Aromatherapy Remedies - Natural and Effective

What are some common and effective aromatherapy remedies? What is their history of use?

All of us have suffered from the common ailments mentioned below at one time or another. Happily, aromatherapy (through the use of essential oils) can be used naturally and effectively to successfully treat these conditions.

Essential oils bear the concentrated form of a plant’s healing or medicinal properties, a fact recognized by herbalists and traditional healers for centuries. The first documented use of essential oils in the treatment of maladies dates back to ancient Egypt, more than six thousand years ago.

The oils, carried via caravan from exotic lands such as India, Persia, and Babylon, played central roles in such ceremonies as embalming as well as in daily use. The use of aromatics spread to the Mediterranean world after already being established in the Far East.

Ancient Indian texts, including the Vedas, mention hundreds of specific ritual preparations using essential oils, and Ayurveda, the world’s oldest continuous form of medical practice, employs a great deal of aromatherapeutic practices when balancing the doshas, or an individual’s specific mind-body type.

During the medieval period, alchemists distilled a variety of essential oils that remained the only treatment for epidemic diseases that healers had at their disposal.

The Renaissance period saw the expansion of essential oil use into cosmetics and perfumery, in addition to the medical “potions” used by herbalists. The period saw the rise of various elixirs, balms, scented waters, and fragrant oils.

With the advent of modern science, however, use of essential oils in the treatment of disease diminished. It is only recently that a great revival of interest in the amazing healing properties of many plants and their essential oils, and hence aromatherapy remedies, has taken place.

In a therapeutic application, there are a few ways to use aromatherapy remedies. Essential oils can be applied topically, or released into the air by several different methods. As a part of a holistic healing system, aromatherapy remedies work powerfully because they affect three major means of action in the body - pharmacological, physiological, and psychological. Use 2 or 3 drops of the oils indicated in a carrier oil base.

Some Useful Aromatherapy Remedies

Backaches: Black Pepper, Cajeput, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Helichrysum, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme

Bruises: Chamomile, Fennel, Helichrysum, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary

Congestion: Black Pepper, Black Spruce, Eucalyptus Globulous, Frankincense, Inula, Lemon Myrtle, Peppermint, Pine, Sweet Basil, Sweet Eucalyptus

Coughs: Balsam Fir, Cardamom Seed, Greek Sage, Hyssop, Inula (for dry, unproductive cough), Oregano, Pine

Cuts: Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Tea Tree

Fatigue: Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lemon, Pink Grapefruit, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet Basil

Headaches: Cajeput, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sweet Basil, Thyme

Indigestion / Upset Stomach: Anise Seed, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Cinnamon Leaf, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Lemongrass, Litsea, Melissa, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Sweet Fennel

Muscle aches, cramps or spasms: Black Pepper, Black Spruce, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Rosemary, Sweet Basil, Vetiver

Nausea: Cardamon Seed, Ginger, Patchouli, Peppermint, Spearmint, Sweet Fennel

Sinus troubles: All Eucalyptus species, Angelica Root, Clove Bud, Hyssop, Inula, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Sweet Basil

Sunburn: Blue Tansy, Chamomile with Lavender, German Chamomile, Peppermint

Do you wish to learn more about aromatherapy? Click here to access a comprehensive aromatherapy guide. Or, to uncover the natural healing power of aromatherapy to improve your health and wellbeing, as well as help you lose weight and reduce pain, click here.

Click here to visit Native Remedies, where several aromatherapy-related items are available.

Click here for more pages and articles on Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.

Some Related Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Pages
How Does Aromatherapy Work? - An Introduction
Effects of Aromatherapy Using Different Types of Oils
Types of Aromatherapy - Different Chemical Compounds in Essential Oils
Mixing Your Own Aromatherapy Oils - Some Tips & Guidelines
Easy Aromatherapy Home Recipes
Medical Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Research on Health Benefits
Aromatherapy for Depression Treatment and Relief
Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Aromatherapy Remedies - Natural and Effective
Eucalyptus Aromatherapy and Essential Oil - Discussion and Uses
Aromatherapy Jasmine - Discussion, Uses and Benefits
Antiviral Essential Oil Remedies
Essential Oil Acne Treatment
Essential Oil Skin Care
Essential Oils for Hair Care
Essential Oils Hair Loss Treatment or Remedies