Aromatherapy Hair Care

In today’s society, beautiful healthy hair is a sign of good health. Many people however are letting their long locks suffer from harsh chemicals in their shampoos and conditioners, and over process their hair with permanents, dyes, bleaches, and straighteners. On top of all of the chemicals that our hair has to deal with, many people use blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Not only do these tools cause damage, but also many people use them incorrectly adding additional dryness, and damage to the hair shaft. If you have found that your hair lacks the shine and luster that it once has and are looking for a natural solution to cure your hair’s ills, then you may want to consider Aromatherapy for your hair. Aromatherapy is more than just breathing pleasant scents to feel good. Aromatherapy includes the use of healthy herbs for the purpose of healing body, mind, and spirit. You can treat your hair with a variety of Aromatherapy methods that will promote hair growth, stimulate the hair follicles and increase circulation, add shine, body, and bounce to your hair, and nourish your hair with the nutrients that it needs.

Some of the most popular Aromatherapy treatments that may be used on hair include herbal infusions, adding aromatic herbs to your conditioners, and using deep penetrating Aromatherapy herbs for intensive conditioning. There are a variety of hair massage oils that will benefit the hair and increase circulation also.

You can purchase essential oils from a health food store and use them to create all of the Aromatherapy products that your hair needs. Many essential oils are too harsh to use directly on the skin in large quantities. This is because essential oils are concentrated. So remember that when using herbal essential oils, less is more, and you will rarely need large quantities of your selected oil to make your product. You should always read the safety warnings on any herbal essential oil that you purchase and test it on your skin first.

Because the oils are so highly concentrated, they must be added to a “base” or “carrier” first. If you are creating hair oil for the purpose of massage, you may consider choosing Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, or Sweet Almond Oil as your base. Take about four ounces of your carrier oil, and add 3-6 drops of your selected essential oil to the carrier oil. This is a great way to make your own hair massage oils. Some essential oils that you may consider using for scalp and hair massage oil include, Thyme, Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Lavender.

If you are suffering from an itchy scalp, you may find that Peppermint oil is a soothing alternative to over the counter treatments. Peppermint oil is very irritating to the skin in large amounts, so be sure to just use a little bit. It also has very cooling properties, so it will cool the itchiness and calm your skin. For a quick treatment, add 1-2 drops of Peppermint oil to your conditioner and massage it into your scalp. Let sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm to cool water. Your scalp will feel revitalized and fresh.

Aromatherapy and Fear

Today, people everywhere are feeling the effects of fear. Fear can be gripping, paralyzing, and can rob you of the fulfillment of your life. Psychiatrists everywhere are prescribing medications to help combat the devastating symptoms of a life filled with fear. While panic attacks and phobias are on the rise, people are looking for ways to build themselves up with strength and courage.

Fear can be debilitating and it doesn’t make a difference what the cause of the fear is. Some people may be afraid of heights, or spiders, while others may have a general fear of the unknown. Some fear change and the thought of making major life changes can cause undue stress and anxiety. Many people need to work through the problems they deal with regarding fear. Often, the things that we fear the most never happen. Fear can become a habit, and the more people think about fear, and continue with negative thinking they will build patterns in their mind that continually keeps them bound to fear.

This is a cycle that must end and there are many steps that you can take to replace fear with confidence and a healthy outlook towards the future. The truth is that fear is based on worry and anxieties and not having confidence in a situation, or even in yourself. To overcome fear may require you to take a look at the situation or person that you fear the most and to take some positive action to overcome the thoughts. Remember, that fear is a battle that is played in your mind, and the truth is not what you are afraid of.

Daily meditation and prayer are powerful tools to help you overcome fear. It is also effective to verbally say your confessions or affirmations that help you overcome your fears. Remind yourself that you are strong, that you can overcome anything, and can do all things and the more that you hear yourself say this, the sooner you will begin to believe it.

