AROMATHERAPY

 I have been suffering with migraine headaches since I was 16.  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a rather famous migraine sufferer, has said, "A migraine feels like you have the Alien in your head, and it's trying to get out."  I've tried every kind of conventional pharmaceutical treatment, with varying degrees of success.  Not one drug, however, will *prevent* a headache from coming on - just dull or remove the severe pain associated with it.   

 I began treating myself for migraine using aromatheraphy about a year ago, and could not believe the results.  By using lavender oil and peppermint, I have been able to reduce the number of headaches I get by more than half, and the severity of the migraines I still get are much less, without any of the nausea I used to feel.  I have become a firm believer in the ancient art of aromatherapy. Here are some of my favorite recipes for health and beauty aids made using natural botanical extracts and bases.  I hope you enjoy them.

The Ten Oils You Can't Live Without

1. Lavender - it is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly.

2. Tea Tree - it is an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.

3. Peppermint - it is an excellent digestive, it helps the respiratory system and circulation, is an antiinflammatory, and an antiseptic.

4. Chamomile - (German and Roman) is antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant, it is most valued for its antiinflammatory properties.  It is also an excellent natural sedative.

5. Eucalyptus - is is antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing.  It is wonderful when used to treat coughs and colds.

6. Geranium - (Pelargonium) its wonderful fragrance is soothing and sedative, and it is antiseptic and astringent.

7. Rosemary - a physical and mental stimulant.

8. Thyme - a powerful antiviral.

9. Lemon - antiseptic and antibacterial, it has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system.

10. Clove - it is antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic, and is a good oil for the prevention of disease and infection.

 These powerful extracts should rarely, if ever, be used neat - the oils instead are diluted either in water or in a base oil, or used in a diffuser to disperse the fragrance around a wider area, such as a room, or your car.

Aromatherapy is generally divided into three methods of usage:

1. The Body method, where the oils are used as a perfume, inhalant, or in a massage oil;
2. The Water method, where the oils are diluted in water and used as a soak, bath, or compress;
3. and the Room method, where the oils are used in candles, diffusers, humidifiers, sachets, or put on light bulbs.

My favorite methods of using aromatherapy are in baths, humidifiers, creams, splashes, perfumes, and in compresses and pillows.  Here are a few of my favorite recipes and combinations.  All have been taken from "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy," by Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library.  

Common Colds:

Use the following oils in a hot bath.  Lie back and inhale deeply:

Thyme           2 drops

Tea Tree         2 drops

Eucalyptus      1 drop

Lemon           3 drops

In a humidifier, one drop each:

Thyme  

Tea Tree

Lavender

Clove

Place one drop each of the following on a handkerchief, and inhale deeply whenever possible:

Thyme

Peppermint

Eucalyptus

Clove       

Cosmetics:

Antiwrinkle Oil:

Neroli                 8 drops

Lavender              5 drops

Fennel                 5 drops

German Chamomile    3 drops

Geranium             8 drops

Carrot                1 drops

Diluted in 2 tablespoons hazelnut, almond, or apricot kernel oil.

Rich Cream:

Beeswax             1/2 ounce

Lanolin              1 ounce

Almond oil          2 ounces

Avocado oil         1 ounce

Grapeseed oil       1 ounce

Pure spring water   3 ounces

Clary-sage          2 drops

Lemon              2 drops

In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, lanolin, and vegetable oils and stir well.  Then add the essential oils and take the pot off the heat.  Pour mixture CAREFULLY into a blender. Slowly add the the water.  Mix on low speed until the mixture is fully incorporated and cold.

Stimulating Toner:

Witch Hazel        1 ounce

Rose Water         3 ounces

Basil                2 drops

Cider Vinegar      1 teaspoon

Peppermint         1 drop

Chamomile         1 drop

Mix ingredients.  Splash or spray on tired skin as needed.

There are many other ways to use aromatherapy to improve the quality of your life.  I urge anyone who is interested to seek out the many books and resources available, and give these oils a try.  If nothing else, you and your home will smell better!  

Here a few links to good online resources to purchase supplies for creating your own aromatherapy blends, as well as ready-made combinations, and base oils and containers.

My favorite:

Lavender Lane:  everything you could possibly need in one place!

The Essential Oil Company:  another good source

For ready-made blends: