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Aromatherapy could be an Excellent Distraction in your Weight Loss Goals

November 25th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Did you ever think of smelling your way to your ideal weight? That may sound kind of funny when you first hear about it, or even downright obnoxious.

There are claims that one way to reach your weight loss goals is by the use of various aromatherapy oils. Not everyone believes this is true, and even some experts would not recommend this weight loss method. However, if it is a method that it is used it may be worth looking into if you believe it could help you.

If you decide to try aromatherapy for weight loss, you will need to remember a variety of things. For starters, it is important that you realize that practicing aromatherapy in order to lose weight is not necessarily going to cause you to work miracles. However, it is possible that the use of various essential oils (externally only) in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program can do you wonders.

The main purpose of using aromatherapy products is to help reduce food cravings and to help curb your appetite. These products can also aid in calming the withdrawal symptoms you may get when you long for certain foods you can no longer have, or that you cannot eat as often. Certain aromas can also help provide you with additional energy during exercise, work, and other times when you need a pick-me-up.

Some of the energizing herbal essences include orange, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, and peppermint. There may be other ones that you can use that will aid you in your decision to lose weight and to keep healthy as well, and there are quite a few references to these online.

Besides using aromatherapy products, it is also wise for you to consult a doctor before you start any diet program-including one that include using aromatic oils. That professional will perform a complete exam on you and will get to know more about your complete stature.

From there you will learn about what types of foods are best for you to eat, and you will have more of an idea about what type of exercise program you should involve yourself in. Furthermore, your doctor will be able to give his or her opinion about the overall validity of using aromatherapy as a weight loss aid.

Once you have consulted a doctor to help you with your weight loss plan then you may want to find some help and advice from a qualified aromatherapist or aromatherapy consultant. An aromatherapist is one who is properly licensed and has received formal aromatherapy training as well as hands-on training in an area such as nursing, massage or cosmetology.

An aromatherapy consultant (sometimes referred to as an aromacologist) is one who has formal aromatherapy training but does not possess any hands-on training in another field that may utilize aromatherapy products. (They do not directly work with patients.)

The right aromatherapy specialist can give you all the information you need regarding the use of various essential oils and other aromatherapy products for weight loss. This combined with the help you would receive from a qualified medical professional will send you on your way to discovering a weight loss program that may even possibly include the use of aromatherapuedic scents.

If you are looking for further information regarding the practice of aromatherapy and how you can blend your own solutions at home the Internet can also be an excellent source of information. Articles and research is presented for you to see twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. If you find a source that you trust it can help answer all your questions about using various essential oils for the purpose of losing weight.

More information on Aromatherapy can be found in my ebook which can be found here so have look today

Your Guide for Substitutions in Aromatherapy Recipes.

November 17th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Quite a few different essential oils or extracts have the same effect. However, it may be hard to remember all of the various aromatherapy oils that you can blend to create the effect that you want. You may want to know that you have more than one option in case one type of scented oil or other aromatherapy product is not available where you are.

This article could not possibly cover every aspect of aromatherapy, or all the different aromatherapy oils and extracts that could work in any case. However, some of the most important ones will be covered in this article.

One of the most common problems that a person has is insomnia. One of the causes of insomnia (the inability to fall asleep or to stay sleeping) is the buildup of excess stress. Anxiety and worry can also cause a person to stay awake as well. These undesirable feelings can be reduced or eliminated, however, and if they are then a person may be able to sleep.

Since relaxation is one tool that will aid a person in falling asleep faster, essential oils such as lavender or chamomile can aid a person to fall asleep. The reason why is because these plants/flowers aid a person in the calming process. When a person is calm enough that person will finally fall asleep. Both of these oils can be used, but if one is not available, then the other can still be used.

The aromatherapy scents of marjoram and ylang-ylang can also be used to aid a person to fall asleep. You can experiment with mixing these along with lavender or chamomile, or you can just try using these instead. It does not mean that you will get the same exact effect, but it would be worth a try to make use of what you have in case you run out of a certain aromatherapy essential oil, or other aromatherapy scent product.

