Essential Oils

Essential oils can be considered as the main component in aromatherapy sessions. Different oils extracted from different herbs release aromatic fumes that can revitalize the body and mind. There are many essential oils, each with different uses and healing effects. This article will present some of the famous essential oils used in many spas.

Lavender Oil ( Lavendula officinalis)
One of the most famous name in the world of aromatherapy, lavender oil has many uses and it heals a lot of skin and body ailments. Extracted from Lavender herbs botanically known as Lavendula officinalis, its color is clear with a speck of yellow shade and gives off a sweet, floral, fresh and slightly fruity aroma. Aside from the relaxing effect it gives to individuals, it is also used to treat many skin ailments like acne, allergies, scars, sores and even bruises and wounds. During the World War, it is one of the oils used to treat wounds of soldiers. As a matter of fact, when that perfume laboratory exploded, Gattefosse mentioned earlier, soaked his burnt arms in a pan with lavender oil in it and notice the pain subsided and the healing process was quick and scars are not so visible. Since then, Lavender oil gained a popularity and unmatched healing reputation.

For more information about more uses of Lavender oil,

visit this link http://jan-dev-lavender.com/pages/living.html

Bergamot Oil (Citrus Bergamia)

Bergamot oil is another widely used essential oil in the world of aromatherapy. The oil is extracted from Bergamot tree which is native in South East Asia and was later introduced in Europe and other continents. It was first sold in the city of Bergamo in Lombardy and so how it got its name.
Bergamot oil releases citrus, fruity and warm floral scent and its aroma is a great antiseptic or could also be insect repellent. It can also be used as antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and a febrifuge. Bergamot oil can also treat stress, depression, tension, skin itching, skin ailments, and even eczema. It can also help stimulate the urinary tract and the digestive tract.
One of the best way to use bergamot oil is to blend it with other essential oils depending on the recipe and use it with a diffuser. Air diffusion spreads the aroma very well and disinfects the air thus combats airborne bacteria.

Precautions:

Bergamot Oil has strong photosensitive properties and must not be applied undiluted. It can harsh the skin or create allergies and other reactions. Also, it is strongly advised to avoid sun exposure when this oil is applied on the skin. It can blend well with these other essential oils like bourbon geranium essential oil, fine lavender organic essential oil, neroli essential oil, jasmine essential oil, organic patchouli essential oil, ylang-ylang organic essential oil. Bergamot oil when blended with Eucalyptus oil is a good treatment for cold sores and chicken pox.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil originates from Asia and is now cultivated in Europe. It is widely used in culinary, and of course in the world of aromatherapy. The oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers through the process of steam distillation. The oil is greenish-yellow in colour and gives off a clear, lightly spicy aroma which is very relaxing to the olfactory nerves. Its aromatherapy is ideal for sharpening concentration and relieves headaches, stress and migraines.

Other uses of Bergamot Oil:

• good for asthma, bronchitis and other sinus infections
• good for constipation, nausea, vomiting and cramps
• it helps minimize uric acid and relieves gout
• good ingredient to refresh skin and/ or control acne

Bergamot Oil is best combined with Black pepper, Cedarwood, Fennel, Ginger, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Neroli and Verbena. All these these essential oils create a strong therapeutic effects.

Precautions:
Excessive use of basil oil can make someone weak and groggy so it it important to make use of it in a moderate way. Pregnant women are not advised to use such oil and individuals less than 16 years of age.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

There are two types of chamomile oil, the Roman chamomile and the German chamomile and they are both extracted from chamomile flowers through the process of steam distillation. The Roman chamomile oil has a sweet and apple-like fragrance and its colour is light blue while the German chamomile oil is dark blue in colour and also gives off a sweet fragrance. Chamomile oil extracts possess many therapeutic uses. With these two types of chamomile oils, each type has its own set of health conditions to treat and heal.

Roman chamomile is usually used in many aromatherapy blends. Research studies show that it is use as analgesic, it treats allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, dermatitis, amenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. Roman chamomile is also used as pain reliever for muscle aches, headache, toothache, neuralgia. It is also an agent in skin treatments to treat skin problems like acne, eczema, rashes, wounds, dermatitis, dry itchy skin and even gynecological itchiness. Because of its mildness, it can also be used to treat baby rashes, diarrhea and gastric spasms.

German chamomile is also widely used in many aromatherapy mixtures. It serves as anti-inflammatory to treat inflamed muscles, joints. It is also used as pain relievers to relieve muscle spasms and rheumatism. Skin problems like psoriasis can also be treated by this essential oil.

Chamomile oil is best when blended with other essential oils like Bergamot, Clary sage, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine oil, Tea tree oil, Grapefruit oil, Rose oil, Lemon oil and Ylang ylang.

Chamomile is non-toxic and non-irritant but pregnant women are still not advised to use it.

There still many other essential oils that are not mentioned on this site . Many spas take pride in discovering new essential oils  to treat different body ailments. Aromatherapy is one of the safest and innovative approach to any ailments. For more information about aromatherapy and for a complete list of essential oils visit this website  http://www.aromaworld4u.com/EssentialOil_list.html