Secrets Of Aromatherapy Part I - Physical Remedies

Aromatherapy can be used to relieve the discomfort of a wide range of minor physical complaints including burns, colds, flu, sinus problems, cold sores, eczema, headache, indigestion, menopause, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, nausea and toothaches.

Diluted in healing carrier oil such as aloe vera, essential oils can relieve the pain of minor burns. Just add a few drops of chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli or peppermint oil to eight ounces of aloe vera to make your own healing salve. Of course if you are suffering from a serious third degree burn that exposes blisters, pus or red and raw bleeding skin you should immediately take yourself to a hospital!

Aromatherapy can also be used to ease the discomfort of suffering from colds and flus. Oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, clove, juniper and rosemary can help relieve congestion. Warming oils such as clove, frankincense and pine can help relieve aches and pains. Diffusing lavender or eucalyptus through the air can help purify the sick room of any viruses as well as soothe sore sinuses.

Mixing a few drops of geranium, lavender or tea tree oil in healing carrier oil such as jojoba or aloe vera can also help remoisturize dry cracked lips and heal annoying cold sores. Applied to the face the same oils can help clear up acne and blackheads.

If eczema is a problem then gently applying a couple of drops each of any combination of chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli, patchouli or tea tree oil can help soothe the pain as well as reduce the angry red appearance of the skin.

Aromatherapy has proved to be so effective at relieving headaches that there are now many commercial aromatherapy preparations on the market concocted especially for this purpose. Applying oils such as basil, eucalyptus, lavender, linden blossom or peppermint (in a commercial cream based mixture or prepared yourself in eight ounces of a carrier oil) is thought to be as effective as aspirin and anti- inflammatories at relieving a headache.

If nausea or indigestion is a problem you can try rubbing a blend of orange, ginger or peppermint oils (in a carrier oil) with a circular motion onto your stomach or you can put a few drops on your pulse points or a hanky and inhale whenever your tummy feels cranky.

If irregular periods or cramps are a problem the inhalation or application of the following oils may provide you with some relief: chamomile, clary sage, jasmine, lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood, tangerine, ylang ylang and peppermint. Geranium is thought to be particularly soothing for women going through menopause as it can relieve hot flashes.

If you need an oil to relieve the discomfort of muscle aches and pains try rubbing a lotion made of arnica oil, almond oil or jojoba oil and a few drops of any of the following essential oils: balsam fir, clove, ginger, chamomile, peppermint or rosemary.

One of the best kept secrets of aromatherapy is using a dab of clove oil to relieve a toothache. Apply the oil directly to the affected tooth and it will be numbed and disinfected until you have time to book that all-important appointment to the dentist!

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

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