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What is Aroma Therapy?   What are Essential Oils ?

Aroma therapy is the study of pure essential oils as a therapeutic aid to achieving and maintaining health and beauty and is designed to enhance the holistic healing of a person.

Essential oils are non-fatty secretions produced by oil glands found in aromatic plants. These can be found in the flowers, leaves bark or roots. Essential oils are a major component of the plants immune system and play an active role in the reproduction cycle of plants as well as being the plants stress management tools.

Essential oils effect all body systems e.g. the circulatory; the endocrine; respiratory; digestive; urinary; muscular and skeletal; reproductive; immune and nervous.

Essential oils are pure, concentrated plant extracts obtained specifically for their fragrance and therapeutic value. The chemical composition of these oils is exceedingly complex - often tens or hundreds of constituent parts. It is now thought that all of these parts play a vital role in the effectiveness of essential oils and thus the chemical synthesis of these oils has proved remarkably tricky.

Examples of common essential oils include lavender oil, rose oil and peppermint oil.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, while relatively new to the Western World, goes back a long way. Although the term essential oil is a recent one, civilisations have been using incense, perfumes and cosmetics for thousands of years. Herbs and spices have been used in cooking for a long time, but their use has often been linked to both religious and medicinal purposes. Indian literature, dating from around 2000BC mentions the use of cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, coriander and sandalwood. The Chinese have a long tradition of alternative medicine. Aromatherapy is just one of a number of treatments which include acupuncture, reflexology and herbal remedies. The Egyptians were renowned for their herbal potions and ointments. Temples were filled with incense. Corpses were embalmed in oils of cedar and myrrh. Egyptian women wore perfume. Greece and Rome were introduced to the riches of the far-away places. Camphor from China, Cinnamon from India, Gums from Arabia.

Much of the knowledge gained by earlier civilisations was lost to Europe during the Dark Ages. The Arabs excelled in the manufacture of perfumes during the thirteenth century. During the Middle Ages, infectious diseases such as the plague were fought off with aromatic plants strewn across floors. Lavender water was available in the sixteenth century at the local apothecary. It was a time of alchemists embarking on mystical quests to turn base metals into gold, and for others to distil the quintessence from aromatic materials. Not until the end of the seventeenth century was the distinction between perfumes and aromatics made clear, with alchemy giving way to chemistry as more and more became understood about the nature of matter. The scientific revolution of the early nineteenth century saw the birth of the modern drug industry. During the twentieth century, essential oils were moved away from therapeutic use into perfumes, cosmetics and foodstuffs.

Modern Day Aromatherapy

In 1928, Ren-Maurice Gattefoss used the term aromatherapy. Although a French chemist working in the family's perfumier business, he became aware of the power of lavender in treating his own severe burns. He also found that synthetic oils were not as effective as the pure essential oils found in nature. Even trying to isolate the active ingredients did not prove very successful. The work was continued by another French doctor, Dr. Jean Valet, who treated specific medical and psychiatric disorders with essential oils. The results were published in 1964.

Effects on the body

Essential oils have a therapeutic effect on the body as they are:

Analgesic; antibiotic; anti-fungal; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; antiviral; calmant; carminative; depurative; digestive; diuretic; expectorant; hepatic; laxative; hypertensive and hypotensive; sedative; stimulant; toning and many more.

Effects on the mind

Essential oils restore balance to the emotions and mind

• Soothe nervous tension and settle a worried mind
• Calm anxiety and apprehension
• Improves concentration and memory
• Boosts morale and pacifies anger and frustration
• Uplifts depression and negativity
• Enhance love and relationship
• Strengthens the spirit to help indecision.

Essential oils are, through massage or hydrotherapy, absorbed by the body. They penetrate the skin and the lining of the lungs to be carried around the body in the blood.

