Faery Harmony

ESSENTIAL OILS & AROMATHERAPY

The sublime fragrances emitted by aromatic trees and plants in bloom bring feelings of excitement and joy as spring arrives; the rejuvenating, clean, fresh air of a pine forest after a rain shower; the strikingly brilliant colours of autumn leaves as they contrast against the clear blue sky; the hypnotic sense of jasmine and tuberose flowers perfuming the summer midnight air, setting a romantic ambience for lovers. These are some of the marvellous wonders of nature.

The process of communication through scent is a highly fascinating aspect of the natural world. In nature, scent plays a major role in the survival of the species. Flowers that aren't pollinated by airbourne pollen produce a scent to attract insects and animals. Animals use aroma communication for mating and to mark their territories and fish use scent to alert danger. Aroma communication is not profoundly used by humans, but we are greatly affected.

Plant roots, flowers, leaves, stalks and bark are processed to extract the oils. Distillation is the most common method of extraction, whereby the plant is boiled or steamed until the oil vaporises. This was developed about a thousand years ago by the Persian physician Ali ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and brought to Europe by returning Crusaders in the Middle Ages. Essential oils derived from plants have different therapeutic properties. Some are calming, others stimulating and uplifting. Such oils have been used for healing and relaxation by many cultures for thousands of years. Myrrh and frankincense are mentioned in the Bible and the ancient Egyptians used oils to embalm the dead.

Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilising extracts of aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonise and promote the health of the body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individuals to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's natural healing process. As an holistic medicine, aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment.



So how can it be made to work for you?

AROMATHERAPY IS A NATURAL, NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT SYSTEM DESIGNED TO AFFECT THE WHOLE PERSON NOT JUST THE SYMPTOM OR DISEASE AND CAN ASSIST THE BODY'S NATURAL ABILITY TO BALANCE, REGULATE, HEAL AND MAINTAIN ITSELF BY THE CORRECT USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS.

A few drops of essential oil can be either added to a vegetable carrier oil for a relaxing massage or placed in a vaporiser or burner, warmed over a candle, to scent a room. Six or eight drops added to a warm bath may also encourage relaxation. Medicinal oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can be added to a bowl of steaming hot water for inhalation, or placed on a tissue or handkerchief to sniff when needed.

How does it work?
Molecules in the scents released by the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream either through the skin during massage or by inhalation through the nose and lungs. These pass to the olfactory centres in the brain where they are thought to act on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that influences mood and the hormonal system.

Studies on hospital patients in the UK show that massage with essential oils of neroli or lavender can relieve anxiety. According to researchers at the Cardiff Smell Lab, Cardiff University, smell activates the same part of the brain where epilepsy often starts. Dr Tim Betts, a neuropsychiatrist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, found that epileptic patients who conditioned themselves to associate the smell of certain essential oils (jasmine, ylang ylang, camomile, lavender) with relaxation could prevent the onset of a seizure simply by sniffing the oil. But oils of fennel, rosemary, camphor and hyssop increased the risk of seizure for some patients.
Medical interest in essential oils was rekindled in the early 20th century by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist who was impressed by the healing powers of lavender oil when applied to a burn. Some French doctors now regularly prescribe essential oils for certain conditions, with a similar approach to herbalists.

What is it good for?
Aromatherapists choose essential oils for their therapeutic effects in treating stress-related conditions such as insomnia and headaches, digestive disorders, colds and menstrual problems. It is also used to relieve stress, help relaxation and enhance well-being. These effects may be sedative, calming, stimulating, uplifting, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic or decongestant. Most oils will possess several properties.Examples:

Calming: chamomile, lavender, geranium, jasmine, bergamot, clary sage
Uplifting: ylang ylang, rosemary, rose, clary sage, neroli, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit
Stimulating: cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, pine, black pepper, eucalyptus
Antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal: tea tree, lavender
Decongestant: eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine

Can people with skin allergies have aromatherapy - is there a risk that the plant oils will make the allergy worse?
Aromatherapy does indeed involve using essential oils - organic chemicals which have been extracted from plant sources. Experience has shown that the risk from these for people with allergies is actually very small, as long as the oils are used appropriately, in the pure form and in the correct dilution by a qualified practitioner.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted or taken internally, with the exception of Lavender (which can be used neat to treat spots, cuts and grazes – an ideal antiseptic and soother) & Tea Tree. Some oils are more likely to cause a sensitivity reaction, including cinnamon, sage, clove and hyssop. These should definitely only be used by a qualified therapist.

Tell the therapist about your allergy before the treatment starts. The aromatherapist should ask you all about your allergies as part of the initial consultation. They will then choose carefully which oils to use, aiming to balance your body's needs and avoid triggering symptoms. It may be necessary to avoid using treatments on areas of skin which are inflamed or cracked. Most aromatherapists can make up a prescription for your own use as a bath or massage oil.

Aromatherapy is a powerful antidote to stress, especially if given as a massage. This stress-relieving effect alone may help to calm your allergy, with additional benefit from the specific oils used.

HEALING METHODS TO FIGHT COLDS & FLU

How well protected are you against the common cold and flu?

Even if you've had a flu jab, you need to wash your hands religiously and take vitamin C for extra assurance. Massage and inhalation are proven to be beneficial in easing the symptoms as the essential oils penetrate the skin and is absorbed easily into the body. You can take advantage of the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy every day at home. Our Guildelines page give some useful blends including "Clearing", a blend traditionally used during the cold season.

