I was giddy with excitement when I found out that my assignment for this module would be to make and use an aromatherapy formula. Play a guided version of mad scientist to create a concoction with essential oils, pamper myself with the results, and call it school “work”? Yes, please! After much deliberation I decided the bath blend for relaxation provided on page 102 of the Aromatherapy 101 textbook might be just what I need to sooth the knots of stress from my shoulders, and melt away the weeks anxiety. This blend not only lived up to its name, but in fact proved a bit too relaxing, resulting in an impulsive second blend of my own design. I chose to include only a brief mention of the second blend so as not to distract from the formula which is the focus of the assignment.
Method
This formula is from Module One in the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) Aroma101 Introduction to Aromatherapy textbook, and is found on page 102.
Formula
This blend consists of three drops of clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and two drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) essential oils added to the full bath. I chose to also add approximately one half ounce of sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) oil to add a slight softness to the water.
Contraindications. Prior to mixing and using this blend I checked the contraindications of each of the essential oils listed in the formula. Looking once again at the ACHS Aroma101 textbook, I found on page 101 the contraindications for Salvia sclarea include (a) history of low blood pressure, estrogen-dependent cancer, endometriosis, epilepsy; (b) using with caution, and only after the first trimester, during pregnancy; (c) possible photosensitivity, and potentially narcotic when used...
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...axation bath blend again, as it did work wonders for the muscle aches and tightness that had been a bother for at least the previous week. I think it would also be a good choice for nights that sleep is difficult to achieve since it most certainly helped me to fall asleep, I will note however that it did not improve my quality of sleep at all. Overall I found this assignment very pleasant and informative, and I look forward to more projects similar to this one.
References
American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2014). Essential oil of clary sage. In ACHS Aroma101 Introduction to Aromatherapy (pp. 97-102). Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.
American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2014). Essential oil of ylang ylang. In ACHS Aroma101 Introduction to Aromatherapy (pp 364-370). Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.
What is aromatherapy? In an article titled “Phytotherapy Research” by Amr Edris, he describes aromatherapy as, “The use of essential oils and their volatile constituents are widely to prevent and treat human disease.” Aromatherapy is said to be an alternate form of medicine that uses essential oils, which are made up of volatile plant materials. With these essential oils it is said that they help to alter a person’s mood, health, mind, and cognitive function. It is also said that aromatherapy could substitute as treatment or prevention for certain diseases. There are many different types of oils used for aromatherapy in different ways for different outcomes. Such methods include the topical application, aerial diffusion, and direct inhalation. Topical application is any direct contact with the oil, used such as placing the oil in a bath or directly on to the skin. Aerial diffusion is where the oil is placed on the carpet around you or even on to a pillow or bed. Direct inhalation is a method where the oil is placed on the hands and rubbed together then while cupping your hands under your face to inhale the oils, this has a very powerful effect when used. Some uses of aromatherapy are for used as anti-depressants, relive stress, help with relaxation, insomnia, acne, itching and many more. To cure anxiety lavender, chamomile, rose, vanilla, and cardamom oils are all used for this. Lemon, jasmine, rosemary, sandalwood, and peppermint oils are all used to help with depression. When dealing with fatigue it is said that basil, cedarwood, clove, and eucalyptus all help. Headaches can be cured with lemon grass, thyme, ginger, and cinnamon oils. Caraway, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary oils are all used to help with menstrual cramps. The...
Hirshkowitz, M., & Smith, P. B. (2004). Sleep disorders for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub.
into how different parts of the brain are behaving during sleep and how to influence those parts to give us the best or worst
Chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, Scots pine and rose otto can help. Put 6 drops of your chosen oil (except eucalyptus) in the bath and/or a burner, or on a tissue and inhale as required. Make up a massage oil using up to 10 drops essential oil in 25ml base oil and massage into the chest and back, 2-3 times a day. Bibliography CGP GCSE Double Science Biology. The revision guide.
Sleep hygiene and stimulus control are non-medical treatments for insomnia that includes simple steps that may improve
Essential oils can be precisely defined as the natural and fragrance liquids usually found in the seeds of plants, stems, various flowers, herbs, or even trees. They are also known
Aromatherapy, as defined by Wikipedia, is “a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other compounds for the purpose of altering a person’s mind, mood, cognitive function, or health” (1). Although many people are unaware, aromatherapy is often used in many everyday products such as candles and soaps. The scents used in these same products can also be used to treat stress and depression. The aromas inhaled through the nose are absorbed and sent to the limbic system–the part of the brain that controls hormones and stress levels. These scents do not have to simply be inhaled from the bottle or via diffusers, however; they can additionally be used to make more topical applications, such as shampoos, lotions, compresses, bath salts, etc. The oils that are inhaled stimulate emotions, whether calm or energetic, happy or mellow. For treating stress or depression, the feelings strived for would be happy and calm, therefore the appropriate oil(s) would be used in the preferred type of application.
Though there are many facets to the subject of sleep, our team has decided to focus on the vital role sleep plays in people’s lives, specifically college students, as well as the numerous methods that can be used to make sleep more effective. Research has consistently proven the importance of a regular sleep schedule. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute promotes this idea, and offers several tips for getting enough sleep while leading a busy life.[1] For instance, it helps to keep the same sleep schedule on weeknights and weekdays. Also, avoiding heavy exercise and artificial bright lights within an hour of going to sleep ensures a more restful sleep. This is especially true for devices like computers and cellphones, the light of which interrupts melatonin production, thus disrupting sleep. Avoiding heavy meals, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, and caffeine within a couple hours of sleeping helps prime the body for a more restful sleep, as well. In fact, the effects of caffeine can last
Kales, A. (1972). The evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders : Pharmacological and psychological studies. In M. Chase (ed.)The Sleeping Brain. Los Angeles : Brain Information Service.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Peppermint is said to have many benefits regarding the health of the human body. Although many people relate peppermint to the extract we put in foods to give it flavor around the holidays, peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy. Some of its usage is for helping with irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, relieves headaches, and improves mental focus. Due to the many health advantages of peppermint oil, it has become a common essential oil used in modern day aromatherapy. The peppermint plant (also known as black mint, candy mint, and in commercial use Mitcham), is a perennial aromatic herb from the classification family of Lamiaceae (1).
Essential oils were used by the ancient Egyptians’ to produce perfumes. They spent hundreds’ of years’ trying to perfect beautiful smel...
In the past few decades we have seen many advances in medicine and the treatment of injuries whether they be broken bones or torn ligaments. Along with that, we have seen an increase in massage therapy use. Unfortunately, there are many people who are unaware of the benefit that a massage can have on the body. Whether they are a college student, men, women, pregnant women, elderly, or people with injuries. Most job-related injuries are result in strain on muscles or joints. Massage is still not considered to be common knowledge yet even though most people have a general idea of what a massage is. The general public also assumes that massages are just meant to relax the body but they can do so much more.
“Twelve Simple Tips to Improve Your Sleep.” (2009, Dec. 18). The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Healthy
Besides the use of essential oils in fragrances, there are approximately 3000 chemicals that are used in making of fragrance. It is used in many body care products and as well as perfumes, colons, and deodorants. As the studies have shown, such chemicals can trigger many different feelings hunger, nostalgia, happiness, or disgust. It is also used in many home products such as candles, cleaning products, laundry detergents, fabric care, and air fresheners. Fragrances are made with essential oils, which consists of extract of a plant. However, about 95 percent of the ing...
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