During times that you are afraid, Aromatherapy can help soothe your nerves. Chamomile is known for being a natural sedative, and while you are overcoming fear in your life, Chamomile can be your best friend. Drinking Chamomile tea will help relax you and help you fall asleep at night when thoughts may be keeping you awake. A nice hot bath in water that you have added Chamomile Essential Oil too, can do wonders to soothe your body, mind, and spirit. When listening to quiet music that relaxes you, try lighting a Chamomile or Rose scented candle. Make sure that the candle is made out of 100 % pure essential oil. Some other herbal oils that you may want to try for peacefulness include Rosemary, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Cedarwood, Thyme, and Rose.

By using the tools available to you, and by ultimately facing your fears, you can overcome and live a life free of panic, anxiety, and fear. It may be a long journey and the process may at times be painful, but it will be well worth it when the cycle of fear and panic is broken.

PMS and Aromatherapy

PMS or Pre Menstrual Syndrome affects many women. It is the period of time before a woman expects her period and usually is a time of great discomfort. PMS may occur between seven to fourteen days before a woman’s menstruation begins. Hormones may fluctuate during this time and the symptoms of PMS may range from mild to extreme. PMS leaves after the menstruation begins and returns a week or two before the next cycle of menstruation begins. The Menstrual Cycle is a very important cycle that takes place in women. It allows for reproduction and it starts at puberty and ends when a woman enters Menopause.

Some of the symptoms associated with PMS include mood swings, anxiety, depression, food cravings, headaches, retaining water or edema, and tenderness in the breasts. Some of the symptoms of PMS may become so severe that they interfere with the functions of normal day-to-day life. This may inhibit their work performance, home life, and they may need to seek medical treatment for relief. In some women, the depression can become so severe that thoughts of death and suicide are prevalent. This requires immediate attention by a trained professional and should not be ignored.

Those who suffer from PMS should seek help from their physician. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it and don’t make the mistake of believing that it is all in your head. Many years ago, physicians didn’t validate the fact that women had PMS, but today there is new scientific evidence that proves that PMS is a valid condition.

There are many over the counter medications and prescriptions that are effective in treating the symptoms of PMS. Most doctors recommend that you treat each symptom as it arises. There are remedies to treat water retention, headaches, and mood swings. However if your PMS symptoms are so sever and the depression is overwhelming, you should seek the help of a professional.

There are many herbs and remedies that will help treat the many symptoms of PMS. Many herbs will treat headache such as Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Other herbs will help balance a woman’s hormones and help relieve the effects of PMS. Some of the herbs that will balance a woman’s hormones include: Angelica, Black Haw, Chamomile, Goldenseal, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Safflower, Beth Root, Blessed Thistle, Damiana, Horsetail, Mugwort, Prickly Ash, Squaw Vine, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Gentian, Mistletoe, Myrrh, and Tansy.

It is very important not to use any of the above listed herbs during pregnancy. These herbs will help promote your menstruation but may have devasting results if you are pregnant. They may encourage a miscarriage; so only use them when you are certain that you are not pregnant.

Aromatherapy can help with PMS and can encourage an atmosphere for relaxation. Using aromatic baths can soothe away the pain and tension associated with PMS and can also effectively remove some of the edema or water retention. Try adding German Chamomile to a hot bath and soaking for at least 20 minutes. If you are using the essential oil, you can add up to 20 drops for therapeutic benefits.

Aromatherapy and Facial Creams

The need for a good moisturizer increases as people age. Though there are many over the counter products that promise a youthful glow and the assurance of minimizing wrinkles, there are wonderful creams that you can create that are formulated with pure Aromatherapy herbs. Herbs have many different healing properties and qualities, and you can select your own choice blend of various herbs that will work together and in unison to perform the work that you need for your skin. This is a wonderful opportunity to create a product that is custom designed for your needs alone.

There are many different needs that men and women need to address when choosing an appropriate face cream. If you have dry skin, oily skin, combination, sensitive, eczema, acne, or are fighting the effects of aging and wrinkles there is an herb that will combat your specific need. For skin rashes and irritations, you may choose an herb that has antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil is a fantastic remedy for bacterial or fungal infections as is Black Walnut.

