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Aromatherapy. The ancient therapy using the power of aromas
Using aromatherapy is not a cure-all, but does assist in healing certain ailments, and should be used with care. A massage with essential oils can be wonderful and even if some scoff at this type of alternative therapy, it is best to try it for yourself and see if it works for you.
We are part of Esoteric Oils CC (www.essentialoils.co.za) and do not really sell essential oils on this site, although we traditionally have always sold lavender, jojoba and tea tree from the Ageless.co.za site.
These oils are still available, but the oil sold are under the Esoteric Oils label.
For detailed information on the whole spectrum of essential oils and more information on aromatherapy please visit our EssentialOils.co.za website by clicking here.
On this page
The following essential oils are the most popular in use:
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Bay
- Bergamot
- Black pepper
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile (German and Roman)
- Cassia
- Clary sage
- Clove bud
- Coriander
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense,
- Geranium,
- Ginger,
- Grapefruit
- Helichrysum,
- Jasmine,
- Juniper berry,
- Lavender,
- Lavandin,
- Lemon,
- Lemon grass,
- Lime,
- Mandarin,
- Marjoram,
- Myrrh,
- Neroli
- Orange,
- Palma rosa
- Patchouli,
- Peppermint,
- Rose,
- Rosemary,
- Rosewood ,
- Sage,
- Sandalwood,
- Spikenard
- Tagetes
- Tangerine
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Vetiver
- Ylang-ylang
Aromatherapy massage and essential oils date back for thousands of years, and aromatherapy is reputed to have been practiced in ancient Egypt where they were massaged with fragrant essential oils – a practice the ancients Greeks and Romans continued.
The Romans went even further and imported oils from all over the world, through the trade routes opened by themselves. The use of aromatherapy and aromatic essential oils have been noted in most ancient cultures, ranging from the above to the Aztecs and Chinese to the ancient Indian system known as Ayurvedic.
The term aromatherapy can be attributed to the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse, who published his findings regarding the healing powers of essential aromatic oils in 1937.
It is contended that aromatherapy and essential oils are useful in the improvement of the psychological well being of the person, as well as being therapeutic for the physical body.
Oils are chosen for their specific properties, when this type of massage is done. Aromatherapy does not only refer to the massaging with essential aromatic oils, but also include the use of such oils in a bath, use in a vaporizer and in inhalation.
Lately more people are interested in aromatherapy because we seem to be moving towards a more health conscious society, where alternative methods are also considered to assist in our general well-being.
Essential oils are beneficial in relieving stress and a multiple of other ailments.
Although aromatherapy could not claim to help alleviate all ailments and problems, people have reported the most amazing results with the use of essential oil treatments.
Producing aromatherapy oils is extremely expensive, as vast amounts of plant material, such as rose petals, are required to produce only a very small quantity of essential oil. (Example: 2,000 kg rose petals will yield only 1 kg oil).
We bring you this page on massage with essential oils to promote a holistic approach, including aromatherapy, for anti-aging, being ageless, increasing energy, vitality and health, while decreasing stress and other ailments.
Use all oils with care and as prescribed.
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
Beneficial in the following: stimulating but large doses can cause problems with circulation. Use with care.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Beneficial in the following: fighting mental and physical fatigue, mental alertness, and muscular aches.
Bay (Pimenta racemosa)
Beneficial in the following: muscle spasm, depression and stress, hair.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Beneficial in the following: uplifting helps cheerful emotions, dispels depression, soothing and relaxing.
Beneficial in the following: stimulate and relieves tight muscles, painful muscles, flu.
Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
Beneficial as astringent for oily and blemished skin, rheumatism, arthritis, hair. Beneficial in the following: respiratory ailments, expectorant and diuretic, harmonizing the mind, calms anxiety – avoid if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems.
Chamomile German (Matricaria chamomilla)
Beneficial in the following: soothing for inflamed or irritated skin, skin disorders.
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis Nobilis)
Beneficial in the following: sedative, pain reliever, inflamed skin, relaxation and insomnia, stress reliever, menstrual cramps.
Cassia (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Beneficial in the following: Used as inhalant for stimulation and depression. Use with extreme care - can be an irritant.
Beneficial in the following: hormonal balance and menopause, restores tranquility. Use with care if consuming any alcohol.
Do NOT use on the skin. Beneficial in the following: fatigue and depression, stimulant for the mind.
Beneficial in the following: use as appetite stimulant and relieves neuralgia, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Beneficial in the following: circulatory and respiratory problems, arthritic pain, aching muscles, menstrual cramps.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Beneficial in the following: stimulating and cleansing, eases congestion, mentally stimulating, increase concentration.
