AROMATHERAPY can complement other therapies. In my massage/Reiki practice, I have often given recipes for essential oils to aid with stress relief, insomnia and grief. Aromatherapy should be treated with respect...less is always more; meaning that when blending oils, a few drops go a long way. Lavender is wonderful for stress, grief and insomnia. It is also an oil (if applied immediately) that can speed the healing of burns. In general, the citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.) lift one's spirits; however, they are phototoxic and can cause hypersensitivity to the sun, resulting in burns. If used on the skin when outdoors, they should be placed on the body where they will not receive direct sunlight. All oils used on the skin must always be used with a carrier oil. Frequently used carrier oils are: aloe, avocado oil, black currant oil, borage oil, calendula oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba, olive, sesame seed oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. Avocado oil is good for dry/mature skin. Olive oil treats rheumatism, muscle pains and inflamed skin and blends well with lavender or rosemary (see rosemary cautions below).
Other frequently used oils are eucalyptus...especially for colds as it provides relief from congestion (just smelling from the bottle is enough...but there are recipes). Rosemary is known for use with the hair and it is rumored to aid concentration prior to testing (I've personally taken a sprig with me into many a test).
Uses: Massage oils, vaporizers and inhalers, compresses, room fragrances, shower/bath oils, etc. When applied to the skin, the oils will enter the bloodstream so again, caution is advised and LESS IS MORE applies.
In general, AVOID the following oils WHEN PREGNANT: Angelica, Aniseed, Basil, Camphor, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove, Cinnamon, Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Lovage, Melissa, Myrrh, Marjoram, Origanum, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Savory, Sage, Spanish Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Tarragon, Thyme.
AVOID AT ALL TIMES: Arnica Armoise, Baldo Leaf, Bitter Almond, Buchu, Cade, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Costus, Elecampagne, Exotic Basil, Fig Leaf, Ho Leaf, Horseradish, Hyssop, Inula, Jaborandi Leaf, Mugwort, Mustard, Nutmeg, Pennyroyal, Sage, Sassafras, Savin, Southernwood, Tansy, Tarragon, Thuja, Verbena, Wintergreen, Wormseed, Wormwood.
Another word of caution: If on prescription medicines or herbs, the names of oils that are regularly used should be given to your physician as their chemical properties could interfere with or negatively impact the effect of these medicines/herbs.
Please see links page for aromatherapy/essential oil resource.