Massage

Massage, together with aroma therapy provide the following benefits:

• Induces deep relaxation, relieving both physical and mental fatigue.
• Improves circulation to the muscles, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
• Releases neck and shoulder tension and backache.
• Relieves neuralgic, arthritic and rheumatic conditions.
• Helps sprains, fractures, breaks and dislocations heal more readily.
• Promotes correct posture and helps improve mobility.
• Improves the function of every internal organ.
• Improves digestion, assimilation and elimination and reduces constipation.
• Increases the ability of the kidneys to function efficiently.
• Flushes the lymphatic system by the mechanical elimination of harmful substances including toxins from bacteria and waste matter.
• Reduces high blood pressure.
• Helps disperse headaches or migraines.
• As a form of passive exercise; partially compensates for lack of active exercise.
• Stimulates mind and body without negative side effects.
• Helps release suppressed feelings.
• Stimulates the immune system
• Triggers the release of mood altering chemicals such as encephalin and endorphin which reduce pain and cause a sense of well being.
• Encourages deep breathing.

Oil

Details of  the oil

Uses

Blends with

SWEET BASIL
Ocimum basilicum

Basil has a slightly liquorice aroma. It originated in India and Hindus have used it for centuries in medicine.

Stimulates mental concentration and improves clarity and memory, brightens mood, strengthens nervous system. It revitalises the skin, and is a useful antiseptic and expectorant for respiratory infections.

Bergamot, clary sage, citronella and geranium.

BAY
Pimenta racemosa

A powerful sweet, spicy balsamic scent.

Stimulant for hair growth, for relieving muscle spasms and strains, to improve circulation, to relieve melancholy, nervous exhaustion, as an insect repellent.

Rosemary, geranium, lavender, ylang ylang, other spice and citrus oils.

BAY LAUREL
Laurus nobilis

A strong, sweet-spicy scent. The leaves of the bay laurel were placed under pillows by ancient Greeks to encourage prophetic dreams.

An immune system stimulant, to regulate the lymphatic system, for relieving melancholy, anxiety, to stimulate the mind, for healing bronchitis, sinus infection.
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Lavender, clary sage, juniper, cypress, frankincense and citrus oils.

BERGAMOT
Citrus Bergamia

A strong, sweet-spicy scent. It gives Earl Grey Tea its distinctive flavour and is a main ingredient of Eau-de-cologne.

Balancing nervous system, relieving anxiety and stress, lifting melancholy, for restful sleep, antiviral, cold sores, psoriasis, eczema and insect repellent. Provides relief for PMT and post-natal stress.

Lavender, neroli, jasmine, coriander, juniper, chamomile, lemon, geranium and cypress.

BLACK PEPPER
Piper nigrum

A warm, peppery aroma. The Romans thought so much of it that they paid their taxes with it instead of coins. It is also highly valued in the Chinese and Sanskrit medicine as a healing stimulant.

Energizing, for increasing circulation, to warm and relieve muscle aches and stiffness, for fighting colds, flu and infections. It provides temporary relief for rheumatism, arthritic pain, flatulence and indigestion.

Rosemary, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood and marjoram.

ATLAS CEDAR
Cedrus atlantica

A woody aroma. Atlas cedar was believed to have been used extensively by the Egyptians in cosmetics, perfume and medicine.

Relaxing tense muscles, calm emotions, help breathing, for enhancing meditation, easing pain, repelling insects, for hair loss.

Blends with: bergamot, cypress, ylang ylang, rosemary, juniper, vetiver, neroli, clary sage and frankincense.

ROMAN CHAMOMILE
Anthemis nobilis

A sweet and fruity aroma. Chamomile was a sacred herb of the Saxons.

Relieve muscular pain, as a sedative, ease anxiety and nervous tension, to help with sleeplessness, as an anti-inflammatory, relief for aches and pains, sunburn and rashes.

Bergamot, cypress, jasmine, juniper, neroli, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, rosemary and ylang ylang.

CITRONELLA
Cymbopogon nardus

A fresh grassy-woody scent. Chinese medicine uses this herb for rheumatic pain.

A mosquito repellent, for colds, flu and neuralgia, to relieve pain of rheumatism and arthritis, melancholy, as well as minor digestive troubles. Good for a soothing deodorising foot bath.

Blends with: geranium, lemon, bergamot, orange, cedarwood and pine.

CLARY SAGE
Salvia sclarea

A spicy, hay-like aroma. It has been called "clear eye" and was used for healing eye problems in times past.

