Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using fragrant plant essences for therapeutic purposes and has been practised for thousands of years. Each essential oil has its own unique properties, proven by use through the ages and oils can be used in the treatment of a wide range of common physical and emotional imbalances, whether massaged into the skin, vaporized in special burners or blended to make therapeutic bath and skincare products. Essential oils contain the active ingredients of a plant in highly concentrated form; they should be treated with respect and always diluted in a base oil before being applied to the skin. Children under eighteen months should not be treated with essential oils, and oils should never be taken internally unless professionally advised.

To find a qualified aromatherapist in your area send a SASE to:

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
3327 W. Indian Trail Road, PMB 144
Spokane, WA 99208
Tel: (509) 325-3419
Fax: (509) 325-3479

Or visit their website at:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HOLISTIC AROMATHERAPY

HOW OILS ENTER THE BODY

INHALATION: The fastest way of drawing an essential oil into the system is inhalation through the nose. Inhaled vapors contain scent particles that are warmed and moistened by the nasal mucous membranes and then stimulate smell receptors high in the nose. Nerve impulses are sent directly to the brain where neurochemicals are released and passed on to the rest of the body via the nervous system. The part of the brain most affected is the hypothalamus, the seat of the emotions, explaining why smells can be so powerful in affecting our moods and stirring our memories. Essential oils also enter the circulatory system and the rest of the body when they are inhaled due to gaseous exchange taking place in the lungs.

STEAM INHALATIONS: Steam inhalations are an excellent support for the respiratory system as well as for deep-cleansing the skin. Put very hot water into a bowl and add 3-4 drops of essential oil. Lean over the bowl placing a large towel over head and the bowl to create a tent and inhale the vapors. Be cautious in epilepsy or asthma as the effect can be too overpowering. For quick and easy inhalation, put 2-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue, and hold near to the nose every few moments to inhale the vapors.

BURNERS & VAPORIZERS: These can be used to deodorize or fumigate a room, or simply to create a special atmosphere. Sitting near to the burner or vaporizer is a useful way of inhaling the essential oil vapors and benefiting from their therapeutic properties. For burners that use a candle or electric power to heat the oils; put a little warm water on the 'hotplate' and add a few drops of essential oil. Vaporizers disperse the vapors using a fan rather than heat and are especially good for a child's room. 4-6 drops of essential oil can be added to a bowl of hot water – there will be enough heat in the water to vaporize the oil. Refresh as needed.

THROUGH THE SKIN: When essential oils are applied to the skin, tiny oil molecules diffuse through hair follicles and sweat glands and permeate between skin cells into the deeper skin layer (dermis), where a dense network of blood capillaries and lymph vessels carry oil molecules into circulation. The level of essential oil absorption depends on the specific oil and type of carrier used (oil is a better carrier than water) as well as temperature (warmth increases absorption). Skin layers also act as a reservoir for essential oils, which are then time released into the system at a much slower rate than with inhalation. Massage is the most popular and effective way of applying essential oils to the skin and is favoured by professional aromatherapists.

MASSAGE: Aromatherapy massage combines the relaxing effects of therapeutic touch, the beneficial properties of essential oils and the skin conditioning effects of carrier oils. Massage oils are created by diluting essential oils into carrier oils such as Almond, Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Grapeseed, Olive, Soy or Wheatgerm. The light oils; Almond, Apricot Kernel, Grapeseed and Soy can be used on their own or combined, whilst the heavier oils; Avocado, Olive, Jojoba, Wheatgerm (that may be strong smelling and sticky if used alone) need to be combined with a lighter oil, unless a very rich base is required, for instance in very dry skin conditions. Massage oils usually contain 1-3% of essential oil to carrier oil. Just over 20 drops of essential oil make up 1ml. This means that for 100ml/ 3floz/ a scant half cup of carrier oil, 20-60 drops of essential oil (or blend) will be needed. To make enough oil for just one massage, pour approximately 10ml/ 2tsp of carrier oil on to a saucer and add 4-6 drops in total of your chosen essential oil or blend. If you make enough massage oil for several applications, store it in a dark colored glass bottle and use within 6-12 months. To make a cream simply substitute a lotion base for a carrier oil and use the minimum dilutions.

