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Monday, July 26, 2010

Best helper~ Aromatherapy


Well well well, it sure been a long and hectic week, schedules are pack and my work load never seem to cease bugging me. Assignments due dates are coming up and final exam is just in 2 weeks time.

Oh no! Oh no! Time is running out~ which means time for entertainment is decreasing too.No more movie time in Mid Valley and no crazy shopping for the entire 2 weeks. When entertainment decreases, stress increases. Ahhh…..what tough luck!!!

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, inhale…..exhale……

When I am stress, I always do that whole breathing routine to unwind. Unfortunately, it method does not always work, especially when I am facing with tons of assignments and exam. During this period, extra help is needed and my best helper is - aromatherapy





Nowadays, more and more people are interested in aromatherapy and the aromatherapy oil. Aromatherapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essences to promote health and wellbeing. It consists of the use of pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants, which have been steam distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, fruit, bark and roots. The aromatherapy oil can be found in all shopping complexes and pharmacies.


It is interesting to understand and learn more about aromatherapy oil by using chemistry theory to explain the philosophy behind the oil Essential oils, like all organic compounds, are made up of hydrocarbon molecules and can further be classified as acids, terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, phenols and so on.


To understand why essential oils contain therapeutic effects, first we need to have a deeper understanding towards the chemical components itself:


Aldehydes -Anti-inflammatory, calming, sedative and anti-viral.
[ lemon grass, lemon balm, citronella, eucalyptus ]

Alcohols - Bactericidal (kills bacteria), stimulant, energizing, vitalizing, antiviral, diuretic.
[ rose, petitgrain, rosewood, peppermint, myrtle, tea tree, sandalwood, patchouli, and ginger]

Terpenes - Very stimulating, potential skin irritants, anti-viral properties.
[ lemon, orange, bergamot, black pepper, pine oils, nut meg and angelica]

Esters - Harmonizing to the nervous system. Antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant (increases secretions), spasmolytic, and diuretic.
[ cinnamon, clove, anise, basil, tarragon, parsley, and sassafras ]

Ketones - Wound healing, mucolytic (eases the secretion of mucous), stimulates new cell growth. used as a nail polish.
[ camphor, rosemary, sage, eucalyptus globulus and hyssop ]

Phenols - Strongly bactericidal, tonic, stimulates immune system, invigorating, warming. Can produce slight liver toxicity if taken high doses for extended periods of time. Used in lip balms and cough drops.
[ Clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, savory, cumin ]

Ethers - Harmonizing to the nervous system. Antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant (increases secretions), spasmolytic, and diuretic.
[ Cinnamon, clove, anise, basil, tarragon, parsley, and sassafras]

Acids - Kill bacterial and viral infections, reduce inflammation, and moisturize the skin.
[ Birch and niaouli ]





Majority of the essential oils offered in the market today are not 100% pure because laboratory work combine chemicals at correct proportions to duplicate the oil, thus it is actually difficult to purchase the genuine product. This chemical based oil will not have the same therapeutic effect as the natural and pure essential oil. Take lavender oil for instance, if its chemical components are analysed they would include lavandulol, borneol, terpineol, geraniol and linalool. If happen to purchase a replicated version of the essential oil, it is impossible to successfully treat burns the way that true lavender oil can if. So it is crucial to be extra careful when choosing aromatherapy oil. 0(>.<)0



As the aromatherapy essential oils are inhaled into the lungs, a wide-range of benefits has been noted to affect the brain and body positively for many centuries. Many people seeking for natural approaches to achieve an improved status in health mostly consider aromatherapy. Instead of relying on caffeine and prescribed medications, aromatherapy provides a treatment that carries very few side effects.
A host of medical concerns are treated using aromatherapy, are PMS (post menstrual syndrome) cramps, high blood pressure, congestion, dandruff, blemished skin, minor aches and joint pains, tension headaches, insomnia, and failing immune system.


Aromatherapy is also convenient, as we can practice it easily at our homes. For example, a simple scented candle is enough to send a person into the arms of relaxation. While studying, we can use the oil to massage our head. The smell that released makes us calm.


As stated earlier how aromatherapy oil magically helps relieve stress, below is the natural ingredients that helps counteract common stress.


Anxiety or worry ~ Lavender, Pine, Eucalyptus, Rosemary
Burn-out ~ Basil
Fatigue or tiredness ~ Grapefruit, Basil, Rosemary, Eucalyptus
Road rage ~ Lavender

So from now on, get your favourite aromatherapy oil in your home and feel free to use it whenever stress creeps in.

The ultimate equation for pure relaxation:



Soothing music + aromatherapy oil + body massage = HEAVEN =)




References:

http://www.aromaweb.com
http://www.aromatherapypoint.com
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/01/04/the-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-of-aromatherapy.htm

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