Relieving stress and tension, lifting melancholy, easing pain, restful sleep, as an aphrodisiac; contains oestrogen-like hormone, for menopause and PMS, relieving nervous exhaustion. A powerful muscle relaxant.

hotel rooms EstorilJuniper, bergamot, lavender, frankincense, coriander, cardamon, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine and jasmine.

CORIANDER
Coriandrum sativum

A spicy, sweet and fragrant aroma. Coriander seeds were found in the Egyptian tomb of Ramses II.

Relieving muscular aches and pains, increasing circulation, for colds, flu and rheumatism, for help with sleep and nervous exhaustion.

Clary sage, ginger, bergamot, cypress, pine, jasmine, frankincense, neroli, citronella and sandalwood.

CYPRESS
Cupressus sempervirens

A spicy, refreshing pine-needle aroma. Cypress incense is used today by Tibetans for purification. Ancient Egypt highly valued Cypress for its preservative powers.

Increase circulation, relieve muscular cramps, bronchitis, whooping cough and painful periods, reduce nervous tension and other stress related problems, as an immune stimulant. Use in foot-baths to reduce foot odour and relieve aching legs.

Cedarwood, pine, lavender, clary sage, lemon, cardamon, juniper, bergamot, orange, marjoram and sandalwood.

EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus globulus

A strong camphorous odour. Aborigines have used eucalyptus leaves to remedy many ills.

Colds, as a decongestant, relieve asthma and fevers, for its bactericidal and anti-viral actions, to ease aching joints. Promotes healing of burns or wounds and is a useful insect repellent.

Rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedarwood and lemon.

SWEET FENNEL / FENNEL
Foeniculum vulgare

An earthy-peppery aroma. Fennel was used to ward off evil spirits. Roman soldiers chewed its liquorice-flavoured seeds to quell their hunger pains. Greek Olympians ate them to build muscle tone.

Neuro-muscular spasms, rheumatism and arthritis, bronchitis, whooping cough, as a nerve tonic in relieving stress and nervous tension, fluid retention, nausea, ingestion and constipation, cellulitis. It contains a form of oestrogen that balances the female reproductive system.

Geranium, lavender, rose and sandalwood

FRANKINCENSE
Boswellia species

A spicy, balsamic aroma. Frankincense is one of the most highly prized and costly substances of the ancient world; it was used by the Egyptians in face masks, cosmetics and perfumes. For more than 3000 years it has been used in religious ceremonies.

Calm, enhance meditation, elevate mind and spirit, help breathing, for psychic cleansing, for care of mature skin and scars, anti-inflammatory for slow healing wounds, relieves mouth ulcers, boils, respiratory infections and impetigo.

Sandalwood, pine, vetiver, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, bergamot and basil.

GERANIUM
Pelargonium graveolens

A leafy rose scent. Geranium was once planted around the home to keep evil spirits at bay and was considered to be an excellent healing plant.

Reducing stress and tension, easing pain, balancing emotions and hormones, PMS, relieve fatigue and nervous exhaustion, to lift melancholy, lessen fluid retention, repel insects, tonic effect on the liver and kidneys.

Lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, neroli, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper and bergamot.

GINGER
Zingiber officinale

A warm, spicy-woody odour. Ginger has been used as a healing remedy for thousands of years.

Reducing muscular aches and pains, increasing circulation, relieving bronchitis and whooping cough, nervous exhaustion, in healing colds, flu and fever and to stimulate appetite.

Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, cedarwood, coriander, rose, neroli and orange

GRAPEFRUIT
Citrus paradisi

A fresh, sweet, citrus scent.

To lift melancholy, relieve muscle fatigue, as an astringent for oily skin, to refresh and energize the body, stimulate detoxification, as an airborne disinfectant, toning, fluid retention, colds and coughs.

Lemon, palmarosa, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, cardamon, geranium, lavender and cypress.

JASMINE
Jasminum grandiflorum

A rich, sweet scent. The flower of romance. Cleopatra enjoyed jasmine oil while harem favourites were once soaked in Jasmine baths to induce ecstasy.