Other variations and substitutions that can be made is allowed in the concocting of a potion which will help treat a cold. One cold recipe calls for three parts of ravensare, and one part naiouli, along with one part each of lemon, rosewood, and lavender. However, if a person does not have access to naiouli then a different ingredient called Eucalyptus can be used. In fact, utilizing Eucalyptus is more common for the use of a homeopathic home remedy anyway, so you may consider using that instead.

Another example of how substitutions can be used is in that of the recipe which helps relieve backache. The base recipe includes a variety of ingredients such as blue chamomile, birch, rosemary, and ginger, along with lavender and carrier oil (the product base).  However, Eucalyptus can but used instead of the rosemary, and black pepper can be used instead of the ginger.

Substituting various aromatherapy herbs for others may just be a matter of personal preference-what your nose likes better. On the other hand, it could mean the difference between the right combinations of ingredients, which would be especially designed for your situation. In most cases, it could be both the fact that there is a certain aromatherapy scent combination that you like better and one that will work better for you.

The practices of making your own aromatherapy combinations for different purposes can seem overwhelming at first. However, if you remember a few things the mixing and matching of various scents can make your life easier.

One tip to help you in the processing of your own aromatherapy remedies is to find an easy reference guide which tells you what the purpose of each aroma product is used for. You may also want to find simple recipes that will tell you approximately how much of each substance to use.

A small amount of research can help you in the process of blending different aromas for homeopathic use. However, in the end it will be your instincts that will most lead you to what will work for you.

Again, it will most likely be what smells most appeal to you that do work for you, because often times your body sends your brain a signal to tell you what it needs. This may not be true all the time, but if you are already treating your body as kindly as possible it will learn to speak for itself and guide you in the rest of your physical and emotional healing process.

Carrier Oils and their Role in Aromatherapy

October 14th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Carrier oils have a major role in aromatherapy.  The oils are a necessity, and the aromatherapy process would not be possible without them. Essential oils cannot be used in aromatherapy until they are diluted in a carrier oil, because essential oils are to powerful to be used neat (undiluted). There are other carriers such as creams that may be useful in diluting essential oils, but carrier oils are the most common mediums due to their versatility. These oils provide the lubrication to allow hands to move freely over the skin while massaging instead of dragging. The lubrication provided by carrier oils also allows the essential oils to be carried into the body. The oils must be light and non sticky for the penetration to take place effectively.

Although many people may not realize it, carrier oils have a significant role in aromatherapy. The carrier oils are just as important as essential oils in aromatherapy. There are also many health benefits that may be associated with carrier oils. The carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which may soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some carrier oils may also be effective in treating irritated, and sensitive conditions of the skin. The skin conditions that may be improved by carrier oils include eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and scar tissue.

Carrier oils are also known as fixed oils because they do not evaporate. The oils may also be known as base oils and vegetable oils, because they are generally derived from nuts and seeds. However there are a few exceptions, such as coconut oil. A special process known as “copra” extracts oil from the white flesh. The jojoba coconut oil is extracted from the leathery-leaved shrub, and is defined as a liquid wax instead of oil. The carrier oils that are obtained from nuts and seeds are usually extracted using two methods.

The first method of oil extraction is known as “cold pressing,” which is restricted to small scale production due the high cost. In this process the nuts and seeds are placed in a horizontal press with a rotating screw that is known as an “expeller.” During this process the oil is squeezed out of the nuts and seeds. A certain amount of heat is produced during the cold pressing process due to friction, but the temperatures aren’t extremely high and cause little damage to the carrier oil. Oil is filtered after the cold pressing process, and is set to be sold to consumers.