For an Acne remedy, try using Aloe Vera gel as a base and adding 1-3 drops of your selected herbal essential oils. Consider choosing herbs such as Bergamot, Lavender, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Juniper Berry and Lemon. These herbs when added to the Aloe Vera will promote healing and the Aloe Vera gel will diminish scarring.

You can create a wonderful anti wrinkle cream by using either a base lotion (purchased from a health food store) or by adding your selected herbal essential oils to your own creams and lotions. Herbs that have anti wrinkling properties include Frankincense, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, and Fennel. You can also add several drops of Vitamin E oil to your cream base.

You can make your own cream bases by using your selected choice of carrier oil, melted with beeswax. By using beeswax, you bypass using Petrolatum based products. Consider choosing oils such as Olive, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, or Macadamia Nut. Take four ounces of your selected oil and melt it in a double burner with ½ ounce of beeswax. To make your own herbal moisturizes, simply blend in your desired herbal oils. Start off with 1-3 drops and if you feel you need to add a little more, you have the liberty to do so. Just stir the cream consistently so that you can get a good idea of how strong your cream base is.

To make a facial cream for dry skin, add Rosemary, Carrot, Neroli, Rosewood, Noni, or Sandalwood oils to your cream. Some wonderful dry skin ingredients that you may or may not decide to add to your cream include Vitamin E, Emu Oil, and Lavender.

If you don’t want to make a facial cream for oily skin, you can choose to make a facial mask. Some people who have oily skin do use creams and lotions; however there are some wonderful herbs that will help decrease the oil production. For an instant mask you can get a clay mask creams and lotions, however there are some wonderful herbs that will help decrease the oil production. For an instant mask you can get a clay mask base from your health food store. Some herbs that are recommended for oily skin include: Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang, Basil, Cypress, and Cedarwood.

Sensual Scents

Aromatherapy has many uses and purposes. It can be used to promote relaxation, to suppress appetite, or to bring healing to the body. By using natural herbs and plants for their scents you can stimulate the mind and emotions. This may be accomplished with candles, oils, inhalers, or diffusers. When you release the scent of a plant into the atmosphere you will experience many benefits. You will also receive the benefits that are inherent to the plant. Some of these benefits may be directly absorbed into the skin by use of aromatic baths, oils, massages, and lotions. Plants and herbs are varied and they all have different properties. Some are useful as antiseptics, while others may help stimulate the mind. There are plants that are useful in promoting circulation and blood flow, while others may be a natural insect repellent. The fragrances that many plants carry are also powerful by themselves. Citrus is well revered for initiating feelings of energy and happiness and Lavender is known for bringing relaxation and peace. Some plants are more sensual and are natural aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years to initiate feelings of love. These plant oils can enhance excitement and create a romantic atmosphere.

In the wild, animals use scent to attract their mates. This is not so different with people either. Many people choose a perfume or cologne based upon its ability to attract the opposite sex. Scent can be arousing and pleasing to the senses, or it can be a deterrent and have the opposite of the intended effect. Because of this, you should choose your scent wisely. When creating an atmosphere of romance, for example, choosing candles for a romantic dinner for two, why not select candles that have natural aphrodisiac properties. Patchouli and Sandalwood are two aphrodisiacs and you can easily purchase aromatic candles that have these essential oils added to them.

You can also make your own sensually scented air fresheners. This is a great way to create a romantic atmosphere in a short time. You can also use the spray to scent a room before enjoying an evening together. To create your own air freshener you will need a spray or pump bottle, 1-½ ounces of distilled water, 1-½ ounces of Vodka and 20 to 30 drops of your selected essential oil Blend all of the ingredients in the bottle. You may want to create the air freshener 24 hours before you plan to use it so that all of the oils may cure.

You can also make very sensual bath oil that will stimulate the senses and leave you smelling exotic. For the bath oil, you will need carrier oil, such as one ounce of Sweet Almond oil, 10 drops of Jasmine Oil, 5 drops of Sandalwood, and 5 drops of Lime oil. Blend all of the oils with the carrier oil. You can run a hot bath and put the oil in your bath. Soak for at least 20 minutes in this sensually delightful bath.

