Aromatherapy, like many other natural treatments, is becoming more powerful in Dallas, Houston, and throughout Texas. Once thought of as so many pretty scents, the population is becoming more aware of how powerful this therapy can be in changing moods, relaxing muscles, and even relieving migraines.
Pain relief, decreased stress, improved medical conditions, and better sleep have all been reported, all showing a positive effect on immunity. With better health, you may even get a better deal on that individual health insurance premium. That’s right guys, chamomile isn’t just for girls anymore.
While working in a perfumery, the great French chemist of the early 20th century, René Maurice Gattefossé, seriously burned his hand. Searching for whatever cold liquid was available, he found a quantity of lavender oil and dipped his fingers in it. Surprisingly, the burn healed very quickly, with little to no scarring, and inspired his further investigation.
Essential oils—naturally derived, powerfully scented plant substances—are at the heart of aromatherapy. Each part of the plant often produces unique oils with different properties. For example, the orange peel produces what is known as orange oil, while the leaves produce petitgrain and the flowers, neroli.
What’s even more fascinating is that no one is sure exactly what essential oils are. While certain components have been chemically identified, all that is really known is that they are extremely concentrated, volatile, oily plant substances with healing properties. They are not an “oil” in the traditional sense, nor are they anything else we have identified in a plant. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Persians integrated them into important rituals, Native Americans in what is now Texas and the Southwest were quite familiar with the use of concentrated aromas, and massage therapists rely on them as an essential part of treatments.
The extraction of the essences often requires at least several pounds of plant material for each gram obtained. The price of the finished product depends on the amount of labor and raw material required. Eucalyptus oil, for example, is quite cheap, while rose oil (considered an absolute) is a luxury. It takes about a ton of rose petals to make a single ounce of essential oil!
But many species used to produce therapeutic oils are common. Even residents of dry climates like Texas can grow their own bay, eucalyptus, sage, ginger, marjoram, or rosemary plants. For most, buying essential oils is more practical, but those in congested Houston and Dallas can still benefit from growing box gardens on their windowsills. Herbs, then, can be used for cooking, making small amounts of household products, cleaning the air, and scenting the home.
A very basic understanding is all that is needed to begin applying the power of essential oils. A few drops on a cotton ball, placed in a vacuum collection chamber, will scent the house as it cleans. A spritz on a tissue, or in your bath water, can provide much-needed stress or sinus relief. Hot and cold packs are just as easy to make, a multitude of household products are just minutes away, and if all else fails, inhaling the aroma from the bottle is a great form of therapy. Finally, something every American can do to stay healthy—and without individual health insurance to cover it!
Because essential oils are so powerful, direct application to the skin should only be done with certain oils, and of course pregnant or lactating women, or those with any chronic conditions (including allergies), should first consult their a trained doctor. Never ingest them and use only oils labeled “pure essential oil” from a quality company. Perfume oils and lesser quality products just won’t work.
(1) Stress relief. Between work, children and any hint of a credible social life, the “everyday” takes its toll. To relax and ease tension, use lavender, neroli, chamomile, and vetiver. A geranium oil back massage is a wonderful remedy for mood swings, and frankincense can restore normal breathing patterns during feelings of panic. Chamomile and marjoram oils are proven remedies for tension headaches, and even some migraines will respond to a few drops of lavender rubbed on the temples and forehead. Rose and lavender oils will send most to dreamland, even with Austin traffic in the background. Two or three drops on your pillowcase will do the trick, as will a sachet under your pillow… Of course, the last night is a warm essential oil bath and relaxing massage before falling into bed with scent of roses ahh
(2) Aches and pains. Most of us experience muscle aches and pains from time to time and, for those with particularly physically strenuous jobs, it’s more frequent. Oils from eucalyptus, easy to grow throughout Texas, chamomile, cypress, and rosemary are the best choices for complaining muscles. Ten drops in a warm bath, or used with a therapeutic massage, can be excellent remedies. Clary sage, pine, and jasmine oils are also good options, and a few drops of ginger oil will improve circulation to the area.
(3) Cuts, scrapes, and bites. Even minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, and bug bites can be treated with essential oils, common problems in hot Southwestern climates like Texas. Tea tree is an excellent antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic topical treatment, ideal for everything from cuts and scrapes to bee stings. Violet oil soothes rashes and sore, irritated skin, while patchouli and chamomile act as effective anti-inflammatory and antiseptic treatments. Peppermint oil is traditional for insect bites, and lavender appears, once again, as an excellent skin healer.
(4) The dreaded flu. We all fear it, we all fight it, but at some point, it always happens: the flu. It is not to worry. Heat eucalyptus in a vaporizer, to facilitate breathing and disinfect the air. A few drops of eucalyptus or cedarwood on your pillow at night will help relieve congestion, as will a chest massage, as long as it’s properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba. Myrrh is a great expectorant when used with steam inhalation, and pine oil is an ancient remedy for bronchitis, colds, and stuffy nasal passages. Apply a few drops of ginger, lavender, or peppermint oil to a cloth and inhale for nausea.
With all the media surrounding the health care crisis, it can be easy to forget how simple, everyday steps can actually improve our health. But most of us don’t need a comprehensive health insurance plan to soak in a hot bath, decongest our sinuses, or prevent minor cuts from turning into infections. Take it easy! It will relieve stress, sleep better and boost immunity. Take care of that sore back with a therapeutic massage, and don’t forget, of course, to stop to smell the roses.
Instructions for use:
• For massage, mix 3 drops of oil in 1½ tablespoons of almond or jojoba oil.
• For a therapeutic bath, sprinkle 6-10 drops of the oil into warm bath water and let soak for at least 15 minutes.
• For steam inhalation treatments, to boil water in a large container and add several drops of essential oil. Cover your head with a towel, bend over and inhale.
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