Incense and Herbal Aromatherapy
Posted on May 17, 2008 under Health and Fitness |Aromatherapy bases itself around the use of essential oils for the treatment and / or prevention of disease and is a gentle, healing art. Evolving over thousands of years, aromatherapy is a recognised form of medicine, reaching as far back as biblical times. It can be a supplementary, complementary or the sole treatment, treating the actual problem rather than covering it up as more conventional methods of treatment tend to do.
Aromatherapy doesn’t come with the, sometimes, unavoidable symptoms that are often associated with conventional treatments.
It is the systematic use of essential oils, also known as volatile plant oils, consisting of miniscule aromatic molecules that are easily absorbed into the skin. Incense is a popular addition amongst aromatherapy practitioners.
Basic and herbal are the two types of Aromatherapy. The major difference between the two is that herbal is based more on the use of herbs than on essential oils. The limbic system and emotional centre of the brain are activated by the use of herbs, which also kills microbes and fungi. Incense is also be used for this but results vary.
There are hundreds of herbs that are used in herbal aromatherapy, and this includes birch, mandarin, jojoba, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit, nutmeg, citronella, cajeput, clove, fir, gardenia, ginger, basil, lemon grass, lime, pine, rose, marjoram, sage, sassafras, spearmint, thyme, ylang ylang, rosemary, sandalwood, and patchouli, all of which are available in incense form as well.
Of all of the herbs used in aromatherapy the most commonly used is Chamomile, and with its distinctive smell of apple it helps to soothe tired muscles and improves sleep. It also encourages calmness and emotional peace within. Fears and mood swings are eased with the use of Geranium, which also refreshes and relaxes the body.
Used frequently in herbal aromatherapy is lavender, a herb that helps accent sensitivity and self-expression, particularly for the embarrassed or shy. It helps in the treatment of a variety of ailments and illnesses, from arthritis, joint aches, and chest aches, to the common flu and cold.
A major benefit of aromatherapy is that it helps to treat the actual problem rather than just cover up the symptoms. This means that patients will experience long-term benefits rather than short-term satisfaction. Herbal aromatherapy is popular throughout the world.
Aromatherapy in general is normally incredibly, if not completely, effective and without the usual symptoms and side effects of conventional measures. The use of incense is recommended in conjunction with aromatherapy.