Gaining Confidence with Aromatherapy

Many people today are suffering from a lack of confidence. This is combined with low self-esteem and can cause a lack of enjoyment in life. People who lack confidence in themselves may not attempt to try new things. This may include taking on a promotion, or exploring talents and giftings that they may have. They may be afraid to take risks and live their lives in a very sheltered manner, because their lack of confidence can lead to fear.

Confidence is a necessary ingredient to have a successful life. This is true for both work and personal fulfillment. Without confidence people don’t have the assurance that they can try new things and succeed. This fear of the unknown can at times become paralyzing and a lack of confidence and the consequent fear may result in a panic or anxiety disorder.

It is important not to think too highly of oneself, but it is just as dangerous to have such a low self-esteem that you are afraid to take on new challenges. Life is full of new things, new people, and is full of change. A lack of confidence will keep someone blocked off from exploring all that life has to offer them.

A lack of confidence may stem from early childhood abuse and trauma. Verbal abuse may contribute and cause a child to have a very negative self-image and low self-esteem. It is important for parents, teachers, and those who work with children to recognize how important the words they speak to a child are. Adults have the power to shape a child’s image of him or herself based upon the words spoken to the child alone. For children who grew up always hearing negative words, or spent their early years being called names such as, stupid, dumb, and ignorant will develop a low self-esteem. If steps aren’t made to correct the negative self-image that the child begins to develop, a lack of confidence may stay with the child well into his or her adult years.

Therapy may be needed to help the adult to overcome the negative self-image and to gain confidence and improve self-esteem. It is important to begin a course of treatment and stick with it. It may be hard and the road may be bumpy, but performing the spiritual and emotional work that is necessary will promote healing and help you achieve a positive self-image. As you begin to gain confidence, your personality will become more out going and you will soon be able to accept more of life’s challenges without fear or hesitation. If you have been struggling with anxiety related disorders or depression, you may even discover that these will become significantly less as your confidence increases.

Some Aromatherapy blends and scents that will help you in your journey to gain confidence include Sandalwood and Lavender. This blend may be diluted in carrier oil such as Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or Olive to a mix of 1ounce carrier oil and 5 drops of each oil.

Aromatherapy and Hair Growth

You have probably seen the ads in the back of fashion magazines promising hair growth by using certain hair creams. They show a gorgeous woman who has knee length thick and luxurious hair cascading down her shoulders. For some women however, the reality of long lavish hair is constantly eluding them. There are many reasons why some women have hair that is slow growing or at worst, hair that is falling out. Some of the reasons may be stress, hormonal changes, medications, Alopecia, and other underlying undiagnosed medical conditions. If you are suddenly noticing significant hair loss (it is estimated that you normally shed 100 hairs per day) and you are not sure what could be causing this change, you should contact your health care professional immediately. This may be a symptom of a serious medical condition and the first step is to determine the “root” of the problem.

After you have looked into the cause and have determined that there is no significant medical condition contributing to your hair loss, you can use various Aromatherapy Herbal treatments that will not only nourish but also stimulate the hair follicles and help promote healthy hair growth. You can make an Aromatherapy infusion that you apply directly to your hair, or create a hair and scalp massage oil. Another method for treating the hair is to add herbal essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner. This is a very simple way of creating a wonderful product that will work wonders on your hair. Essential Oils are concentrated and you should always take care when working with them. Only add one or two drops to your conditioner or base oil to make a product that is sensitive and gentle to your skin. Some oils may irritate the skin so always test a small in an inconspicuous place first.
Basil is a wonderful herb that will stimulate and promote hair growth. You can make your own Basil hair oil and massage it into your scalp. When treating the hair, it is important to note the importance of scalp massage. You can begin a wonderful hair growth scalp massage by taking your massage oil and warming it in your hands. Sit comfortably in a chair and flip your head over. Beginning at the nape of the neck and using your fingertips, work little circles of the oil into your scalp. Continue working up the scalp in a circular motion. This massage will promote health, healing, and improve circulation of the scalp. After the massage, finish by using a boar bristle all natural brush and brush your hair. This will help distribute the oil evenly from the roots to the ends. Remember, a little oil will go a long way, so use as much or as little as you like. If you want to add shine and sheen, and your hair is dry, you can keep the oil in your hair for extra conditioning. If your hair tends to be oily, you may feel more comfortable washing your hair after your scalp massage. If you plan to wash your hair afterwards, then try performing the scalp massage right before showering.