To lift melancholy, for muscular spasm, painful periods and labour pains, to relieve anxiety and nervous exhaustion, an aphrodisiac, maintaining healthy skin.

Rose, sandalwood, clary sage and citrus oils.

JUNIPER
Juniperus communis

A fresh pine-needle aroma. Believed to be magical, Juniper was used to avert and protect one from evil. Very popular with 15t^h and 16^th Century herbalists for its effects on the plague and as a cure for bites.

To energize and relieve exhaustion, ease inflammation and spasms, for improving mental clarity and memory, purifying and toning the body, to lessen fluid retention, for disinfecting, cellulitis, cystitis, urinary tract infections and gout.
Avoid use during pregnancy or if you have kidney disease.

Vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, cypress, clary sage, pine, lavender, rosemary and geranium.

LAVENDER
Lavandula officinalis

A sweet, fresh scent. Lavender has been used for centuries as a fragrance and a medicine. The Romans used lavender to bathe and cleanse their wounds.

Balancing emotions, relieving stress, tension and headache, to promote restful sleep, heel the skin, to lower high blood pressure, help breathing, for disinfecting, burns, stings and sunburn.

Most oils including citrus, florals, cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, vetiver and patchouli.

LEMON
Citrus Limonum

A fresh lemon scent.

Balance the nervous system, as a disinfectant, to refresh and uplift, for purifying the body, to stop bleeding, reducing temperatures.

Lavender, neroli, juniper, eucalyptus, geranium, fennel, chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, rose and ylang ylang

LEMONGRASS
Cymbopogon citratus

A powerful, lemon-grass aroma. A traditional Indian remedy for infectious illness and reducing fever. There has been recent research in India which shows that lemongrass acts as a sedative on the central nervous system.

An insect repellent and deodoriser, for athletes foot, as a tissue toner, to relieve muscular pain, increase circulation, for headaches, for nervous exhaustion and other stress related problems, revive dull tired hair.

Citronella, vetiver and palmarosa.

SWEET MARJORAM / MARJORAM
Marjorana hortensis

A warm and spicy aroma. Sweet Marjoram was used medicinally by Romans and ancient Greek physicians. Marjoram was sacred to the ancient Egyptian God Osiris.

Relax tense muscles and relieve spasms, calm and promote restful sleep, ease migraines, headaches, for comforting the heart, lowering high blood pressure, to help breathing, disinfecting, sprains and menstrual cramps. One of the best oils for treating asthma, bronchitis and colds.

Lavender, eucalyptus, tea-tree, cedarwood, cypress, chamomile, bergamot and rosemary

MYRRH
Commiphora myrrha

A sharp, warm balsamic aroma. In Egyptian lore, Myrrh is said to have come from the tears of Horus. The soldiers of Ancient Greece were never without a paste of myrrh in battle and has been used in medicine, perfume and incense for thousands of years.

To heal wounds and nurture mature skin, for bronchitis and colds, to relieve apathy and calm, ringworm, ulcers, sore throats, coughs and colds. Avoid use on damaged or sensitive skin and during pregnancy.

Frankincense, sandalwood, cypress, juniper, geranium, patchouli, lavender and pine.

NEROLI
Citrus aurantium varamara

A refreshing, bitter-sweet aroma. Neroli oil is extracted from the flower of bitter orange trees. In times past, orange flower blossoms were worn at weddings as a symbol of purity and was used in the first Eau de Cologne in the 18^th Century.

For healing thread veins, scars and nourishing mature skin, increasing circulation, in relieving anxiety, melancholy and nervous tension, bronchitis, as an aphrodisiac, sedative, antidepressant.

Chamomile, coriander, geranium, lemon, ylang ylang, lavender, jasmine and clary sage.

SWEET ORANGE/ ORANGE
Citrus sinensis

A fruity, sweet scent. The Romans drank orange-flower water to prevent drunkenness and indigestion.

Brighten mood, calm and reduce stress, as an environmental disinfectant, eases symptoms of eczema, induces sleep and transforms depression into jubilance. Do not use before exposure to sun.

Lavender, clove, myrrh, clary sage, lemon and neroli.

