Many people associate aromatherapy with bath and spa products. While it’s true that the scent of flowers make for nice soaps and lotions, aromatherapy also has a medicinal purpose. Many scientific studies have proven there is legitimate evidence for the healing power of plants and flowers. After all, plants have to fight disease, and we can use their essential oils do do the same for our ailing bodies.
Lavender
Lavender’s official name is Lavendula officinalis. The name comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash. Have you ever seen a picture of a moonshiner’s still? Essential oil is extracted using similar equipment in a distillation process.
It’s would be hard to find a perfumery or bath and beauty store that didn’t have lavender scented products. Its flowers have a floral, slightly herbaceous, dreamy scent that is often used to alleviate feelings of anxiety. Like many essential oils lavender is a multipurpose oil that is used for combating insomnia, irritability, depression, and even hysteria.
On the physical side, lavender is used to treat burns of all types — sunburns, minor burns, skin abrasions, and rashes. It’s also been used in formulas for heart palpitations, muscle spasms, and pain related to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains. Lavender may be applied neat (by itself) to the skin, or used in the bath.
Lavender’s incredible healing properties regarding burns were first discovered in 1910 by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Gattefosse was working in a perfumery when he badly burned hand. Quickly, he plunged it into the nearest vat of liquid, which happened to be lavender essential oil. He was amazed at the small amount of scarring, and how quickly the burn healed.
Rosemary
Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, has become so popular that it’s common to find it in the average garden. Rosemary has a fresh, herbal, and slightly woody scent. It is an excellent reputation as a remedy for body aches, fatigue — even mental fatigue. Aromatherapists often use it in formulas for relieving PMS, depression, and lethargy. Rosemary has also been used as an aphrodisiac, a decongestant, and a diuretic.
A word of caution — Rosemary is a known stimulant and emmenagogue (menstruation inducer) and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, is also known simply as chamomile. The scent is both fruity and herbal. It’s often used in much the same way as lavender when it comes to stress, insomnia, and irritability. In fact, the two are often used together. A few drops each of chamomile and lavender in a bath at bedtime can work wonders for inducing sleep. Just like lavender, chamomile it is helpful for many skin irritations. Chamomile is also used to help relieve headaches and migraines. Women with estrogen-dependent health conditions should avoid chamomile.
Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea is better known by it’s common name of clary sage. Aromatherapists and herbalists are very familar with clary sage for its ability to fight depression and even induce a somewhat euphoric state. Clary sage has a calming effect, so it is helpful when treating stress and fear, and can even help alleviate mood swings.
Besides the psychological and emotional benefits of clary sage, it is also useful for toning the skin. Mix one drop of clary sage with a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and massage over the face. You’ll find it’s a very nice way to start your morning. Women with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer should avoid clary sage.
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