It is now widely known that there is a rise in pathogenic microbes resistant to conventional treatments. An over-prescription of antibiotics and over- use of anti-infective products have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Medical researchers are now searching worldwide for medicinal plants that have antimicrobial properties. The University of Heidelberg ‘s Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology reported increased scientific interest in the effects of aromatic medicinal plants against bacteria, yeasts, fungi and viruses.
Modern health care, in all its complexity, has often disregarded individual needs and self- responsibility for one’s own health. Cultural attitudes of healthcare have transitioned from empowerment and self-educating to dependence and in some cases helplessness.
Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as well as notoriety for less invasive treatments and more personal approaches to wellness. For those just beginning to explore alternative medicine, aromatherapy is an excellent foundation. There are safe and easy to use methods of aromatherapy that are effective and enjoyable.
Self-Care through Aroma-Medicine
Aromatherapy is rather easy to adopt by those experienced with alternative medicine. For beginners there are aromatherapy blends that are safe and straight forward. The beauty of aromatherapy is that one can experience a relationship to the earth from the botanical essences as well as use in the privacy of one’s own home.
Many forms of alternative medicine require application from expert practitioners, aromatherapy does not. Thus, with some research, one can self-medicate and connect with personal health needs. It must be stated that time must be taken to read and research about essential oils before freely using them. Some essential oils are safe and can be used with liberal application, while others require specific know how. As with any new practice, start simple and add with experience.
Aromatherapy is known to work best for infections, the nervous system, psychological and hormonal imbalances, and moderately for autoimmune diseases (the body attacking its own cells and tissues). One of the most noted successes in essential oils in the use for viral treatments. Essential oils have emerged at being more effective than conventional antiviral drugs.
A Few Recipes for Restoring Health
For the Common Cold - As with the flu, using essential oils in a bath as well as in a direct massage is recommended. In a hot bath place thyme (2 drops), tea tree (2 drops), eucalyptus (1 drop), lemon (3 drops) and inhale deeply. Massage a blend of lemon (1 drop), eucalyptus (2 drops) and rosemary (3 drops) in a carrier oil around the chest, neck, and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones).
Concentration - Use equal portions of basil, geranium, ginger and black pepper and place in a diffuser or room spray (4 drops or more in a cup of warm water, shaken vigorously).
General Headaches - Combine lavender (3 drops) and peppermint (1 drop) and blend in a small amount of carrier oil. Massage around the base of the skull, the temples and along the hair line.
Laryngitis - Many of us sing in holiday choirs and attend festive parties that require an increase in voice usage. If symptoms occur, combine chamomile (2 drops), lavender (3 drops) and thyme (1 drop) and place in bowl of steaming water. Inhale deeply. You may also choose to make a blend with chamomile (5 drops), thyme (1 drop) and lemon (2 drops) and dilute in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Massage over neck area and behind the ears.
This is a quick look at some easy home care essential oil recipes. Using essential oils for their medicinal properties is simple to do, and when done properly following recipes and guidelines, can be very effective. There are many excellent guidebooks available. Look for those focusing on the medicinal aspects of aromatherapy, and search sites like pubmed.gov for the latest in essential oil health science research.
Author Resource:-
The author recommends diluting essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin. Go here for easy to make recipes.
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