bronchitis, colds, and congested nasal passages. Apply a few drops of ginger, lavender, or peppermint oil on a cloth and inhale for nausea.

With all the media surrounding the health care crisis, it can be easy to forget how everyday, simple measures can really improve our health. But most of us don't need a comprehensive health insurance plan in order to soak in a hot bath, decongest our sinuses, or prevent minor cuts from turning into infections. Relax! You'll ease stress, sleep better, and increase immunity. Take care of that sore back with a therapeutic massage, and don't neglect, of course, to stop and smell the roses.

Instructions for Use:
- For massage, mix 3 drops of oil in 1 1/2 tablespoons of almond or jojoba oil.

- To enjoy a therapeutic bath, sprinkle 6 to 10 drops of oil into warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

- For steam inhalation treatments, pour boiling water into a large basin and add several drops of essential oil. Cover your head with a towel, lean over, and inhale.

How you treat your body when you're young will certainly affect your health when you get older. Eventually, it will also affect your wallet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/aromatherapy-grows-not-just-for-the-girls-anymore-152051.html