Essential oils are distilled herbs. These herbs are harvested for their healing and medicinal properties. Essential oils date back to the Greeks and are mentioned by Herodotus, a Greek historian, in 484 to 425 B.C., according to “The Essential Oils," by Ernest Guenther. Each essential oil has specific therapeutic qualities and can be combined with other oils to enhance or balance these properties. Essential oils can have serious side effects, always consult with a physician before starting any treatment.
Hair Treatment Blends
Essential oils can help regrow hair. A November 1998 clinical study published in the Archives of Dermatology concluded that using a combination of lavender, cedarwood, rosemary and thyme in a carrier oil mixture of jojoba and grapeseed was an effective treatment for hair loss, alopecia areata.
According to the study, these oils have been used to treat hair loss for more than 100 years. They concluded that lavender, cedarwood, thyme and rosemary oils have “hair growth-promoting properties.”
Massage Oil Blends
Aromatherapy massage is used as a complementary and alternative treatment for cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Different combinations of oils are used for a variety of complementary treatments. Massage oils contain essential oils and carrier oils, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Carrier oils are made from the fatty acid portions of plant material, nut or seed oils. They provide lubrication and are emollient.
Massage oil blends vary depending on whether the massage therapist is focusing on a particular condition. A combination of essential oils used for sleep-inducing massage includes lavender, sweet marjoram and vetiver essential oils in a carrier oil blend of sweet almond and grapeseed.
A blend for headaches includes lavender, sweet marjoram and peppermint essential oils in a carrier blend of almond or grapeseed. This massage would focus on the upper back, shoulders and neck.
Vaporizer Blends
Essential oils are used to scent the air. Inhalation is an alternative cancer therapy also. Essential oil blends for the home that make the air smell sweet can induce relaxation and treat sinus headache, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Common essential oils used for aromatherapy include chamomile, geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, cedarwood and bergamot. Essential oils used in vaporizers are combined with water and heated by a tea light. This causes the oils to vaporize into the surrounding air.
A bacteria blend from Essence Therapy consists of bergamot; lemon and tea tree essential oils. Another blend for uplifting your mood consists of sweet fennel, lemon and sweet marjoram essential oils.
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