Asthma

Historically citrus oils have been used for asthma. There is no clinical evidence to support this, although there are many anecdotal reports.
Excellent results can be achieved using Frankincense in conjunction with the citrus oils. This is because Frankincense helps to deepen breathing and prevent the feelings of panic that often accompany asthma attacks.

Aromatherapy and your Star Sign

Here's some information for you - I'll update as the star signs change ...

Essential Oils in Harmony with the Star Signs & Planetary Rulers Research by Julie Foster Aromatherapist

Aquarius -Astrological Sign
Ruler - Uranus/Saturn
Colour - Indigo
Aromatic - Cedarwood, Lime & Geranium
Element - Air
Season - Spring

Cedarwood
Applications: Cedarwood has a therapeutic effect on the respiratory system & is helpful in all related complaints. It calms the mind & body & can therefore be helpful in treating stress related asthma. It can relieve the pain of arthritis & rheumatism & it can settle irritated skin conditions.
Historical Note: Solomon’s Chariot was built of Cedarwood which has historically been used to protect & extend the lives of anyone in contact with it. it is mentioned frequently in the Bible as a symbol of physical & mental strength. Cedar is often known as the “Holy Tree of Life” partly because it has a distinctive odour which has a powerful & stimulating effect on the psyche which is ideal for individuals preparing for prayer & meditation.

Backache - how Aromatherapy can help

Some time ago, I ran a series of Questions and Answers in the East Anglian Daily Times - I thought I would share some of them with you.

Question: My husband suffers from backache and I have very stiff shoulders due to word processing – is there something we can share?

Answer: Lavender is one of the greatest painkillers so it would always be my first recommendation for pain. It is also affordable so it can be used regularly in the bath, for massage or in a room burner.

If the pain is of a permanent nature then I would also recommend Chamomile as an alternative or an addition. Chamomile is known as “nature’s steroid” so it has a great role to play in relieving pain. The downside of both these oils is that they are sedatives so I would also add rosemary (assuming no pregnancy or epilepsy). Rosemary is a good stimulant and is also a warming oil with great affinity for the joints and muscles.

Finally I might add a couple of drops of a sweeter scented oil such as Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Bergamot or Vanilla to aid relaxation. It is a clinical fact that when individuals are mentally tense or under stress their perception of pain is much greater. However when they are calm, relaxed and happy it is easier to take pain in their stride.

I would also recommend a microwaveable aromatherapy wheat bag for the shoulders. With shoulder pain there is a tendency to draw the shoulders up to the ears. This puts pressure on the nerves and aggravates the pain further. The weight of the wheatbag will gently help the shoulders drop and the heat will reduce the muscle spasms and tension.

Paul McKenna - marvellous relaxation cd

The Times has combined with Paul McKenna and gave away a fab relaxation cd. It is now on my ipod and I love it- I am one of Pauls greatest fans. However when I am stressed it is not always practical to stick the wires in my ear and switch on. Professional tip - whilst listening to the tape disperse a relaxing essential oil e.g. geranium, bergamot, may chang or green mandarin using a vapouriser or tissue on the radiator. Apart from the beneficial effect of the oil in aiding relaxation, it sets up a link. Hence if I am stressed and it is not practical to reach for my ipod, simply discreetly sniffing a tissue on which to which I have sprinkled my oil of association (current favourite may chang) does the trick.

Learn more about Aromatherapy!

There is a great interest in Aromatherapy and alternative therapies and I thought I should spread the word. I will regularly update my blog, starting with a bit of a history lesson. I'd love your feedback!

In many ways Aromatherapy isn’t different at all from conventional medicine. Firstly, the actual products can be very similar, for example aspirin is a synthetic copy of the plant Willow Bark. Secondly, both forms of treatment aim to get the molecules into the blood stream. When you take prescribed tablets, the molecules get in by travelling through your gut wall. In aromatherapy, Essential Oils enter by being rubbed into the skin or molecules are breathed in and enter via your lungs - if you have ever seen anyone using an inhaler you will know that is the quickest way to get a drug into the body.

Aromatherapy isn’t new - until the First World War it was all there was. On the battlefields of the Somme, Lavender was all they had to help pain, sterilise wounds and help sleep.