Hot extraction is used for large-scale industrial production of carrier oils. The process is similar to cold pressing, but a great amount of heat is applied during the process. The high temperature increases the yield of oil, and temperatures often reach 200 degrees C. The extreme temperatures destroy the important vitamins and fatty acids. Waste products from the extraction methods are known as cake, and are often times re-processed using solvents to extract more carrier oils. The carrier oils are reheated, redefined, deodorized, and the color is bleached out. After this process, artificial color, preservatives, and vitamins are reintroduced into the carrier oil.

These carrier oils are unsuitable for use in aromatherapy, and are more suitable for cooking products. They are not useful in aromatherapy because of the vitamins, mineral, and fatty acids are destroyed during the hot extraction process. Cold pressed, carrier oils are best for aromatherapy treatments, and may help many individuals improve their skin, and other health problems. There are many refined and unrefined carrier oils that are available for consumer use. The most common oils that may be refined are unrefined include Avocado, wheat germ, and Coconut oils, which are available in either form.

If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Tips for the Weary Traveler

July 2nd, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the sheer effort of the trip can be draining on your body and spirit.  Road construction, airport delays, crowds of people, or just the idea of sitting in the same spot for several hours can all be very fatiguing.  Aromatherapy essential oils have a variety of uses to help ease the pain and suffering of travel.  Keep in mind that many oils need to be diluted before use, so either bring along a bottle of your favorite carrier oils or pre-dilute them prior to your trip.

Business trips are a guaranteed source of stress.  You may be meeting with clients, giving presentations, holding business meetings, etc.  lavender, peppermint, marjoram, and neroli oils may all be helpful with you.  marjoram and lavender oil massaged into your skin after a warm bath can help relieve jet lag.  Inhaling neroli oils can help with nerves before a big presentation.  A drop of peppermint and a drop of lavender oil massaged into your forehead, temples, and neck can help reduce headaches.  A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow can help you sleep.  peppermint tea can help relieve the indigestion associated with traveling and eating on the run.

Traveling with children can be an adventure all in itself.  Calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile, tea tree oil, and peppermint may all be useful to you.  A drop of lavender or peppermint oil in a tissue can help ease motion sickness.  Inhaling lavender oil can help your child relax enough to get some sleep in the car.  If you apply some to yourself, your baby will get the effects as you carry him or her around with you.  lavender oil can also work as an insect repellent.  Calendula, lavender, and chamomile are all good for cuts and bruises, and Aloe Vera or lavender can help ease the pain of sunburn.

If you are trying to get away for your honeymoon or a romantic weekend you may want to bring along some essential oils to help enhance the mood.  Both rose and jasmine oil are considered useful for romance.  A drop of each can make a nice personal perfume.  Or consider a single drop of ylang ylang for something more seductive.  You can add a few drops of either into your bath gel or water or use as a massage oil to help enhance the mood as well.

If mixing oils together sounds like an awful lot of work to add to the stresses of traveling, consider products that have taken the work out of it for you.  Shopping online or at your favorite health store, you can find plenty of products that are as ready to go as you are.  Aromatherapy lotions, soaps, and other personal care products are an easy addition to your suitcase in place of your traditional ones.  A plug in diffuser or a room spray can spruce up a hotel room in no time.  Eye masks, motion sickness bands, and other treatments are prepared and ready for purchase.  Or you can get travel sizes of your favorite oil blends to help cut down on the mess and amount of bottles that you carry.

When traveling with essential oils, make sure that they are packaged securely for your trip.  Nothing will be worse than a few leaky bottles to make your luggage smell to high heaven!  Make sure that all oils are packaged in shatter resistant bottles that are tightly capped.  Individually sealing them into plastic storage bags can help ensure that if a bottle should break or leak, it will not get onto everything in your suitcase.  If you normally use candles or things that plug in, then check with your hotel about outlet requirements and use of candles in the room.

A Clean Home is One with Good Scents – Housekeeping Tips, Aromatherapy-Style

June 25th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Keeping your house clean using aromatherapy can have a myriad of benefits outside of just having a clean home.  Since aromatherapy uses selected oils to give off scents that help change a mood or promote healing, you can get these effects by using cleaners, air fresheners, or scented candles as well.  Plus, you can get some good results around the house by making a few small changes in your cleaning routine.

