Hello to all! This is Mama Bear from Mama Bear Musings ‘Guest Blogging’ for Amber. I wanted to keep with what her blog is about and write a brief, but knowledgeable, article on mental health.
Naturally, being a Certified Aromatherapist, I wanted to inform more readers that Aromatherapy can help with Mental Illnesses.
I have fought my own battle with mental illness for twenty-plus years. I have been a Certified Aromatherapist for fourteen years. I have practiced Aromatherapy on myself, and clients, and have learned what works best for me.
I, currently, see a therapist and a psychiatrist. I follow their recommendations and tell them what I’m using aromatherapeutically. Always check with your doctor/doctors, before you begin something new.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY AND MENTAL ILLNESS
From prehistoric times until today, man has coped with mental illnesses. In prehistoric times, mental illnesses were thought to come from magical beings that interfered with the mind. Shamans would perform spells and rituals to cure a person from mental illnesses.
Ancient Egypt was the first to show signs of change in the treatment of mental illnesses. The Egyptian’s focused on the health and well-being of the soul.
The Egyptian’s and the Greek’s were the first to incorporate aromatic medicines in their practice of natural healing. The Greek physician, Hippocrates, is regarded as the ‘Father of Modern Medicine’. He wrote about the healing properties of aromatic medicines.
There were many other writers who wrote books mentioning the medicinal properties of aromatic herbs and oils. The Arabs are credited with the discovery of distillation, which produces essential oil from the herbs, fruits, and trees.
Today we have many aromatherapists, herbalists, and many other Natural Alternative Practitioners.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE EMOTIONS
Most Essential Oils have stimulating and sedative effects on the Nervous System. Some Essential Oils have a balancing effect on the Nervous System. Stimulating Essential Oils are useful for Depression and Nervous Fatigue. Sedative Essential Oils are useful for Anxiety, Hysteria, Insomnia, and Nervousness.
Essential Oils have the ability to affect an Emotional Response. The Limbic System is concerned with emotion and is connected to the Olfactory Nerves in the Nose. Aromas can evoke an immediate and powerful response in the brain.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND RECIPES
Stimulating Recipe – Useful for Depression and/or Nervous Fatigue
¼ Ounce Carrier Oil
7 drops Jasmine Essential Oil
4 drops Marjoram Essential Oil
4 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
Blend together and Shake well before each use.
Treatments
Inhalation – 1 to 2 sniffs as needed
Body Perfume – Wear blend as a Body Perfume; 1 drop behind each ear and 1 drop on each wrist.
Aroma Lamp – Add 3 to 5 drops of blend into the water, already added to the dish of an Aroma Lamp. Keep Aroma Lamp in the same room with person being treated.
Body Massage – You may wish to double the recipe for Massage Treatment. Place 10 to 15 drops of blend into the palm of your hand and massage the whole body, adding drops of blend as needed.
Bath – Place 15 to 20 drops of blend into a warm bath and soak 15 to 20 minutes at least 3 times a week.
Sedative Recipe – Useful for Anxiety, Hysteria, Insomnia, and/or Nervousness
¼ Ounce Carrier Oil
5 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
5 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Blend together and Shake well before each use.
Treatments
Inhalation – 1 to 2 sniffs as needed
Body Perfume – Wear blend as a Body Perfume; 1 drop behind each ear and 1 drop on each wrist.
Aroma Lamp – Add 3 to 5 drops of blend into the water, already added to the dish of an Aroma Lamp. Keep Aroma Lamp in the same room with person being treated.
Body Massage – You may wish to double the recipe for Massage Treatment. Place 10 to 15 drops of blend into the palm of your hand and massage the areas of tension, adding drops of blend as needed.
Bath – Place 15 to 20 drops of blend into a warm bath and soak 15 to 20 minutes once a day.
DISCLAIMER:
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of physicians or mental health care practitioners. It is also not intended to diagnose or prescribe treatment for any illness or disorder. Anyone already undergoing physician-prescribed therapy should seek the advice of his or her doctor before using essential oils, reducing the dosage, or stopping such treatment.
Please visit: http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/category/aromatherapy/ For more information on Aromatherapy.
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