Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, which is commonly associated with complimentary and alternative medicine, is the therapeutic use of volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils. Inhaling them can affect someone’s mood or health. The psychological effects of aroma can be speedy, and may be relaxing or stimulating, depending on the previous experiences of the individual as well as the chemistry of the essential oils used.

Essential oils may also be applied topically to the skin and may elicit a rapid physiological affect (i.e., cooling or warming). While some aromatherapists do not consider topical or ingested essential oils as part of aromatherapy, others contend that the topical, ingested, and inhaled uses of essential oils is aromatherapy.

There are no scents specifically associated with the seasons; however, we might associate certain healing oils with the typical health issues that arise throughout the year. We can also look to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to figure out which organs tend to be out of balance during any given season.

Autumn sniffles
According to TCM, autumn is the time of the lungs and large intestine. Some essential oils that are therapeutic for the lungs include rosemary, eucalyptus, myrrh, frankincense and cedarwood, says aromatherapist Jessica Kramer. A couple of sniffs and you can reconnect to your center and feel a sense of inner peace.

Essential oils that are therapeutic for the large intestine include black pepper, cardamom, ginger and orange. A few drops of each in an ounce of unscented cream rubbed on the chest can be a wonderful warming treat. Oils such as thyme and oregano also have a strong and direct affect in warding off pesky colds. But keep in mind that thyme and oregano may irritate the skin if not sufficiently diluted. They’re quite strong and generally not used for the long term.

Winter blues
There are many oils with antidepressant effects, but for winter blues Kramer recommends using citrus oils such as grapefruit, bergamot, orange, lemon and lime. “These oils not only have anti-depressant therapeutic properties, but people generally take one sniff and feel light, uplifted and refreshed.” The cold and flu season in the winter can also be addressed with essential oils such as pine, eucalyptus and ravintsara (cinamomum camphora). They can help reduce congestion, ease aches and pains, and they’re anti bacterial, and antiviral. These oils can be used via inhalation in a steam or a room diffuser, adds aromatherapist Valerie Bennis. Also try warming oil blends during the colder months of the winter such as black pepper and ginger.

Spring has sprung
Great oils for the spring would be those which support the liver and gallbladder, as spring is the season when these organs tend to be out of balance. These oils include lemon, basil and orange, says Kramer. In the spring we might also choose some of the floral oils such as lavender and rose to celebrate the coming of the flowers. These oils nourish the heart, bring a softness in to our experience and help to sooth difficult transitions.

Summer daze
The best approach for keeping cool in the summer is a combination of essential oils and hydrolats (the distilled plant waters) which can be sprayed on the face and body, says Bennis. Wonderfully cooling hydrolats include neroli, rose otto and lavender. One spray of these on your face in the summer and you feel entirely refreshed. Oils that have a cooling effect also include palmarosa, sandalwood, vetiver, neroli and cypress.

You can also make your own sprays to refresh with refreshing oils such as as lemon, orange, geranium and lime. A few drops in a spray bottle with water can offer some cooling relief on hot days. Bring the mists to the gym or on a hike.

Finally, experts warn that it is extremely important that people know the quality of the oils they are purchasing. Most essential oils on the market are adulterated, meaning they contain both 100% pure essential oil as well as synthetic adulterates. These synthetic adulterates can not only detract from the therapeutic qualities of the oil but also add stress to the body. To insure high quality and 100% natural oils, buyers should ask if each batch of the oils are GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) tested.

Healing Properties of Oils:

Yarrow Oil is used to reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms.

Basil is used in perfumery for its clear, sweet and mildly spicy aroma. In aromatherapy, it is used for sharpening concentration, for its uplifting effect on depression, and to relieve headaches and migraines. Basil oil should be avoided during pregnancy.

Bergamotis one of the most popular oils in perfumery. It is an excellent insect repellent and may be helpful for both the urinary tract and for the digestive tract. It is useful for skin conditions linked to stress, such as cold sores and chicken pox, especially when combined with eucalyptus oil.

Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. Common uses include stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains. Skin application is useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation.

Clove is a topical analgesic, especially useful in dentistry. It is also used as an antiseptic and antispasmodic.