Aromatherapy

By Debra Mauldin

Aromatherapy is a gentle and effective natural therapy that uses pure essential oils to treat the body, mind, and spirit. It is a natural alternative to synthetic products. Essential oils contain healing constituents that directly enter the bloodstream to calm, soothe and help the body to heal. Below is a list of various oils and their benefits.

CONCENTRATION OILS

Black Pepper, Pine and Rosewood are excellent stimulant oils. These oils work wonderfully well either alone or mixed. They can be worn on the skin as a body perfume or carried in a vial to be sniffed periodically throughout the day. At home, or in the office, they would be excellent when used in a Light ring, diffuser or aroma lamp.

Black Pepper (Piper nigram)
Pepper is cultivated mainly in India and Malaysia. Originally a forest plant, this climbing vine with dark green leaves, white flowers and red berries is now widely cultivated.
The spice is available as white or black pepper, but the essential oil is steam distilled from the ripe peppercorns of black pepper. This oil is best used in low concentrations, as it may cause irritation in sensitive people.
Black Pepper Essential Oil has cephalic qualities, stimulating and strengthening the nerves and mind. It is helpful for indifference and frustration; offering stamina and strength. This oil helps with alertness and concentration - especially for individuals who tend to daydream or drowse. It is also useful for bolstering courage in stressful situations - such as public speaking.

Pine (Pinus sylvvestris)
Pine grows in Northern Europe and Russia. This large evergreen tree has reddish bark, long stiff needle-like leaves with pointed, brown, woody cones. The tree exhales its essential oil into the surrounding atmosphere, making a walk through a pine forest an exhilarating experience.
The Essential Oil of Pine is steam distilled from the needles (leaves) of the tree. It is best used in low concentrations as it can cause skin irritations.
Pine Essential Oil is invigorating and also promotes feelings of energy and well-being. It helps with the loss of concentration and mental fatigue.

Rosewood (Aniba rosacodora)
Rosewood is obtained mainly from Brazil where the tree grows profusely in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon. The oil is steam distilled from the wood chippins.
Rosewood Essential Oil gently relieves the effects of nervousness and stress. A wonderful oil for steadying the nerves during stressful period such as exams or job interviews. Uplifting and enlivening, this oil helps daydreams to concentrate.

ADDITIONAL OILS

Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis)
Jasmine is cultivated in Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. This creeping vine with dark green leaves and delicate white flowers has an exotic musky aroma. The oil is extracted from the flowers.
Essential Oil of Jasmine powerfully lifts dark moods, indifference and listlessness - producing feelings of confidence.

Lavender (Lavandula vera or officinalis)
Lavender is cultivated in England and France. This shrub has gray-green leave and beautiful blue-violet flowers on long spikes. The oil has a sweet, floral scent and is steam distilled from the flowers.
Lavender Essential Oil removes indecisiveness and emotional conflict. It calms emotional states and strengthens the conscious mind - creating a mellow peacefulness. A wonderful oil for depression.

Rose (Rosa)
Rose otto is produced in Bulgaria. A small, prickly shrub that has flowers with an exquisite fragrance. The flowers are picked for distillation very early in the morning. The essential oil is extremely expensive but very useful in Aromatherapy.
Rose Essential Oil provides emotional comfort in times of turbulence and grief. The oil enlivens the heart, boosts confidence and instills a feeling of peace and happiness. It's soothing action on the nervous system promotes sleep.

Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood Essential Oil is produce in India. This small, slow growing evergreen reaches maturity in 20-30 years. Only very mature trees are used for their fragrant heartwood. The heartwood is steam distilled for it's delicate woody, spicy scent.
Essential Oil of Sandalwood dispels anxiety and depression. It stills the soul and promotes a sense of peace.

Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Lemon Essential Oil is widely cultivated in tropical America (California and Florida), Israel, Italy and Spain. This thorny evergreen tree has shiny oval leaves and pinkish white flowers. The crisp, clean scented oil is expressed from the peel.
Essential Oil of Lemon dispels sluggishness. It is of great value in treating varicose veins, and helps the body eliminate toxins which cause arthritic pain.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is cultivated in England, France, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. This small shrub has long, straight stems, narrow pointed leaves and small pale-blue flowers. The refreshing camphorous oil is steam distilled from the leaves.
Rosemary Essential Oil is stimulating and promotes circulation. An excellent oil for lifting exhaustion. Rosemary is also an antiseptic. §