It is now widely known that there is a rise in pathogenic microbes resistant to conventional treatments. An over-prescription of antibiotics and over- use of anti-infective products have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Medical researchers are now searching worldwide for medicinal plants that have antimicrobial properties. The University of Heidelberg ‘s Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology reported increased scientific interest in the effects of aromatic medicinal plants against bacteria, yeasts, fungi and viruses.
Our modern health care system has in many ways deprived individuals of embracing their personal health needs, uniqueness and self-responsibility for their health. Feelings and attitudes of helplessness to pain, disease and death seem to prevail in our culture.
Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as well as notoriety for less invasive treatments and more personal approaches to wellness. For those just beginning to explore alternative medicine, aromatherapy is an excellent foundation. There are safe and easy to use methods of aromatherapy that are effective and enjoyable.
Self-Care through Aroma-Medicine
There are extensive uses for aromatic essential oils that range from infections to relief of unwanted stress and strain. Below are a few aromatherapy recipes for common ailments. As with any medicinal use, one needs to be well-informed and personally responsible. There are essential oils that can be used without caution and others that need more experience in using.
Many forms of alternative medicine require application from expert practitioners, aromatherapy does not. Thus, with some research, one can self-medicate and connect with personal health needs. It must be stated that time must be taken to read and research about essential oils before freely using them. Some essential oils are safe and can be used with liberal application, while others require specific know how. As with any new practice, start simple and add with experience.
Aromatherapy is known to work best for infections, the nervous system, psychological and hormonal imbalances, and moderately for autoimmune diseases (the body attacking its own cells and tissues). One of the most noted successes in essential oils in the use for viral treatments. Essential oils have emerged at being more effective than conventional antiviral drugs.
Five Healthful Recipes
For the Common Cold - As with the flu, using essential oils in a bath as well as in a direct massage is recommended. In a hot bath place thyme (2 drops), tea tree (2 drops), eucalyptus (1 drop), lemon (3 drops) and inhale deeply. Massage a blend of lemon (1 drop), eucalyptus (2 drops) and rosemary (3 drops) in a carrier oil around the chest, neck, and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones).
For Sinusitis - A combination of rosemary (3 drops), thyme (1 drop) and peppermint (1 drop) used in steam inhalation is effective for sinusitis. One may also combine rosemary (5 drops), geranium (5 drops), eucalyptus (2 drops) and peppermint (3 drops). Add 5 drops of the blend in carrier oil and massage around the neck, ears, cheekbone, nose and forehead.
General Headaches - Combine lavender (3 drops) and peppermint (1 drop) and blend in a small amount of carrier oil. Massage around the base of the skull, the temples and along the hair line.
For Insomnia - Make a synergistic blend of clary-sage(3 drops), vetiver (2 drops), valerian (1 drop) and lavender (2 drops). Add 3 drops of the blend in a bath or 2 drops in carrier oil and rub over the body, or apply 2-3 drops directly and massage the tops of the feet.
This is a quick look at some easy home care essential oil recipes. Using essential oils for their medicinal properties is simple to do, and when done properly following recipes and guidelines, can be very effective. There are many excellent guidebooks available. Look for those focusing on the medicinal aspects of aromatherapy, and search sites like pubmed.gov for the latest in essential oil health science research.
Author Resource:
The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using Helichrysum and other pure and natural essential oils .
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