The 21st Century Magazine,at South Florida's www.miami-dade-online.com.
The 21st Century Magazine,
at South Florida's www.miami-dade-online.com.
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 put
into 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. (See Unicorn Village Boutique Online for natural oil.)
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,
Patchouli
has 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). (See Unicorn Village Boutique Online for natural oil.)
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. (See Unicorn Village Boutique Online for natural oil.)
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. (See Unicorn Village Boutique Online for natural oil.)
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