Aromatherapy essential oil, recipes and massage oils

Guide to aromatherapy treatment

ODOURS & DISEASE

A couple of hundred years ago, physicians would use the sense of smell as a diagnostic aid. Arthritis and rheumatism have an acid smell, a good midwife could tell a post-partum haemorrhage by the smell of blood passed, diabetes gives an acetone smell to the breathe and the urine, perspiration can give us clues as to the health of the kidneys and lymphatic system, the smell of faeces also can tell us the type of disease in the digestive tract. Natural medicine still uses this method of diagnosis.

The human nose has the ability to distinguish many thousands of different odors, and the memory of these odors is stored deep in our sub-conscious minds. (See R. Tisserand 'The Art of Aromatherapy" pages 60-73).

When we inhale air molecules which, are carrying the odoriferous molecules of an essential oil, these molecules adhere to our Olfactory nerve endings in the back of the nose, producing stimulation of these nerve endings.

Sensory stimulation of the Olfactory centre is by a relay of nerve impulses from the sensory nerve endings in the nose to the brain.

This is a very rapid and direct pathway to the part of the Brain which directs, controls, interprets and responds to sensory input.

This pathway is very different to sensory stimulation of the sensory nerves in the skin which is more complex, being transmitted from a sensory nerve ending to the spinal cord, to the brain, back down the spinal cord, down a motor nerve ending and then to the appropriate organ. For example when we touch a hot object, the heat affects the sensory nerve ending in say the finger. This nerve relays a message along the sensory nerve fiber to its root in the spinal cord. The impulse is carried to the brain. The brain says ouch !!! thats hot, take the finger off now.

This message is relayed down the spinal cord to the motor nerve root, and then to the appropriate muscle(s) organ(s) etc. to remove the finger from the hot object. As you will know from your own experience of touching something hot, there is often a time lag between touching the hot object and recognition of pain.

With the Olfactory Nerve there is no relay station - stimuli goes straight to the part of Central Nervous System called the LIMBIC SYSTEM, and the response is instant. Furthermore, the message cannot be blocked by the conscious mind.

The interesting and exciting aspect of this use of Essential Oil Therapy is that different essential oils produce different responses. Some affect the higher thought processes in the Cerebral Cortex by altering the electrical activity of different Cortical areas, and some affect the Hormone Producing cells in the Limbic System. These Brain Hormones will then either effect the mental and emotional responses of the Brain itself, or will be released into the blood stream from where they may be carried to distant organs to produce the desired effect on the body chemistry.

Aromatherapy For Babies

Title: Aromatherapy For Babies

Author: Liz Santher

Article :
Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors
don't recommend the use of aromatherapy on babies that re
less than three months old. This is because the nasal and
skin tissues of an infant are very sensitive and easily
irritated by anything but the blandest of substances. Once
your baby is past that age consult with your doctor to
make sure that the use of essential oils is right for your
child.

Traditionally essential oils are used to purify the air in
a nursery and calm and relax the infant. The safest and
gentlest way to introduce essential oils into the nursery
is to put the oils in a diffuser so the molecules of the
oil are dispersed through the air. You can also dilute
about ten drops of the oil in a bottle of distilled water
and mist that around the nursery and the baby's bedding.
Remember always that if your baby starts sneezing, tearing
or fretting that it may not be time to introduce
aromatherapy into your baby's life.

For best results try to choose high quality oils. The
inexpensive stuff is cut with crude substances and
alcohols and can be overwhelming to the delicate system of
a baby.

Try to choose oils that are organically grown as they are
usually of the highest quality. Avoid purchasing oils in
plastic or clear bottles as light and other factors can
cause the oil to degrade and lose efficacy. The highest
quality aromatherapy oils are usually sold in dark brown
bottles that protect them from disintegrating light rays.

There are several oils that are highly recommended for use
with babies. Some are mood enhancers, some are room
disinfectants and many are a combination of both.

Lavender and roman chamomile are the best two oils that
you can use in a mist or a diffuser to calm a fussy baby.
A blend of vanilla and orange oils is a favorite blend for
mothers who just want to keep the baby in a happy mood as
both oils have the reputation of being mood elevators for
children. Peppermint or spearmint oils are stimulating to
the brain. and may help babies learn faster.

You can also add a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil
to a baby's bath to help prepare them physically and
psychologically for naptime. Keep in mind though that all
oils added to a bath must first be generously diluted in
carrier oil such as almond or olive oil. Never pour
essential oil drops directly into a bath as that can
irritate a baby's sensitive skin.

The safest aromatherapy oils to use as disinfectants and
purifiers for the air are geranium, lavender and
eucalyptus. Lavender sprayed directly onto your babies
bedding and allowed to dry before placing the baby back in
the crib also helps get rid of allergens and dust mites.
Eucalyptus is best used for babies who have a cold or
respiratory problems.

Used in a cautious manner, essential oils can not only
help you calm and cheer your infant, but they can also
mask any unpleasant odors that are always a part of a
mother's life.

About the Author

*******
(c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance
author.

http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com
*******

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