Aromatherapy, how does aromatherapy work? basil essential oils, soy candles etc!
Aromatherapy
in
ibs
or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an alternative medicine that may help. It is the art of healing or improving symptoms using natural ingredients that are fragrant. These can be provided 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 from natural sources.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy is thought to work on the brain through smell or olfaction. They also penetrate the skin when massaged and eventually the bloodstream. It is through their distribution in the bloodstream that they are sent to various organs where their benefits are said to occur.
They are normally supplied as massage oils or essential oils in bath oils or as scent placed in a room 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 are 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 potential carcinogens), burns for less time and is therefore economically worse in the long run.
Essential oils can be easily incorporated into the soy candle and there provides the best medium for you to burn.
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 and provides a nice environment in which to relax.
A heat source is placed underneath (usually a ‘tea light’) to heat the essential oil which 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 various stores. They can also 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).
Start A Discussion On Aromatherapy Now!
Tell us about your favourite essential oil, how you use it and why is it your favourite! What's your experience of aromatherapy? Start discussing with others now!
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