Earth's Healing Gifts
by Mary Mageau

Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to soothe and rejuvenate oneself. The essential oils �?aromatic chemicals found in plants, flowers and trees - can promote and maintain health, either by being used through inhalation or in a massage. As well as their beneficial smells many have medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-septic or anti-bacterial. For example digitalis, an essential oil of the foxglove, is widely used to treat heart problems while the herb, valerian can effectively treat headaches. A simple use of aromatherapy as an inhalation is achieved by sprinkling a few drops of essential oil/s on a handkerchief and breathing in deeply. Or put several drops in a basin or bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the fumes. Oils that have good tension releasing properties include: sandalwood, lavender, camomile, bergamot, jasmine and ylang ylang.

Aromatherapy was used as a healing technique for many years by the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Different oils were valued for treating wounds, improving circulation and for relaxation. During the medieval period Europeans frequently used herbs and essential oils for healing. However with the development of our modern pharmaceutical industry the old aromatherapies were discouraged and fell into decline. In 1928 the French chemist, Gattefosse, burned his hand during an experiment and dipped his wound into a pot of lavender oil standing nearby. To his surprise the pain diminished and his burns healed rapidly. He and others began to experiment with essential oils, many of which they identified and categorized. Gattefosse’s classic book on aromatherapy was published later that year. Today aromatherapy is practiced widely in Europe where it’s often combined with mainstream therapies under the direction of a conventional medical practitioner.

Good quality essential oils are expensive since very large quantities of plant material are required for their production. Care must be taken in purchasing and storing essential oils. Small amber or brown glass bottles are best for storage, away from strong light and heat. Oils in clear glass bottles may be fragrant oils, not the highly distilled essential oils for aromatherapy use. Quality is important so do not try to skimp on price, nor should you buy in quantity as essential oils have a very brief shelf life.

If essential oils are to be used for massage, a carrier oil is required. Good carrier oils include soya, grape seed, avocado, almond and macademia. Never use essential oils directly on the skin, unless healing a wound or a burn. Also essential oils should never be taken internally as their high concentration can produce negative side effects. To make up a massage oil mix 2 or 3 drops of essential oil into 1 tsp (5mls) of carrier oil. The skin should be completely dry and warm. Bedtime is optimal for a massage, as its effectiveness will be increased with sleep. Another relaxing remedy is to take a warm bath, laced with several drops of essential oil.

Enjoy the gifts of nature’s bounty through your use of the following essential oils, so helpful in relieving stress symptoms:
�?Eucalyptus, rosemary and sage - for muscular aches and pains
�?Camphor, jasmine, marjoram �?for insomnia
�?Cardamon, lavender, peppermint, rose �?for headaches
�?Bergamot, fennel, lemon, peppermint �?for indigestion