Aromatherapy and Home Made Air Fresheners

When is the last time you smelled your house? No, I mean, really smelled it. The way it smells to those who are coming to visit and knocking on your door for the first time. We live in our homes; cook in our homes, and often times, we become desensitized to the scent of our homes. The best way to determine what your house really smells like is to leave your home, maybe run errands or go shopping, and then when you return. Truly smell your home. If you don’t like what your senses tell you, then you may need to rethink your choice of air fresheners.

Usually, when people choose air fresheners, they simple go to the grocery store and purchase one of the products available on the shelves. Yet many of the aerosol or pump spray choices of air fresheners may not be the best choice. Many people who have allergies are sensitive to air fresheners that contain a lot of chemicals. Aromatherapy offers many benefits to those who are looking for more options in the area of home scents. There are many different reasons why people choose Aromatherapy, for stress reduction, healing from herbal essences, and to achieve balance between body, mind, and spirit. Yet one of the overall benefits of Aromatherapy is just that: Aroma Therapy. By using Aromatherapy and creating your own home made air fresheners, you will have the benefits of beautifully fragranced aromas (that you have selected) as well as the therapeutic benefits that are inherent to those herbs.

You can make your own air fresheners, easily, simply, and affordably. With over 150 essential oils to choose from, you can make many different fresheners as well. Essential herbs range in properties from being antiseptic to instilling feelings of joy, love, and happiness. You can mix and match different blends to make your very own customized scents as well.

To create the base for your air freshener you will need an empty bottle, one with a spray or pump nozzle, 1 ½ ounces. of distilled water and 1 ½ ounces of high proof alcohol such as Vodka. Next you will need to add 30-50 drops of your selected essential oil. Due to the fact that the air freshener may possibly make contact with skin and clothes, make sure that you choose essential oils that are safe for skin.

Now comes the fun part: choosing oils for your air fresheners. You can select simple oils that you associate with air fresheners such as Orange, Rose, and Cinnamon, etc. or you may choose other scents based upon their intrinsic qualities, and you may blend various oils as well.

If someone is sick, you may want to create an air freshener that has antiseptic properties. Eucalyptus has a very strong and overpowering aroma, yet it will help disinfect a sick room, so if you are looking for other healing properties, you may create a Eucalyptus/Camphor blend for a sick room, instead of using an air freshener that will simply make the room smell pleasant.

Patchouli is another powerful herb that has a very characteristic scent. Yet, when you are creating your own air fresheners, you have the freedom and creativity to create any blend that you choose.

Aromatherapy and Herbs that Promote Wound Healing

As many Diabetics can tell you, suffering from wounds that have poor or slow healing can become unbearable. If a cut or a wound heals slowly, it will increase the chances of becoming infected and spread. There are many natural herbs that will promote healing in various wounds and cuts, as well as carry antiseptic and germicidal properties. These ingredients mixed together are Mother Nature’s natural remedies to cuts and wounds. You can try products that carry one or two of these ingredients, however direct application and Aromatherapy methods will provide direct contact with these herbs therefore providing faster results. You may create an infusion by using fresh herbs, roughly one ounce of dried herb to one pint of boiling water that may be sipped or added to an Aromatherapy bath. However, for many cuts and wounds, a salve or poultice may be applied as well. To prevent infection in slow healing wounds, you can use Aromatherapy to clean and purify your air, thereby decreasing the chance of germs in your immediate environment.

