Mary Connolly extolls the benefits of essential oils as a complementary therapy
Aromatherapy is a natural treatment that can maintain and improve your health and wellbeing – in mind, body and spirit. It uses the concentrated herbal energies in essential oils from plants through massage, inhalation and baths. Like other holistic treatments, aromatherapy treats the whole person and not just the ailment.
Although aromatherapy can’t cure major illnesses it can help to alleviate some of their discomforts, including stress and mood swings. Aromatherapy also stimulates the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems and can help strengthen resistance to disease and combat infections.
Essential oils are plant based and can be inhaled, applied to the skin as oils, creams and compresses and used in the bath. The oils can also be used for massage which is gentle, relaxing and therapeutic.
Essential oils, examples
Herbs: lavender, roman chamomile, basil, marjoram and rosemary.
Flowers: rose, ylang ylang, jasmine
and neroli.
Wood: sandalwood, cedarwood, rosewood and teatree.
Citrus: lime, orange, grapefruit, bergamot and lemon.
Therapeutic qualities of aromatherapy
- relaxation, especially during massage;
- the relief of tension and stress;
- improvement of low moods and depression;
- the relief of pain and musculoskeletal problems, nausea, constipation; and
- hot flushes and insomnia.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy can create a relaxing mood or atmosphere using a burner or an aroma stone. Place some warm water in the container then use a few drops of a base note or wood fragrance, such as sandalwood, known for its relaxing, spiritual qualities. Add a few drops of a citrus oil – great to help uplift your mood – for example lime, bergamot or grapefruit, then a few drops of flower essence, such as neroli, rose or geranium.
When all the oils have been added to the water, light the candle underneath the dish. Be careful not to leave the candle unattended or let the dish dry out and keep applying water as necessary.
Essential oils must be handled carefully as they are highly concentrated, volatile and very potent. They must be kept away from the reach of children and should be stored in a cool dark place as, if exposed to sunlight, the chemical component of the oils might change.
Undiluted oils must never be applied directly to skin – a base cream or base oil, such as sweet almond, calendula or olive oil, must always be used. It is also important to just use small quantities of essential oils, especially if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or recovering from treatment.
Be aware that
- some essential oils can provoke an allergic reaction so should be tried on a small area of skin first;
- do not use close to the eye area;
- take care if using while pregnant, as some essential oils are contra indicated;
- be cautious if using on children – use well diluted and in very small amounts;
- careful supervision is required with certain medical conditions – epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. For example, rosemary essential oil is contra indicated for people with high blood pressure; and
- some oils, especially the citrus oils, provoke sensitivity to sunlight, so avoid the sun after a massage with citrus oils and only use on the face at night.
The gift of lavender
Lavender is a wonderful essential oil. A great addition to any first aid kit, neat lavender can be applied over scalds or minor burns. Lavender can also help with insomnia, headaches, muscular aches and pains and bruising.
Essential oils in the bath
Use small amounts of oil, for example three drops of lavender, two drops of roman chamomile and three drops of bergamot. Add the oils to some milk first and then pour into the bath water. The oils must be mixed well into the water or they will concentrate on top of the water, or on the bottom of the bath and can burn the skin.
