|
|
|
|
|
AROMA
THERAPY:
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Peppermint,
Frankincense
Sarah J. Andrew
August 28, 2000
Healing attributes discussed are provided as a source of
historical and cultural information only. Health problems
should be addressed by Health Practitioners.
SANDALWOOD: Always buy that grown in India, where the small evergreen tree has
been used for 2,500 years as an oil, as well as the famous wood in fabulous furniture.
The traditional harvesting of Sandalwood is limited to just the very old trees. The cut
trunks are left where they fell, to be devoured by termites and ants. What is left is the
heartwood, which insects will not eat.
The wood goes into furniture or is distilled by
steam to create the essential oil. This oil is putinto perfumes and incense
for Aroma Therapy. It has also been used in healing lotions for skin problems
and for soothing the lungs and throat, by breathing in or by external application
of the oil to the chest and throat. Traditional reputation is as an aphrodisiac.
Patchouli: This bushy plant with large leaves is a native to Malaysia that
has spread to other Asian countries, the West Indies, and Paraguay. Originally called
"Pucha-pot", the plant has been used for healing in China, Japan and Malaysia.
Claimed to be a stimulant, a tonic, an antiseptic, a fungicide, and an insecticide, Patchoulihas also been a favorite for perfumes. Yet, the
thick, dark brown oil has an odd pungent smell that many do not like. This long
lasting odor is also supposed to control obesity (maybe due to the loss of
appetite from the smell).
Peppermint: The Peppermint plant is native to Europe, but grown heavily in the United States. It is
an accepted healing agent, as well as widely used as flavoring. Often drunk as a tea, the Peppermint's
antispasmodic qualities soothe the digestive tract and can ease indigestion, diarrhoea, colic, and
vomiting.
The stimulating Peppermint oil is used to help clear the symptoms of a cold, to relieve
headaches when applied on a compress, and in steaming to clean problem skin conditions. Peppermint is also used to "clear the head" and as a stimulant. The oils are also used to place an aromatic barrier against bugs.
Peppermint should not be used when homeopathic substances are in use and must never be stored with
homeopathic pills or liquids. Long term use of Peppermint or use before bedtime can cause problems with
sleeping.
Frankincense: Frankincense oil is distilled by steam from resin that bleeds from cuts in the bark of
the small tree native to North Africa and certain Arab countries. It has a magical reputation for assisting in
obtaining the meditative state and has been used by in many religious ceremonies.
Originally called "Oilbanum" for "Oil from Lebanon", the name we know it as derived from Mediaeval French for "Real Incense, indicating the highly treasured regard in which Frankincense is held throughout the world. Its calming effect allows for a relaxed state that not only aids in meditation, but can ward off other anxieties. It is reputed to ward off evil spirits and to help people release issues from the past. In healing, it is used as a tonic to rejuvenate old skin and to help respiratory problems.
|
|
|
|
|
| This
web-based magazine is published by Online
Publications.com and Copyrighted 1999-2002 by OnLine Publications.com.
All submitted articles retain the copyright of the author and do not necessarily
represent the opinions of the staff or editors of OnLine Publications.com
or its Affiliates, Associates, or Sponsors. You can find us on America
Online by using the KEYWORD AT AOL "Wilderyard". You can E-Mail us at
SouthFloridaUS@aol.com or phone 305-945-1313. |
Please, see our legal information before using or copying any web-based materials published by Online Publications.com or if participating as a classified, display or online brochure client, by CLICKING - LEGAL |