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Aromatherapy has been used in the treatment of IBS . Described as an alternative medicine, it may provide some benefit.
It is the art of healing or improving symptoms using natural ingredients that are fragrant and can also provide texture. They are obtained from from plants, herbs, flowers, bark, fruits, resins or roots that are then converted into 'essential oils'. These essential oils contain many different natural chemicals that provide health benefits.
They are classified as a form of complementary medicine or alternative medicine that has become ever more popular in recent years as they are obtained from natural sources.
How does aromatherapy work?
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It is thought to work via the brain through smell or olfaction. They can also penetrate the skin when massaged and then pass in to the bloodstream. It is through their distribution in the blood that they are send 'messages' to various organs where their benefits are said to occur.
They are normally supplied as massage oils, essential oils, bath oils or as a scent placed that can be placed in a room. The scent is normally provided through the burning of candles or in oil burners. They are very relaxing to use and provide a nice environment in which to relax or work.
Forms of essential oil 'diffusers'
Aromatherapy soy candles
<<>> Soy candles are made from soybeans and are said to be the best medium for essential oils as they are non-toxic, clean burning (so environmentally friendly as they are a renewable, biological product that's farmed) i.e. vegetable and are said to burn longer so economically better too! This compares well to the less environmentally acceptable paraffin wax which has a relatively dirty flame (with potential health consequences due to possible carcinogens), burns for less time and therefore economically worse in the long run.Essential oils can easily be incorporated into the soy candle which provides the best medium for you to burn the oil.
Aromatherapy candle making
Candle making is very easy to do and fun at the same time! It’s also an ideal way to keep the kids amused as they can decorate and shape the candles too. All you need is very basic equipment for heating the wax (I would advise soy wax although you can use paraffin wax) in the form of a double boiler or even a saucepan. The double boiler has 2 pans, with the main pan heating water underneath another pan that contains the soy. If you haven’t got one, a bowel within a saucepan will suffice. A thermometer is useful to keep an eye on the temperature. When the wax has melted, essential oils can be mixed. Only use 1-2 drops at a time as the aroma can be overpowering if too much is added. A colorant can also be added to your own ‘taste’. The oil can then be poured into moulds with a ‘wick’ in and allowed to solidify. Moulds are readily available on the internet and you can choose various shapes and sizes.
I would always recommend using protective wear when heating the wax etc including an apron and goggles. Children should be kept away from any hot surfaces. There is no greater enjoyment than burning these after a very enjoyable candle making session.
Aromatherapy oil burners
<<>> Aromatherapy oil burners are usually made of pottery, stone or metal. They come in various shapes and sizes and provide a means of burning the essential oils this providing an aromatic fragrance in a room. This is pleasant, soothing and relaxing. It provides a nice environment in which to relax.
A heat source is placed underneath (usually a ‘tea light’) to heat the essential oil. The oil is normally mixed with water in a bowel above this. Once vaporised, the essential oils permeate through the room and these can be inhaled by those present.
Examples of essential oils in the treatment of IBS
The type of essential oil depends on the symptoms being treated.
Examples of these include:
For Gut spasms, try peppermint, orange, caraway, fennel, lemon balm and cinnamon.
For flatulance and nausea try angelica, basil, chamomile, fennel, mandarin and peppermint.
For bloating try lemon, lime, peppermint or rosemary.
For a feeling of general ill health try aniseed, orange, ginger and garlic. All these may give you extra vigour and improve your general sense of wellbeing.
Basil essential oil is said to be particularly good in the treatment of nausea (including motion or travel sickness), indigestion, diarrhea and constipation. The essential oil comes from the leaves and seeds which can be used in tonics and also provide some essential nutrients including vitamin A and trace elements. It can also be used in burners and in bath oils. Basil essential oils can also be used in other conditions such as colds and flu, particularly when used in burners.
The art is not evidence based (i.e. no definite confirmed trial data to say it works), but they are relatively safe to try. Essential oils online are readily available as well as in stores. They can also be obtained from practitioners in the field and I would always recommend that you seek the assistance of a suitably qualified person with the right aromatherapy training (who has the right aromatherapy certification).
Why Don't You Discuss Aromatherapy In The Alternative Therapies Forum
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FORUM Welcome to our ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES forum! You can ask questions, or comment on nearly anything related to your alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and much more! This is a great place to find others who have tried these therapies or can give you advice about them. Find out which ones have worked for them them and which ones haven't!
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