BATHS: Adding essential oils to the bath is a wonderful treat; the warm water encourages relaxation and absorption of oils via the nose and skin. Only put completely non-irritating oils such as Roman Chamomile and Lavender undiluted in the bath (add 4-6 drops and swirl the water before stepping in). Most other essential oils should be pre-diluted in a dispersing carrier to avoid them coming into direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes. Suitable pre-diluting carriers include carrier oils, and even whole milk (mix 4-6 drops of essential oil in an eggcupful of milk or 10ml/2tsp of carrier). Add oils after the bath has run to avoid premature evaporation and swirl the water before stepping in. Remember that cool water invigorates and warm water relaxes.

SITZ BATHS: Sitz baths are an excellent way of treating problems in the genito-urinary area. Half-fill a large bowl or a small bath with warm water, dilute the oils in a carrier (see baths) and sit in the water for 10 minutes.

FOOTBATHS: Footbaths have a reviving effect and may help relieve discomfort elsewhere in the body via the reflexology points in the feet. To make a footbath add 4-6 drops of essential oil to a bowl full of hot water. Place feet in the bowl and soak for 10 minutes. A Lavender footbath after a day on your feet is one of the most blissful experiences imaginable!

SHOWER INHALATION: So you don’t have time to take baths? Here’s a wonderful way to enjoy essential oils in your shower. Place 6-8 drops of your essential oil on the shower floor before turning on the water. The steam from the shower will diffuse the scent into the atmosphere.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Herbs have been used as medicine in every world culture for millennia and despite the wide-scale use of synthetic drugs we are in the midst of a herbal renaissance, with more and more people acknowledging the power of herbs and demanding high quality organic or wild crafted remedies. Herbs gently support the body's natural healing processes and tend to be free of side effects, however natural does not mean harmless and herbs must be selected and administered using common sense. Although all the herbs we sell are relatively safe for self-prescription, precautions and contraindications must be studied carefully. Further only short-lived imbalances are suitable for self-treatment; chronic, long standing illnesses must be referred to a qualified medical herbalist.

To find a qualified herbalist in your area send a SASE to:

The Secretary
American Herbalists Guild
1931 Gaddis Road
Canton, GA 30115
Tel: (770) 751-6021

or visit their website site at:
AMERICAN HERBALISTS GUILD

HOW TO USE HERBAL EXTRACTS
Extracts are a preparation of herb made using water and alcohol and are very easy to use; just add a few drops of extract to water. The usual intake is 15 - 30 drops in a small glass of water 2 - 3 times daily. One dropperful is approximately 20 drops. To evaporate most of the traces of alcohol just add your extract to hot water.
Herbal remedies are most often taken three times daily, although in very acute situations you can take the remedy more frequently. For children aged 7 - 12 years use half the adult dose, for children aged 2 - 6 years use quarter the adult dose. For infants under 2 years do not use herbal remedies unless professionally advised.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
When properly used, herbs have a natural and balancing action on the body rather than a definite physiological effect and, as such, should be used with care and respect. Individual sensitivity can also vary significantly, so, if you are generally sensitive, start with a low dose and build up slowly once you have determined your level of tolerance. Most people have a fairly high tolerance for herbs such as Chamomile, and can quite happily drink 2-3 cups of the infusion per day over extended periods, however other herbs have a stronger effect on the system and must be used well within the recommended levels. If you are in any doubt seek professional advice.
Herbs should be used only when appropriate, for instance a stimulant herb might be ideal in the morning but not before bed; a herb which stimulates the uterus might be ideal for delayed menstruation but must be avoided during pregnancy. It is not recommended to use single herbs or herbal combinations in therapeutic doses for more than 12 weeks, unless professionally advised. This is because the body can become habituated to a herb's action and even dependent, plus cumulative exposure to certain plant chemicals may have an irritant effect on certain body systems. Seek professional advice if there is little or no improvement after 12 weeks (maximum).
If you are taking any prescribed medication you should consult a qualified herbalist before taking herbal remedies.