PATCHOULI
Pogostemon cablin

An intense earthy, balsamic-woody aroma.

For athletes foot, as an aphrodisiac, impetigo, insect bites, to relieve stress and nervous exhaustion, is a powerful antidepressant, promote clarity of thought, stimulates physical energy and enhances sensual awareness, is a disinfectant to protect your clothes, a cell regenerator and will cool and relieve chapped and dry skin. Also treats dandruff.

Vetiver, clary sage, myrrh, bergamot, neroli, rose, lavender, clove, geranium, cedarwood and sandalwood

PEPPERMINT
Mentha piperita

A sweet, mint aroma. Herbalists in ancient Greece and Rome used peppermint for nearly every ailment.

For energy, brighter mood, reducing pain, to help breathing, improve mental clarity and memory, reduce digestive pains, nausea and related headaches. Provides relief for jetlag or travel sickness and is helpful in regulating the temperature of a fever, combats flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome.

Rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, marjoram and lavender.

ROSE
Rosa centifolia

A rich rosy fragrance. Avicenna, a 10^th century Arabian alchemist gave us our first rose oil. It is celebrated in legend as the blood of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love.

For brighter mood, menopause, to help reduce wrinkles, for calming and reducing nervous tension, to promote restful sleep, as an aphrodisiac, provides relief for jetlag, PMS, post natal stress and hangovers.

Geranium, bergamot, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood and patchouli

ROSEMARY
Rosmarinus officinalis

A camphor like aroma. Greek and Roman students wore wreaths of rosemary during exams to energize their memories. Sprigs of rosemary are still worn on Anzac Day to symbolise remembrance.

To energize, for muscle pains, cramps or sprains, brightens mood, for improving mental clarity and memory, easing pain, to relieve headaches, disinfecting. Age-old remedy for fainting, headaches and migraines.
Avoid use during pregnancy, if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Frankincense, cedarwood, peppermint, basil, pine, citronella and lavender

SANDALWOOD
Santalum album

A woody, balsamic aroma. Sandalwood is believed to bring out calmness and serenity and is linked with incense and meditation.

To ift melancholy, enhance meditation, heal the skin, help breathing, for calming and reducing stress, restful sleep, disinfecting, as an aphrodisiac. Provides relief for brachial coughs, sore throats, cystitis, itching and anxiety, good for chapped skin and will ease shaving rash.

Rose, clove, lavender, jasmine, myrrh, patchouli, vetiver, geranium and bergamot

TANGERINE
Citrus reticulata

A sweet, citrus scent.

For relieving muscle spasms, to soothe and calm nerves, for stress relief and relaxation, to stimulate the liver and increase lymphatic drainage.

Spice oils, nutmeg, clove bud, lemon, neroli, bergamot, lime, orange and grapefruit.

TEA-TREE
Melaleuca alternifolia

A spicy, medicinal aroma. Tea-Tree is revered world wide for its non-irritant, tissue friendly healing properties. It is also one of the most scientifically researched oils.

An immuno-stimulant particularly against bacteria, viruses and fungi, for relieving inflammation, as a disinfectant, antiseptic. It can be applied directly to cuts, ulcers, pierced ears, nail infections, tinea, ringworm, insect bites, acne, cold sores, boils and pimples. It is unique in its ability to stave off all three types of infectious bodies bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Lavender, clove, marjoram, rosemary, clary sage, pine and geranium.

VETIVER
Vetiveria zizanioides

A heavy, woody, earthy-sweet scent.

For muscular aches, to increase circulation, to relieve melancholy and nervous tension, for restful sleep.

Sandalwood, ylang ylang, clary sage, lavender, patchouli, jasmine and rose.

YLANG YLANG
Cananga odorata

An exotic sweet floral scent.

Brightening mood, relieving anger and anxiety, relaxing tense muscles, to calm and promote restful sleep, lower high blood pressure, an aphrodisiac (gives confidence in sexual expression), slows down and deepens the breath, calms nervous tension, has a normalising effect on over-oily skin and provides temporary relief for intestinal infections, flatulence, and diarrhoea.

Jasmine, vetiver, bergamot, rose and citrus oils.

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