Aromatherapy - From Bathrooms to BugsIn this day and age aromatherapy is a household word. You will see it on almost every fragrant candle or bag of potpourri to energize, calm or stimulate your mood. But what is it really ? How does it work and how can it benefit ? Aromatherapy - The What - How and Why Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are oils created from fragment plants in a compressed or condensed state. The method of use would be by inhaling or bathing with these essential oils to create a desired change in your state of mind (mood). Essential oils have also been used to deter insects, freshen clothes and even polish furniture.
How does this work - The essential oils are inhaled or absorbed in the body or through the skin. "The scent of essential oils is conveyed by the olfactory nerve to areas of the brain that can influence emotions and hormonal responses. " says Michele Erwin for Ancient Healing Arts. "When used in a bath or massage, the oils are absorbed through the skin and carried by body fluids to the main body systems; such as the nervous and muscular systems for a healing effect." Here are some uses of aromatherapy that Michele recommends in her article. Mosquitoes, Ants, Roaches Use the following oils in a room spray (6 drops per cup of water) | Mice Place a few drops of the following oils, undiluted, in their nests, in the ceiling, or near the places where they may like to enter. | Pet Care Use the following to rid your pets of pesky fleas. Place a couple drops undiluted on the collar. Perfectly harmless to your pet. - Citronella
Cedar wood
Garlic
| Clothes Freshener Use two drops on a small cloth and add to the dryer for fresh smelling clothes. - Bergamot
Lavender
Neroli
Cedar wood
Petit grain
Sweet Orange
| Colds To discourage the spread of colds in your home, add 4-9 drops of the following to the water of a humidifier, or 6 drops per cup of water for a room spray. - Eucalyptus
Thyme
Rosemary
Tea Tree
Lemon
Marjoram
| Bathroom Cleaner and Freshener This may take a little more effort, but is much better for your health and your home than toxic commercial cleansers. Place 2 -3 drops of oil on a wet cloth or sponge and place in the wash water. Then wipe down all surfaces, replacing the oil as necessary. Or use 8 drops to a liter of warm water. - Lemon
Bergamot
Lavender
Sweet Orange
Oregano
Thyme
| | Gardening For an all-around spray that will protect your houseplants and outdoor flowers and encourage healthy growth, use 6-8 drops of the following per 1 gallon of water. | For tastier and stronger vegetables. Broccoli - Basil
Cabbage - Thyme
Cauliflower - Thyme
Cucumber - Yarrow
Lettuce - Carrot
Onions - Chamomile
Potatoes - Basil
Tomatoes - Basil | Real Furniture Polish To put a beautiful natural polish on all your wood furnishings use the following. Melt 1 cup of natural beeswax, add two cups turpentine, 2 tablespoons soap all dissolved in 2 cups boiling water, then add 10 drops of one of the following. - Cedar wood
Cypress
Sandalwood
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Before using any of these oil recommendations, use care, some people have the impression that since they are "natural" must be safe. As I read somewhere, God made flowers and he also made snake venom - they are both 100% natural, but not 100% safe. Some people have been known to have allergic reactions to some of the above oils so do your research and use common sense. |
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