AROMATHERAPY - A TIMELESS HOLISTIC HEALING METHOD SCOPE
TESTS AROMA THERAPY
By Harold Merton
I suppose there are times when we all doubt something that comes along and doesn't conform to what we are used to or expect things to be. In those times some of us jump to conclusions and may cast off the value of something we have not seen before.I can remember a few years ago when the tiny ceramic heaters came along and were being sold from tables at local malls. I expected the little heater to be nothing but an energy guzzler and something that was really unable to do what the sellers were touting but to my surprise they were a remarkable little invention and something we could all use.
My wife is not one to spend money foolishly. Actually when we started going together I had to talk her into buying things she liked. She's become a little easier to part with a dollar these days (I am sure some of it is because of my fine influence) but she has to be convinced she needs to spend before she buys!
So you can see that I was quite surprised when she mentioned that she was going to buy some of the aroma therapy products on display. Elizabeth mentioned that the lady across the aisle from us in a campground resort booth had been using the products for some time and gave the products a great endorsement. She came back a little later with a bag in her hand that proved she had indeed bought some of the product to try.
Aroma therapy in basics is simply certain smells cause our bodies to react in certain ways. I suppose it makes sense if certain smells make you feel sick, then other smells can make you feel good.
The products at the show were manufactured by a company called Aromas Naturales which originated in Spain. They have been sold for the past few years in Canada but are not yet what I consider to their marketing potential. The small glass jars contain a "sponge-like" material and are filled with essential oils of various varieties (aromas). Different aromas are used for different effects and besides the pleasant odour they put into a room, many of the aromas have therapeutic value for people with some medical problems. Pine aroma apparently helps many people who have sinus problems. Rosemary has proven to be a great help for people who suffer from migraine headaches and Marjoram is reported to lessen snoring by people who have this problem. Other aromas impact on people with other problems. One's goal is to select the aroma that will create the desired effect that you wish so you consult the list of various aroma types and the conditions that they assist.
Elizabeth bought four different aromas to try. One of the bottles she purchased was Pine - to see if it would help my condition of congested sinuses. Since I was a teenager many things, like cigarette smoke and other types of pollution, will plug my sinus up within minutes of exposure. Sometimes it takes a day or two for them to clear again and I am constantly getting congested and decongested. Because of this I don't always smell aromas right away unless it's a cheap perfume on someone in the row in front of me at the theatre.
Elizabeth also has a problem with diesel and aircraft exhaust fumes. They cause her severe respiratory problems. Sometimes it takes her quite a while to clear her respiratory track once she has been exposed. Another of the products she purchased was supposed to offer relief in this area.
She took the bag home from the show wondering if they had any effect
on us.
A day or so later I walked into the bedroom a few minutes before
retiring and was putting some things away.
A few minutes later I remarked "Hey my sinuses just cleared!" I
noticed that I could breath very easily. This is something that doesn't
happen very often.
Elizabeth looked at me, smiled, and said "I opened the aroma therapy
bottles about a half hour ago! The pine is over there on your night
table."
Now was I really to believe that just opening a bottle of pine
smelling material would clear my sinuses in just a few minutes?
I was doubtful. It must have been some kind of coincidence!
That night my sinuses remained clear the entire night, something that
I have not enjoyed for a great many years.
By gosh that stuff really works!
Elizabeth also found that the aroma she purchased for her respiratory
problem worked extremely well too. She enjoyed a much better rest too.
She also purchased a bottle of Marjoram which reportedly can lessen
the amount of snoring. I can't really tell you if that worked or not
because I am the one that snores and I don't hear it but Elizabeth says
it was well worth the money she spent on that bottle.
The Aromas Naturales products really did work for us.
The products come in small glass bottles.
Just before opening them you invert the bottle so that the oils can
run over the sponge. You then set the bottle right side up and open the
lid. The air in the room circulates over the bottle and the material is
spread through the room by normal air circulation.
When you leave the room you put the lid back on the bottle.
"How long does a bottle last?" was my question when I first became
interested in the product. Different aromas last different length of
times and of course the environment it is in makes a difference too. It
is understandable that if you leave the bottle open in a room with a big
fan or air conditioner running that is really moving the air around,
then it would not last as long. The 500 ml bottle of Pine aroma I use is
supposed to last about a year in the manner that I am using it ie:
opening the bottle a few minutes before you go to bed and closing it up
in the morning when you leave the room.
It has been pointed out that the standard size bottle has been
designed to put the correct amount of aroma into the average size room.
We are going to be doing some further testing some of the other
products with friends and we hope to report back to readers at a later
date of the success - especially the one for migraine headaches.
In the meantime if you are interested in this product give Elizabeth a
call at (519) 471-9109, we liked the product so much that she is
handling it now in her store.