Beneficial in the following: expectorant, aging skin, centering of emotions, calming.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Beneficial in the following: hormonal balancing, diuretic, lowering blood sugar, emotional balancing.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Beneficial in the following: soothing aching muscles and joints, upset stomach – used externally.
Beneficial in the following: eating disorders, internal happiness, astringent.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum)
Beneficial in the following: anti-inflammatory, bruising, rash, skin irritation, personal growth.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Beneficial in the following: uplifting the spirit and boosts confidence, sensual.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
Beneficial in the following: diuretic, purifying, arthritis, rheumatism, emotional overload. Do not use if pregnant.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Beneficial in the following: burns, abrasions, skin problems, painful muscles, balancing mind and body, assists immune system.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Beneficial in the following: aches and pains, infectious skin disease, eases breathing – is a stimulant not a relaxant as lavender.
Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Beneficial in the following: fever reducing, colds and fevers, stimulates the immune system, toning for oily skin and hair, clarity to mind, tonic for circulatory system.
Beneficial in the following: dandruff, greasy hair, visual concentration. Might be irritant to skin.
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Beneficial in the following: energizing and restorative.
Mandarin (Citrus nobilis)
Beneficial in the following: youthful thoughts and feelings, digestive soothing – external use.
Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
Beneficial in the following: warming the skin, antispasmodic, eases muscle pains, calming and sedative, grief. Avoid during pregnancy.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Beneficial in the following: astringent, clearing up respiratory problems, weeping eczema, gum disease, cold sores. Avoid during pregnancy.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
Beneficial in the following: anxiety and depression, balances skin, good for aging skin.
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Beneficial in the following: refreshing and relaxing. Do not apply before going out into the sun.
Palma Rosa (Cymbopogon martini)
Beneficial in the following: skin conditions and release anger and grief, clear thoughts.
Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)
Beneficial in the following: cracked skin, acne, dermatitis and eczema, tones and tighten the skin, dandruff, clears the mind.
Beneficial in the following: stimulating and soothes emotions and the digestive system – use externally.
Rose (Rosa damascena)
Beneficial in the following: uplifting and soothing, sadness and tiredness.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Beneficial in the following: memory and concentration, vitality, hair stimulant.
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeaodora)
Beneficial in the following: anti-depressant, balancer of emotions, stimulates cell growth, fights wrinkles and balances hormonal.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Beneficial in the following: inflamed skin, oily skin and hair, stimulates hair growth, easing arthritis, sore muscles, joint pain, immune stimulant. Use with care - can be toxic.
Beneficial in the following: immune system, urinary tract, relaxes stress, soothe irritation and lifts depression.
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Beneficial in the following: balancing skin, youthful skin, insomnia, inner peace.
Tagetes (Tagetes minuta)
Beneficial in the following: fungal infection, candida, corns, foot disorders. Do not use while pregnant.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Beneficial in the following: anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, immune system, strengthens, skincare.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Beneficial in the following: anti-bacterial, anti-infectious and a fungicide, strengthens the nerves, assists the immune system.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Beneficial in the following: emotional balancing and anchoring, relaxing, aches and pains.
Beneficial in the following: anti-depressant, relaxation, calms anger and frustration, stabilizes mood swings, eases muscle spasms, treatment of sexual difficulties.
- Essential oils should not be used full-strength or undiluted on the skin, as they can be most irritating. Always use essential oils mixed in a carrier oil, such as almond, apricot kernel or grape seed oil.
- Essential oils can be dangerous if used incorrectly - please consult a trained
aromatherapy practitioner before using any essential oil - and note that they are for for external use only.
- During pregnancy, some oils should not be used, and people with health problems such as asthma, epilepsy etc. should first check with their medical practitioner before using essential oils.
- For more information on the use of essential oils during pregnancy please click here.
- For more information on the use of essential oils while suffering from epilepsy click here.
- Keep essential oils away from children and make use of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner when having such a treatment.
- Buy oils only at reputable dealers and reputable mail order companies – oils are expensive and you should not get diluted oils when paying for pure oil.
- Keep essential oils in a cool dark place, in darkened glass bottles, such as amber or cobalt blue glass bottles, to avoid deterioration.
- Do not use internally.
- Do not use essential oils on anybody with a medical condition, and if in any doubt, please consult a licensed medical practitioner.
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You are as young as your faith, as old as your fear and as long as your heart receives messages of beauty, cheer,
courage, grandeur, and power - from the earth, from man and from the Infinite - so long will you stay
Ageless. |
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