Aromatherapy is the controlled use of natural aromatic oils obtained from plants to achieve balance and harmony of the human body, mind and spirit. It combines the benefits of holistic body massage with the finest quality Aromatherapy oils which are specially chosen and blended for your unique, tailor-made treatment.

Many of the oils have antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and sedative properties making them ideal for combating stress, anxiety, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, back problems, muscular tension, circulatory, and other conditions.

The treatment leaves you instantly soothed and relaxed whilst improving the condition of the skin.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for healing. Each oil has its own unique healing properties.

Essential oils have been used for this purpose for many thousands of years. As early as 2000 BC, ancient Egyptians used oils for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as well as embalming.

Cleopatra, the last Queen of Egypt is said to have seduced Mark Anthony with her lavish use of perfumes.

In 1922, when the tomb of Tutan Kharman was opened, aromatic smells emanated.

In Rome, Emperor Nero’s favourite oil was Rose. This was because it cured his headaches, indigestion, and lifted his spirits, enabling him to keep on partying. (So you see, it wasn’t only the ladies who used essential oils).

The first recordings of plant oils in Great Britain was around 1200 AD. In 1665 when we had the Great Plague, people burned candles of Lavender, Cedar & Cypress, as they had powerful antiseptic agents. During and after the plague, Doctors walked the streets wearing hats with large ‘beaks’, in which were placed aromatic herbs. The air they breathed in, passed through these beaks, making them antiseptic. They also carried walking canes, and there would be herbs placed in the handle part of the cane, the most popular of which was lavender, which they would lift up to their noses to inhale.

Frankincense and Myrrh was offered to Jesus at his birth.

People in all walks of life now appreciate the benefits of Aromatherapy, particularly in the way it can treat stress and encourage relaxation.
Aromatherapy is now widely accepted by the medical profession as an ideal way to reduce stress and promote good health.
Essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil. This must be odourless and vegetable in origin. Grapeseed, sunflower or sweet almond will do. Mineral oils such as baby oil are not suitable.

Aromatherapy massage with its wonderful relaxing, soothing and uplifting effects, and many benefits, give a truly holistic, sensuous experience.
Inhalations can bring quick relief to blocked sinuses, headaches, coughs and colds, but are not suitable if you are asthmatic.

Compresses hot or cold, according to need, can be very soothing and speed recovery. Aromatic baths make an easy and effective home care treatment to soothe away aches and pains, help restful sleep, or refresh and energise you for a busy day. The oils have a positive effect on our physical health as well as effects on the mind and emotions.

Essential oils can relax the nervous system, stimulate the circulation, lift depression, help de-toxify the body, ease aches and pains, headaches and migraines. They can reduce inflammation, including arthritis, and help with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and other breathing difficulties. They can help to revitalise and rejuvenate the skin and are helpful with problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

IMPORTANT - This information is a guide to how I use essential oils, as a trained practitioner, and is not intended for self-treatment, apart from the Helpful Hints below.

---

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is undoubtedly the most versatile of essential oils. It has a spread of properties ranging from analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, bactericidal, decongestant, hypotensive, insect repellent, and sedative. It can be best summed up as calming, soothing, and above all, balancing. It has the ability to restore unbalanced states, whether of body or mind.

Lavender is an evergreen shrub with a height and spread of 3 – 4 feet, whose bluish-mauve flowers are carried in spikes at the end of thin stems. The plant is native to the Mediterranean area of southern Europe. Most of the oil is produced in France, Spain and Bulgaria. The oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops.

In 1928, a French Chemist, Professor Rene Gattefosse, badly burnt his hand in his laboratory. He plunged it into a vat of Lavender essential oil. It healed quickly and without any blistering or scarring. Lavender oil has been used to heal burns ever since.

There are several varieties of Lavender in cultivation which are of use medicinally, and confusion sometimes arises over the Latin names. Lavandula Angustifolia is the name we associate with lavender water, the bags used to perfume clothes and linen, and to keep moths at bay. It is also probably the best loved, and most widely used oil in the whole of aromatherapy.

Lavender is used in all types of soaps, antiseptic ointments, lotions, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, toilet waters, colognes, as well as categories of food and alcoholic and soft drinks.

The analgesic, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of Lavender oil make it a valuable treatment for throat infections, laryngitis, coughs, colds, catarrh and sinusitis, as well as flu. The most effective from of treatment being a steam inhalation (Not for asthmatics though) It can soothe, decongest and attack the bacteria which cause secondary infections, leading to catarrh and sinusitis following colds and flu. It is also good for whooping cough.

Massaged into the temples, Lavender will relive many forms of headache. If this alone does not help, a cold compress of Lavender oils can be placed on the forehead or back of the neck.

Lavender heightens the action of any oil with which it is mixed. Aromatherapy massage will certainly help muscular pain, and back pain that is muscular in origin. It will relieve the pain of rheumatism, sciatica, and arthritis, lowering the reaction to pain of the central nervous system, by reducing inflammation and toning the system generally.

The action of Lavender on the muscle of the heart is both tonic and sedative, making it valuable for the treatment of palpitations, helping to reduce high blood pressure. Aromatic baths (not too hot) are a most suitable mode of use.

Lavender is one of the most valuable oils for the use of skin care, and blends well in creams, soothing and healing with its delicate and well-loved aroma. It stimulates the growth of healthy new cells. It works well in the treatment of acne, eczema, insect bites, stings, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, sunburn and all kinds of spots.

The digestive system also benefits from Lavender Oil, in massage for flatulence, nausea, dyspepsia, colic and abdominal cramps.

Lavender is the supreme choice of essential oil for mental stress, anxiety, nervous tension, depression, PMT, shock, vertigo, and insomnia.

The action of Lavender is balancing and normalising, and that is why it can be used in so many different contexts.

---

1. Choose your favourite essential oil and put 1 or 2 drops on to a narrow strip of paper. Place in your wallet, purse or diary and shop assistants will have a pleasant surprise when they take your germ-free aromatic money.
2. Before posting birthday cards, add 1 drop of essential oil to the card or envelope, and I drop to wrapping paper or ribbon of your gift parcel.
3. Wipe out smelly shoes with tea tree or use tea tree antiseptic spray.
4. Add tea tree or lemon to water, when cleaning fridges, floors, etc.