The herb Echinacea is effective if taken when you first start feeling grotty. Remember, what you eat may help prevent or treat these common illnesses, so why not try the tasty ideas below and you just may avoid getting sick this season.

Chicken soup ~ It’s been called "healing for the soul" and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.

Hot and spicy food ~ Some people swear by garlic, horseradish, chilli or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.

Garlic ~This fragrant bulb contains a flavouring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic acts as an antioxidant and destroys free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells and promote ageing, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.

Fluids ~ Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids but instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea or sip on hot water with honey and lemon.

Citrus fruits ~ Increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add lemon and lime to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body's need for this protective vitamin.

ALTERNATIVES TO HRT

Falling levels of oestrogen leading up to and beyond the menopause can cause problems. Symptoms of hormonal changes include vaginal dryness, skin problems, hot flushes, night sweats and itching. In addition, bones lose calcium and become thin and fragile, a condition known as osteoporosis. Many women also complain of poor concentration and memory, mood swings, depression, fatigue and loss of self-esteem or libido.

While hormone replacement therapy can be very effective in alleviating symptoms of menopause, some women would rather try natural remedies. So what are the alternatives?

Most complementary therapies emphasise the importance of dietary and lifestyle factors:

Limit alcohol and caffeine intake

Stop smoking

Follow regular sleep patterns

Avoid anxiety-inducing situations

Take regular exercise

Practise a relaxation technique

Eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables daily at regular mealtimes

Nutritional Options:

Therapy Options:

• Reflexology is an ancient form of Chinese healing that works on the principle that all the major organs of the body can be treated by massaging specific energy points on the foot. Stimulating the natural healing powers, it can be used to help the body to relax, revive and heal itself. Reflexologists believe that the feet and hands mirror or 'reflect' the body and therefore, it can treat the reproductive organs by stimulating points on the feet. It can also ease stress.
• Aromatherapy ~ Reducing stress and encouraging relaxation are important elements in coping with anxiety and other menopausal problems. Aromatherapists recommend a massage with sandalwood, German chamomile or rose essential oils, which are all believed to have additional benefits in relieving hot flushes and mood swings. Adding a few drops of lavender, rose or ylang ylang to the bath is also very relaxing. Pre-blended off-the-shelf aromatherapy products are easily available.
• Homeopathy ~ A homeopath will want to diagnose your 'constitutional' type in order to prescribe the most effective preparations, but certain standard remedies are frequently used. These include Natrum Mur for weepiness, depression, weariness and vaginal dryness; Sepia for forgetfulness, anxiety, irritability and night sweats; Sulphur for hot flushes and depression.
• Other Alternative Remedies ~ Meditation,T'ai Chi and Yoga are tried and tested techniques to calm both body and mind.
• Reiki is a natural form of healing to put the body back into balance.
• Acupuncturists use needles to restore even flow of chi ('vital life energy') throughout the body.
  
  
  
  EASING ARTHRITIS
  
  As many as one in ten adults in the UK suffer from some form of arthritic condition and there is no accepted conventional cure or even effective treatment. Fortunately, natural treatments can help in alleviating or even removing symptoms. You can inherit a tendency to arthritic conditions but there are other factors that influence its development and many of them can be tackled using natural methods.
  
  There are three main divisions in the arthritis world: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and metabolic arthritis (gout)
  
  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease ~ the immune system has lost its way and started to attack the body's own cells and, as it's quite good at this, the results are a great deal of inflammation and deterioration in the joints and tissues that are being attacked. The damage spreads with cartilage and bone being eroded. The pain can be intense and unremitting.
  
  Osteoarthritis affects the weight-bearing joints and is often caused by wear and tear through sport, jobs demanding high levels of physical activity or being overweight. The cartilage that separates the bone wears away and the bones rub painfully together causing inflammation and sometimes fusing of the bone ends.
  
  Metabolic Arthritis (Gout) occurs when uric acid collects in the small joints of the hands or feet and can be debilitatingly painful. It can affect anyone whose system is rather to acidic from over consumption of red meat, caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods.
  
  

Diet can alleviate certain symptoms and improve the condition:

• DO NOT: smoke, drink coffee or tea (except herbal teas), eat red meat
• EAT LESS: dairy foods, meat, citrus foods, processed foods, white flour, white rice, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, salt and sugar
• EAT MORE: oily fish, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, wholegrain products, oats,figs, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, kidney beans, pineapple, papaya, mango and guava
  
  Helpful Tips:
• Take gentle exercise always keeping joints warm
• Use an external application such as Arnica or an Essential Oil blend to soothe and reduce swelling
• Use mineral salts in the bath to draw toxins from the affected tissues and relieve pain
• Take herbal remedies such as Devil's Claw to reduce inflammation and pain sensation whilst improving mobility within the first few weeks of treatment. Devil's Claw has proven to be particularly good for rheumatoid arthritis
• Take Knotgrass Complex to dissolve calcified deposits and cleanse uric acid from tissues to improve mobility and strengthen the soft tissue surrounding the joints. Its effects become apparent after two to four months (particularly good for gout).
  
  AN OVERALL TREATMENT PLAN ENCOMPASSING DIET, LIFESTYLE AND SUPPLEMENTS, AS WELL AS CREAMS/GELS AND HERBS FOR IMMEDIATE PAIN RELIEF, IS THE BEST OPTION FOR DEALING WITH ARTHRITIS IN THE LONG TERM.