Lavender Oil Aromatherapy by Sarah Thomas

There are many types of oils used in relation to aromatherapy, all different in order to achieve different effects. Aromatherapy oils are most commonly divided into several different categories. These categories include:

* essential oils
* absolutes
* floral waters (hydrosols)
* resins
* carrier oils
* infused oils

Lavender oil aromatherapy falls into the first category listed, the essential oils category.

Lavender oil aromatherapy is a liquid most often distilled from the purple blossoms of the lavender plant, or also known as lavendula officinalis. Lavender oil is usually extracted by using a delicate process involving water or steam. Being extracted this way, lavender oil aromatherapy most often captures the absolute essence of the lavender plant itself. It is normally so highly concentrated that a few drops is all that is necessary to reap lavender oil's full therapeutic benefits.

The appearance of lavender oil is normally clear, with just a hint of yellow. With it being called lavender oil, one may think it is an oily substance. However, despite it's name, lavender oil aromatherapy is not oily. To the contrary, the consistency of lavender oil aromatherapy is one of the thinnest among all of the other essential oils.

Because the consistency of lavender oil aromatherapy is so thin, the smell of this scent only goes to a medium level. However, once the medium scent starts to settle in the air, lavender oil aromatherapy can be one of the most relaxing scents there is. It is not too strong, and it is not too light. Lavender oil aromatherapy smells very fresh, as well as sweet, with just a twist of a floral aroma. Some people think lavender oil also smells a little fruity.

As with most aromatherapy oils, lavender oil aromatherapy is most often used by diluting it with carrier oils. These carrier oils can include:

* sweet almond oil
* apricot kernel oil
* grape seed oil

Once the oils are blended, they are usually applied to the skin for the best adsorption.

In addition to applying lavender oil aromatherapy to the skin, it may also be used by careful inhalation. Once the lavender oil molecules enter the lungs, these oils can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. This will provide you with the therapeutic benefits you need to soothe whatever ailments you may be experiencing.

There are a wide variety of ailments that lavender oil aromatherapy may help treat. Some of these health issues can include:

* acne
* allergies
* anxiety
* asthma
* athlete's foot

Lavender oil aromatherapy can also help treat ailments such as bruises, burns, colic and chicken pox. Those with cuts, who are suffering with depression, or have an earache may also benefit from the therapeutic benefits of lavender oil aromatherapy. Other possible uses for this healthy oil can include headache treatment, treatment of hypertension, as an insect repellent, to relieve itching, to help reduce labor pains, to treat oily skin, skin scaring, stretch marks, as well as to treat whooping cough.

About The Author: Sarah Thomas provides articles on wellness and health.

Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Early in the 1920’s a chemist named Maurice Gatefosse discovered the benefits of aromatherapy by complete accident. Inside a perfume laboratory, while he was deeply engrossed in his work, he had, by accident, one of his arms catch fire. Thinking quickly, he tried to look for the nearest cold substance to put the fire out. He saw a vat of lavender oil and forced his burning arm into it. To his amazement, not only was the fir extinguished, his burns healed without scarring, too. From then on he used the word “aromatherapy” to describe the healing that he experienced.

Aromatherapy is what has become to be a sort of a science of how to use essential oils that are extracted from plants, herbs and other natural resources to produce products that enhance well being and sometimes even health. Aromatherapy uses a few methods, either by scent or by application to the skin – providing direct massage of the oils in the body so the oils get absorbed and express their activity by better and healthier skin.

Aromatherapy treatments have been proven beneficial by many through the years, may it be for therapeutic, emotional, physical, or spiritual use. Aromatherapy essential oils are also used in meditation practices and are believed to ease sore muscles and lift stressful moods.

Some of the conditions aromatherapy treats are: eczema, anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, asthma, digestive problems, and menstrual or menopause problems. Whatever the situation is there is probably an essential oil to aid and heal.

A certified aromatherapist or massage therapist who uses essential oils may treat you to a full body massage or you can just buy certain aromatherapy products over the counter at pharmacies and health shops and treat yourself at home. There are also a lot of toiletries out there that contain essential oils and claim to add wellness or have healing capabilities.

Several spas in your local mall may also offer aromatherapy treatments like full body, face, and scalp massages; detoxifying algae wraps; facial, back and bust treatments; and even hand and nail treatments. They may also have treatment rooms for different aromatherapeutic rituals.

These spas may also offer several aromatherapy products that promise relaxation, stimulation and sensuality. Meaning, these products can help you distress and unwind, feel good, and boost blood circulation to keep your body active. They even promise healing inside and out.

So there we have them – most that you have to know about aromatherapy. If the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, and even Rene Maurice Gatefosse benefited from it, may be you too will. Just remember to keep everything in moderation.

About The Author: Celia Namart an avid traveler and researcher, an avid travels and an enthusiast of alternative medicine and natural remedies Celia is now writing articles about Aromatherapy at http://aromatherapy.healthandcosmetics.com/ for
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