Aromatherapy herbs are used for the treatment or prevention of diseases. Read about information on herbs for aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy Herbs
Aromatherapy is an alternative field of medicine that is used for the treatment or prevention of diseases. It basically involves the use of essential oils. The therapy activates the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain, along with the thermal receptors, and kills microbes and fungi. It works to lift a person�s mood, cognitive function or health by inducing a calming effect on the mind and soothing tense nerves. With the scientific evidence mounting on the benefits of aromatherapy, it is being used in the treatment of various ailments, such as bronchitis, fatigue, migraines, respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, cystitis, cold and flu.
Aromatherapy is basically a natural and non-invasive way of treatment, the effect of which is not limited to the symptoms of a disease, but also includes assisting the body�s natural ability to balance, regulate and heal itself. It also favors the use of certain complementary natural ingredients, such as cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, sugars (exfoliant), clays and mud. Holistic aromatherapy discourages the use of those products that contain synthetic ingredients. Therefore, it doesn�t use perfume oils or fragrance oils that are made using synthetic ingredients, which do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Some of the major herbs used for aromatherapy are:
- Basil
- Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)
- Birch
- Cajeput
- Cedarwood (Juniperus Virginiana)
- Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)
- Citronella
- Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)
- Clove
- Cypress (Cypressus Sempervirens)
- Fir
- Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)
- Gardenia
- Geranium (Pelargonium Graveloens)
- Ginger
- Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi)
- Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)
- Jojoba
- Juniper berry (Juniperus Communis)
- Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis)
- Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
- Lemon grass
- Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia)
- Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata)
- Marjoram (Origanum Marjorana)
- Myrrh
- Neroli (Citrus Aurantium)
- Nutmeg
- Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini)
- Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)
- Peppermint (Mentha Arvensis)
- Pine
- Rose(Rosa Damascena)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
- Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeodora)
- Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
- Sage
- Sassafra
- Spearmint
- Spruce
- Tangerine fragrance
- Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata)
Caution
While using the essential oils derived from aromatherapy herbs, the following tips need to be kept in mind:
- The essential oils should not be consumed i.e. taken internally.
- You should never ever make use of the essential oils directly, as in straight onto the skin. They should be diluted beforehand, with good carrier oils like sweet almond oil.
- If you want your essential oils to stay fresh for a longer period of time, it is advisable to store them in a dark glass bottle. At the same time, keep them out of direct light, be it artificial or natural.
- Before giving the essential oils to children or pregnant women, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
