Aromatherapy

The therapeutic effects of the essential oils have been known for centuries, although the term aromatherapy was only introduced in the 1920s. Essential oils are known as the life force of aromatic plants and are obtained from their flowers, leaves, stems, bark and roots. When these oils are used in massage, they are absorbed through the skin and bring about a state of harmonious balance and well-being in both the mind and the body. Essential oils can also be used In inhalants, vaporization, baths, compresses, room sprays and perfumes. Essential oils fall into the following three classifications: Top notes: These are the quickest to evaporate and are the most uplifting and stimulating to the body and mind. Examples include bergamot, clary sage. eucalyptus and lemongrass. Middle notes: Slower to evaporate, these help to improve bodily functions such as digestion and menstruation and include camomile, lavender, rosemary and black pepper. Base notes: These are the slowest to evaporate and will relax and sedate you. They include sandalwood, jasmine, neroli (orange flower) and ylang ylang.

Top notes

Bergamot
Refreshes, uplifts
Used for/as: greasy skin acne, depression, antiseptic, insect repellent

Clary sage*
Uplifts, warms, relaxes
Used for/as: painful menstruation, high blood pressure, astringent

Eucalyptus
Cools body temperature
Used for/as: colds, headaches, asthma, coughs, bronchitis, disinfectant

Lemongrass
Stimulates, cleanses and refreshes
Used for/as: sore muscles, digestive complaints, acne. antiseptic, astringent.

Middle notes

Black pepper
Warms, stimulates, tones
Used for: muscular aches and pains, toothache, digestive disturbances

Geranium
Balances, relaxes, stabilizes emotions
Used for/as: depression, menopausal symptoms, neuralgia, astringent. diuretic.

Lavender
Balances, restores, soothes, relaxes.
Used for/as: insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, digestive disturbances, migraine, nose and throat infections. rheumatism, sprains, acne, bites, boils, sunburn, disinfectant.

Rosemary*
Stimulates, revives, improves memory.
Used for/as: digestive complaints. respiratory complaints, dandruff, aches and pains, joint pain, disinfectant, diuretic.

Base notes

Jasmine*
Sensual, relaxes, soothes, uplifts. warms the emotions.
Used for: skincare. any pain. depression, breathing difficulties

Neroli
Uplifts the spirit, soothes, relaxes.
Used for: ageing and blemished skin. anxiety, insomnia, depression.

Sandalwood
Relaxes, soothes, sensual.
Used for/as: dry skin, acne, coughs and catarrh, nausea, antiseptic.

Ylang ylang
Exotic, sensual, soothes, relaxes, uplifts.
Used for: skincare, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure.

Make sure you buy pure oils. Add only a few drops to your base massage oil or a few drops in your bath. Avoid using those marked * during pregnancy.