If you enjoy having plants inside, you can use aromatherapy to help them.  Mix 6 to 8 drops of the oil mixture in a gallon of water to mist your plants with.  Equal parts of lavender and thyme oils will help protect your plants.  Thyme oil will help you to grow healthier cabbage and cauliflower.  Basil oil is beneficial to broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes.  You can also use yarrow oil for cucumbers, chamomile oil for onions, and carrot extract for lettuce to help encourage your kitchen garden.

To make furniture polish that can be used on all wood finishes, add two tablespoons of soap dissolved in two cups of boiling water and one cup of melted beeswax.  Add 10 drops of cedar wood, Cyprus, or sandalwood oil as well.

To save on expensive scented laundry detergent or fabric softeners, add a cloth sprinkled with two drops each of bergamot, lavender, neroli, cedar wood, petit grain, and sweet orange oils into the dryer.  Your clothes will come out smelling fresh.

If you have bug problems, you can use aromatherapy to help solve them.  Add 6 drops each of lavender, lemon grass, citronella, and peppermint oil to one cup of water and spray around the room.  It will help keep away mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches and be pet and child safe.

Pets can benefit from aromatherapy.  Mix together citronella oil, cedar wood oil, garlic, and clothes freshener and put a few drops on your pet’s collar.  It will help repel fleas without harming your pet in the least.

During the cold and flu season, you can help protect your family with aromatherapy.  Mix together Eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, tea tree, and lemon and marjoram oils.  Then add six drops to a cup of water to create a room spray, or add 4 to 9 drops to the water of a humidifier to spread throughout your home.

For a cleaner and bathroom refresher, mix lemon, bergamot, lavender, sweet orange, oregano, and thyme oils.  For a freshener, add eight drops to a liter of warm water.  Or put two to three drops on a wet sponge and use to wipe down surfaces as a cleaner, adding more to the sponge as necessary.

For mice and other pests, put a few drops of undiluted peppermint and spearmint oil near living areas, the edges of the ceiling, and any holes.  This will drive the pests from your home.

If you do not feel like putting for the extra effort to create your own household cleansing products, there are several manufactured products available for sale out there.  If you want the real benefits for essential oils, you will have to read labels to ensure that you are getting the oils and not just the fragrances.  You may also have to do your shopping online or at a health store to find exactly what you are looking for.  Expect to pay more for alternative products than you would for traditional cleaners, as the oils can vary greatly in cost.  Or, you can continue to use your everyday cleaners and refresh your home with the variety of candles, incense, diffusers, potpourri, and room sprays that are available for purchase.  Either way, your home will end up smelling fresh and inviting to all those who visit there.

If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy  

Aromatherapy for Dogs!!

March 6th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

I recently came across the book Aromatherapy For Dogs by Tracey Peapell. When I first read the title of this book I thought ‘how the heck can I use Aromatherapy for my dog?’ ‘Do you light an oil burner and get your dog to sniff it?’ Crazy I know so I was intrigued. Turns out there are many ways your dog can benefit from the power of Aromatherapy. What is Aromatherapy anyway? Well the author explains it in very simple terms along with a brief explanation of how essential oils are extracted from plants and flowers. This book is a very easy, informative and educational read with pictures throughout. It teaches you blends you can mix yourself to alleviate conditions like arthritis and rheumatism, fleas, ticks, skin problems, bad breath, anxiety and nervousness and many more.

Along with those aromatherapy tips there are blends to improve your dogs coat, stop lethargy and boost your dogs energy levels.  There are also blends to simply rid your carpet and dog bedding from that all too familiar ‘doggy’ smell. Not all oils are good for dogs and the book covers those to avoid. The author also shares her own and her friends experiences with aromatherapy making it a very entertaining read. All in all, a good concise 39 page book packed with ideas to improve the health and happiness of your dog. Have a look for yourself here.

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