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Aromatherapy - isn't new, the theory and practice
of using essential oils and aromatic scents for therapy
and wisdom has been with us for thousands of years.
The Egyptians were probably the first make use of
aromatherapy and aromatic herbs. Indeed they used
essences for religion, medicine and cosmetics. There
is no reason disbelieve that Egyptians used a form
of aromatherapy candle to burn essential oils and
evoke the spirits of those who were being prepared
for mummification. Certainly aromatic essences and
resins were used in the embalming process.
With the ancient Greeks we can take aromatherapy
back to the most famous physician of that time - Hippocrates
(c.460 - 377 BC) he was also a firm believer in treating
the patient holistically and included aromatherapy
massage as a treatment. During the Arabian empire
a Persian physician named, Avicenna (980 - 1,037 AD)
is recorded with perfecting the distillation process
of essential oils.
Scented candles can be traced back to Colonial America
when settlers discovered that boiling the distinctive
grayish green berries of the bayberry bush produced
a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. However, the
process of extracting the wax from the bayberries
was extremely time consuming. As a result, the popularity
of bayberry candles soon extinguished. (pun intended)
Today aromatherapy candles are used to set the ambiance
of any room and can be changed for seasons and reasons.
Aromatherapy candles can be used in business as well
as domestic situations.
So aromatherapy isn't new but the name is, relatively
speaking, it was was first coined in 1937 by the French
chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Although
not a believer of natural health he was interested
in the properties that essential oils exhibited. An
accident changed his mind when in 1910 he badly burnt
his hand in agony he used the nearest coolant and
unwittingly treated his badly burnt hand with pure
undiluted lavender oil, not only did it immediately
ease the pain, but helped heal his hand without any
sign of a scar or indeed infection. He also discovered
that minute amounts of essential oils are absorbed
by the body and work with the body chemistry as part
of the healing process. [ Never use neat oils on the
skin; if using oils for massage always dilute the
oils in a carrier oil (e.g. almond, grapeseed or jojoba)
according to the manufacturer's instructions.]
Here in the UK aromatherapy was re-introduced by
Robert Tisserand in 1969; he began the first aromatherapy
training institute in the early 1970s, and has written
several books on the subject, he wrote his first book
in 1977. The Art of Aromatherapy is now published
in ten languages.
The benefits of burning aromatherapy candles can
be experienced when fragrances from essential oils
are inhaled. These fragrances trigger a host of chemical
actions within our body, these actions include the
release of specific chemicals. Enkephalin reduces
pain and creates a feeling of well-being. Our body's
'morphine', Endorphins also reduce pain and can induce
sexual feelings. Serotonin helps us relax and be calm.
Essential oils contain antibacterial properties and
also may contain antibiotic, antiviral, and other
therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy is holistic therapy
for our mind, body, and spirit.
Because the olfactory nerves are a direct extension
of the brain's limbic system, reaction to smell is
relayed immediately. Essential oils act on the olfactory
nerves, these nerves are located within the nasal
cavity and respond to particular aromas. They send
the information to the part of the brain where memory
and emotions lie. This area is connected to another
part of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland)
which governs the hormonal systems.
Each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties
that affect the body's natural functioning. These
essential oils possess an variety of stimulant, anti-infectious,
anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties. In the
practice of aromatherapy by professionals, essential
oils are applied in a variety of ways including massage,
ointments, lotions, baths and inhalations. Their professional
holistic application is applied for the needs of the
individual 'patient'. Professional aromatherapists
are trained to recognize that each individual requires
a unique blend of essences.
Before we look at specific smells reminiscent of
Christmas or childhood, let's take a look at how commonly
known fragrances can help us, such as Eucalyptus:
This is considered to be a powerful antiviral, antibacterial
and decongestant. Helpful in alleviating colds and
is a great air purifier. Geranium is considered to
be relaxing but also it is mentally stimulating. Geranium
in aromatherapy helps relieve nervous tension, PMS,
post natal depression, and stress related ailments.
Lavender has a distinctive fragrance and this essential
oil is considered soothing and relaxing and said to
help relieve stress, depression and anxiety. Orange
is stimulating and rejuvenating. It is helpful in
creating clean-smelling atmospheric well-being. Known
to counter depression, hysteria, shock and nervous
tension. A touch of clove adds a light spicy Christmas
note. Rosewood offers a pleasant fragrance which is
helpful in creating a soothing atmosphere and general
well-being.
Picture Courtesy of
Aromatherapy candles in the office: Anyone who works
in an office or other commercial environment will
be acutely aware of how easily one can become stressed.
A blend of lavender creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere
and grapefruit clears stale air and also helps concentration.
Geranium is considered to be relaxing and yet mentally
stimulating. Orange revitalises circulation and nervous
system and encourages positive thinking. Lemon also
stimulates circulation, reduces high blood pressure
and makes themind alert and clear. Pine stimulates
and refreshes it combats pessimism and fatigue.
Aromatherapy candles in the home: If you have problems
sleeping then light a Sandalwood candle for mind calming
and anti-insomnia properties and a Lavender candle
for relaxation properties. Do you want an aromatherapy
solution to smelly feet? Citronella has deodorant
and stimulating qualities which are excellent for
tired, sweaty feet! -also a great insect repellent.
Cedar too, is an insect repellent it also calms anxiety
and fear. Still on smelly things, eucalyptus purifies
the air and clears blocked noses, it brings down fever.Lavendar
eases headache and migraine it educes anxiety, exhaustion
and helps relaxation.
Aromatheapy candles for love and sex: To spice up
your love life burn some Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine for
their aphrodisiac aromatherapy properties.Ylang ylang
has aphrodisiac qualities it has a relaxing and uplifting
effect and relieves frustration, anxiety and depression.
Jasmine has aphrodisiac qualities and encourages optimism
and self-confidence it helps relax and stave off depression.
Rose reduces depression, shock and anger and honeysuckle
has a relaxing scent of warm summer days.
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