Aromatherapy is a great form of self reliant healing. While it is not a miracle cure and will not replace a doctor, it may help ease pain, promote faster healing and uplift your spirits.
What It is
It is an alternative medicine using the essential oils of plants to affect your mood or health. You either diffuse it into different oil - known as a carrier oil - such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, or place a few drops on a handkerchief you carry with you. You can also add a few drops of the essential oil to your bath water or add it to your humidifier.
How It Came About
The actual term "aromatherapy" was first used in the 1920s by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist who accidentally set his arm on fire while working in his perfume factory. He thrust his arm into the nearest cold liquid available, which turned out to be lavender oil. To his amazement, the pain rapidly eased and the burn healed quickly with little pain and no scarring.
After that, Gattefosse devoted his life to researching how essential oils heal the human body. Jean Valnet continued that work and during World War II treated wounded soldiers with essential oils.
This marvelous alternative remedy is still popular in France and prescribed by many French physicians. Although physicians in other parts of the world may not recognize this form of medicine, it can be a handy tool for the self reliant, and a few bottles of essential oils should be on the shelves of every homesteader. Remember that these oils should never be applied directly to the skin. Always diffuse them.
What Essential Oils Can Do
Here are some of the more popular essential oils and how they can help you:
Peppermint
Some warnings right up front: Peppermint can antidote homeopathic remedies. Also if you are pregnant or nursing you should not use peppermint. That being said, this essential oil is useful for treating headaches, muscle aches and digestive complaints. It is also great if you are exhausted or suffering burnout. It will give you focus and help with memory and concentration.
Eucalyptus
This is also something you should avoid if you are using homeopathic remedies. But otherwise, eucalyptus will help with respiratory problems such as coughs, colds and asthma. This oil will also relieve muscle tension and boost your immune system.
Ylang Ylang
This oil is great for releasing anger, which is often a cause of depression. It helps you relax and promotes happiness and feelings of peace.
Geranium
This is great for women as it balances our hormones. It eases stress, is relaxing and uplifting and is also great for depression. Geranium is a strong scent so use it sparingly. It calms agitation and eases frustration and irritability. This oil is particularly useful when you are suffering nervous exhaustion due to stress and overwork.
Lavender
This one is a must-have essential oil for every homesteader. Not only is this oil relaxing, it is also useful for treating wounds, burns and skin problems. Lavender oil releases anger and is good for insomnia. It's also good for relieving panic attacks.
Lemon
This is also helpful in treating wounds and infections. It is also good for house cleaning and deodorizing, and is also useful for easing fear and helping memory and concentration.
Clary Sage
This wonderful oil is a natural pain killer, great for easing muscular aches and pains. It is also good for insomnia, balances hormones and eases feelings of loneliness. It can bring about a sense of calmness and confidence in stressful situations and is uplifting. It gives you energy and can also induce feelings of euphoria and elation and enhances creative work. Be sure to avoid alcoholic beverages before and after using this oil.
Tea Tree
This is a natural anti fungal oil and is good for treating vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete's foot and ringworm, and will boost the immune system.
Roman Chamomile
This is great for easing sleeplessness and anxiety, as well as muscle aches and tension. It is also useful for treating wounds and infection. On the emotional plain, it eases anger, depression, fear, irritability, stress and loneliness.
Rosemary
This essential oil gives you energy - sometimes too much. I put this oil in our humidifier once and couldn't sleep a wink all night! This one definitely gets you pumped and full of energy. This uplifting oil gives you confidence, improves memory and concentration, stimulates both your immune and digestive system and is great for getting the creative juices flowing.
Some Precautions
Always read about an essential oil and follow the guidelines before applying it, and always dilute the oil before applying it directly onto your skin or inhaling it. You should obviously keep these oils away from your eyes and out of the reach of children. Stop using it if you get an allergic reaction. If an essential oil does come into direct contact with your skin, apply any vegetable or carrier oil to the area. The essential oil will then be absorbed into your skin and in a few minutes, the irritation will ease.
Citrus essential oils increase photosensitivity. If you plan to use any of the citrus oils, stay out of the sun.
Sue Merriam is author of the website, Organic Gardening and Homesteading.
http://www.organic-gardening-and-homesteading.com
