Aromatherapy is the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for their healing properties. Holistic aromatherapy restores physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Essential oils, when properly used, can address such conditions as anxiety, depression, muscles aches, headaches, PMS and menstrual problems, back pain and insomnia to name a few.
Essential oils are volatile, aromatic liquids extracted from various parts of plants: flowers, leaves, bark, berries, wood, roots and resins. Regular use of these oils can create
dramatic and lasting improvements in general health.
Some of the characteristics essential oils exhibit are:
• Analgesic (reduces pain sensation)
• Antibiotic/Antibacterial (prevents bacterial growth)
• Antiseptic (destroys microbes and prevents their development)
• Antiviral (prevents viral growth)
• Calmative
• Sedative
• Stimulant
Essential oils affect our body by working in the following ways. First, the olfactory nerves in the nose are connected to the limbic system of the brain. This affects the central nervous system and our emotions, moods and general sense of well-being. Essential oils are also inspired into the respiratory pathways into the lungs and picked up by the blood to be carried throughout the body. Next, when used in a massage or bath, essential oils are absorbed through the skin and carried by blood to tissues and various body systems.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They contain potent medical and cosmetic qualities.
• Keep all oils out of reach of children and pets
• Do not take essential oils internally
• Do not use near the eyes
• Keep away from light and heat sources as they are flammable
• If taking homeopathic remedies, consult qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils
• Do a skin patch test if you are prone to sensitivities
• If you have a history of high blood pressure or epilepsy, use caution with Rosemary, Thyme and Basil and seek the guidance of a trained aromatherapist before proceeding.
• If there is any possibility of pregnancy, avoid all oils until consulting a qualified aromatherapist.
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Aromatherapy products availalble
for purchase from
Windber Medical center
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Certain oils can cause photosensitivity, causing the skin to be hypersensitive to ultraviolet rays (sunlight and tanning booths). Avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays for 12-24 hours following application of these oils ranging from high- to low-level phototoxicity: Angelica Root, Bergamot, Cumin Lemon, Lime, Bitter Orange, Lovage, Lemon Verbena, Melissa, Rue, Caraway, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Sweet Orange and Grapefruit, and Mandarin. Clary Sage should not be used when consuming alcohol. Clary Sage, Marjoram and Chamomile can cause drowsiness. Check reference books for specific precautions about each essential oil. Most essential oils are safe and nontoxic when used properly. When in doubt, seek guidance from a professional.
These guidelines are approximate. Exact recipes depend on potency and concentration of the oils used. Remember, if you want a stronger formula, adding a drop or two is easy, but removing is not.
Put drops onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale. Good in moments of extreme stress, depression and fatigue and for opening blocked nasal passages.
With a ceramic diffuser, add oil to one cup of water, light candle. Oil molecules will be released into the air. For electric diffuser, follow instructions. Good for fighting airborne germs.
Put drops in water after bath is drawn and gently stir. Soak for minimum 15 minutes. Relax and breathe deeply.
Put drops into a basin of warm water and dip clean cloth into the mixture. Squeeze out excess water and place on painful area. Very effective for treating stomach cramps, open wounds, inflammation and joint/muscle aches.
Run hot water into sink or bowl. Cover head with a towel and lean over water. Keep eyes closed! Breathe deeply through nose. Excellent for head congestion and sinus infection.
Microwave a mug of water, add 3-5 drops
of WindberCare Essential Oil Sinus Relief. Stir with metal
spoon, wrap a towel around the mug, making a tent effect.
Control the opening with the ends of the towel. Close eyes
and breathe deeply through the nose. Excellent for head
congestion and sinus infection.
3 drops to 1 tsp. oil
15 drops to 1 oz. of carrier oil = 2.596 dilution factor (for all-over body massage)
10 drops to 1 oz. water
Shake well each time and spritz into air for masking unpleasant odors and killing germs. Avoid wood furniture.
2 - 5 drops in basin
Use less-costly oils (eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, orange) to wipe down sufaces, avoiding wood furniture. Kills bacteria and makes your space smell wonderful. Almost makes cleaning fun!
To
purchase WindberCare Essential Oils, please call
814-467-3624.
Institute of
Integrative Medicine
Windber Medical Center
600 Somerset Avenue,
Windber PA 15963
• Jeanne Brinker RN, BSN, Director of Institute of
Integrative Medicine Tel: (814) 467-3000 or E-mail:
jbrinke@conemaugh.org