Aromatherapy - A Timeless Holistic Healing Method - July 2002
Article courtesy Aroma Naturales
In the healing art of aromatherapy, aromatic oils are inhaled to promote physical healing, mental balance and emotional well-being. Distilled from the leaves, fruits, wood, roots, seeds and flowers of plants and trees - each concentrated essential oil has specific properties.Through the olfactory system, essential oil molecules have direct access to the limbic area of the brain (centre of emotions and memory) bypassing the blood-brain barrier. International research suggests that aromatherapy can immediately affect the central nervous system, for example, revitalizes, uplifts & increases productivity levels, improves information retention, soothes & relaxes, stimulates sexual appetite and helps healing. Think of it as "Therapy in a jar" for stressful lives.
Aromas Naturales products are 100% pure and natural essential oils in a biodegradable sponge. The oils are easy to use and very portable. Simply remove the lid and go about your normal activities breathing naturally. A standard size bottle will scent up to a 400 sq. ft. room.
The oils are simple to care for and require virtually no maintenance. Although the jars can be left open at all times, most people like to close the lid when it is not in use so that the product lasts longer eg: those for sleeping are closed in the morning.
Keep the sponge moist by giving the jar a quick shake every few days. Where small children or pets might disturb an open jar, or where a more decorative top is desired (and to increase the product longevity) a special porous ceramic lid is available.
When used for sleep, snoring or migraines, open the jar while preparing for bed. Take four or five good sniffs before you retire. Place the open jar as close as possible to you on the night table. In the morning close the jar and give it a mild shake to refresh the sponge.
In the case of Rosemary for migraines, it is suggested that for the first month the jar be kept handy during the day to avert the onset of migraines.
The oils are very portable and you can enjoy their beneficial effects outside the home in your car, RV, boat etc. wherever you happen to be. The ones with specific odour elimination properties are great in closets, lockers, mudrooms and stuffy areas. All are appreciated and shared wherever people gather. Some scents help purify the office air and lessen the chance of respiratory ailments. Others are stress reducers and provide a calming influence. Still others improve productivity.
The oils are not meant to be used on skin. It is suggested that a coaster be placed in case of spillage. As per normal practice during pregnancy or in the cases of major medical conditions, check with your physician before using. Although these oils are helpful in providing relief from symptoms for a wide range of conditions they are not intended to replace medical advice.
Editor's Note: The above piece, while provided by the manufacturer/distributors of the product, does convey the usage of the aroma therapy products. We felt it provided further information on this product and made an excellent companion piece to run with our story.
THIS LIST BY THE CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS OF THE PRODUCT INDICATES THE AREAS OF HELP BY THE VARIOUS AROMAS
Aromas Naturales company literature describes their interpretation of the aromatherapy properties of the various scents marketed by the company.
Scope has not tested all scents but presents the company's list so readers may better understand what the manufacturer feels their products' will assist. Many retailers of the product in Canada use this list as a handout for customers interested in learning more about the therapeutic use of the products.
Eucalyptus: Decongestant.
Colds. Asthma. Bronchitis Allergies.
Highly
recommended for smokers.
Mint:
Headache. Stress.
Tonic and stimulant.
Nausea. Inhibitor of
tobacco odours.
With Lemon - Suppresses appetite. Mental fatigue.
Jasmine: Stimulant.
Useful with apathy, listlessness, indifference and
depression.
Odour suppressor.
Lavender:
Insomnia. Headaches. Depression. High blood pressure. Nausea.
Vertigo. Aches and pains.
Lemon: Decongestant.
Antiseptic and refreshing. With mint: Appetite
suppressor.
Rose: Antidepressant and aphrodisiac.
Inhibitor or odours.
Relieves
menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Pine:
Useful for arthritic aches and pains. Chest decongestant. Colds.
Flu. Sinusitis.
Sandalwood:
Exquisite aphrodisiac.
Environmental purifier.
Antiseptic.
Expectorant.
Depressive insomnia and stress related disorders.
Grapefruit: Appetite suppressor. Stress reducer. Good general tonic. Clarity.
Ylang Top:
Nervous tension. Stress related disorders. Inhibits anger
born of frustration. Insomnia. Aphrodisiac.
Apple:
Inhibitor of undesirable odours. Moth repellent. Appetite
suppressor. Memory booster.
Patchouly:
Reinvigorates.
Aphrodisiac.
Relaxes acute anxiety.
Helps
check food cravings.
Insect repellent.
Marjoram:
Can prevent snoring. Colds. Bronchitis. Immune system booster.
Rosemary:
Migraines. Stress. Antiseptic. (Not to be used if pregnant,
have high blood pressure or epilepsy).
Orange:
Anxiety. Nervous tension. Obsessiveness. Concentration booster.
Mandarin:
Anti-depressant. Nervous. Insomnia and anxiety. Refreshing
odour control.
Vanilla:
Stress reduction. Relaxation. Aphrodisiac.
Bergamot:
Relaxant and sedative. Helps with flu and sinus inflammation.
Mild antiseptic. Excellent air freshener.
Peppermint:
Asthma. Bronchitis. Mental fatigue. Tonic. Vertigo. Clarity
and focus.
Note: Aromas Naturales essences are manufactured in Spain in accordance with the regulations in force in the European Economic Community and the United States of America (IFRA&RIFM Standards) and are covered by International Certificate ISO9001
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