Arthritis and AromatherapyWritten by Mireille Gautschi
Arthritis is an inflammation of joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.Aromatherapy blends for treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe. Since reasons for occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is -- at this stage -- only possible to treat pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it's underlying cause. Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to bath, massaged into skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving mood and reducing anxiety. Some of more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.
| | Storing, Handling And Using Essential OilsWritten by Mireille Gautschi
Pure Essential Oils are a natural product and contain no preservatives or additives. A few of them can also be quite dangerous if not handled correctly. Some basic procedures should therefore be observed in order to ensure safety but also quality of oils in storage.Storing essential oils: Many Essential Oils are flammable and/or act as strong solvents. Eucalyptus Oil for example can be used to remove glue from old stickers or to strip paint. Essential Oils are best stored in amber glass bottles with a tight lid. It is also advisable to fit bottles that don't have a dripolator (orifice reducer) with a child proof cap for safety reasons. Sun light (UV) and high temperatures are main enemies of essential oils. Amber glass bottles offer good protection from UV. Essential Oil containers are best kept in a dark, cool place with temperature fluctuations kept to a minimum. Keep essential oils safely locked away from children at all times. Stored at low temperatures, some oils will tend to solidify. This is no cause for alarm as they will turn liquid again once they reach room or in some cases body temperature. Most likely to solidify are absolutes, vanilla, rose otto and fennel. Under good conditions essential oils can be stored for periods of 6 months to several years. Some oils like myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense and patchouli will even improve or "mature" with age, very similar to a good wine. The shortest shelf life have all citrus oils with grapefruit generally being first to deteriorate. Once these oils start to turn cloudy or smell rancid they should be disposed of.
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