Aloe Vera is an incredible medicinal plant that has been used for centuries. It is making headway in the realm of Aromatherapy by being used as a base for Essential Oils. To make a wonderful Aloe Vera based healing balm for wounds, add your choice of Essential Oils such as: Black Walnut, Fenugreek, Comfrey, Calendula, Horsetail, Rosemary, and Apricot Seed. All of these herbs also promote wound healing and help prevent infection in cuts and are a wonderful addition to your Aloe Vera based balm.

Black Walnut may be infused with Olive Oil for a wonderful herbal remedy that prevents infection in cuts and wounds. Black Walnut also treats fungal infections as well. It has been used for many centuries and is also a great darkener for brunette hair. You can add a few drops of Black Walnut oil into your bath, but be prepared for a dark ring to be left in the tub. It can be mixed with Tea Tree Oil for a healing salve that may be applied directly to cuts and wounds. The leaves, hulls, and bark of the Black Walnut tree have all been used in various herbal remedies and formulas.

Fenugreek was used by the Ancient Egyptians to treat everything from coughs and colds to skin infections and irritations. It was also a main ingredient in many Egyptian beautifying regimes. The seeds of the Fenugreek plant are known for softening the skin as well as preventing infection.

Rosemary is known for its rich aroma that smells like Camphor. It has many antiseptic properties, which makes it perfect for wound and cut healing. Rosemary has also been used for treating headaches, coughs, cold, mental confusion and fatigue, to brighten drab hair color, in perfumes, and to improve circulation and fight cellulite. You can make an infusion of Rosemary for your bath by using one ounce dried Rosemary to one pint of boiling water. Rosemary is also a stimulant, so make sure that you don’t use Rosemary before going to sleep, or you will find that it will keep you awake.

Aromatherapy and Infusions

Taking one ounce of herbs and pouring one pint of boiling water over the herbs make an infusion. Infusions are a popular form of aromatherapy and have been used for thousands of years to treat ailments. Today, they are just as popular to use as they were during the days of antiquity. Infusions also include herbal teas, which is another very popular way of absorbing herbs while inhaling their healing properties through steam. When drinking infusions, they may be served either hot or cold in “tea” form.

Infusions may also be added to an aromatic bath for a direct way of absorbing their essential oils. An infusion may be added to a bath by using roots, berries, leaves, or flowers of herbs that have been placed in either a cloth bag and placed directly into the bath water, or by using your “infusion tea” and directly adding that to your water.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of plants and herbs and essential oils that will treat a host of ailments, illnesses, and conditions. Along with infusions and baths, you can also add infusions or herbs to vaporizers for breathing treatments that will help with respiratory infections, asthma, cough, colds, and flu.

Herbs contain many different properties, you should choose the herbs that you want for your aromatherapy baths based upon their properties and what your need is. There are many herbal guides readily available that will let you know which herb has which properties. You can also successfully blend many herbs together and strengthen, as well as increase their healing value.

Aromatherapy and Infusions are an excellent method for obtaining and maintaining maximum health. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety and stress or to bring healing for a certain ailment, you can easily treat any condition with Aromatherapy. Remember, though the word Aromatherapy may be new to you, this is an art that has been practiced for thousands of years. In fact the Bible, Ancient Egyptians, and the Early Romans all used forms of Aromatherapy and infusion methods.

For a relaxing Aromatherapy bath, try adding fresh Chamomile to a cloth bag and placing in your tub. You can also make an infusion of Chamomile and add your infusion instead. Chamomile is known for relieving stress, bringing peace and relaxation to the body. It is also a powerful remedy for those who are suffering from Insomnia.

Eucalyptus is a great herb that you can use to relieve chest congestion due to respiratory infections, coughs, cold, flu, Asthma, and Bronchitis. You can make an infusion and drink it for internal relief. Or try adding the Eucalyptus directly to your bath water for an Aromatic bath, or even add some Eucalyptus essential oil into your vaporizer.

Eczema and Psoriasis are two conditions that can benefit greatly from an Aromatherapy bath. Juniper Oil is a great herb that will help fight the constant itch and dryness of these two skin conditions. Along with infusing the herb into your bath, you can also apply Juniper Oil directly to skin conditions for immediate relief.