Aromatherapy / Essential OilsAromatherapy, also called essential oils, because they contain the essentials of the plant - the 'soul' of the plant. The essence is the vital energy and power of the plant. With the aid of Kirlian-photography, the vital energy of the plant can be represented. The energy-charged essence is said to project an aura. Essential oils contain many different healing powers, they are the motor of all existence. They regulate temperature, carry information, store energy, give protection against illness; interplant communication through fine substances. Although the essential oils are not medications subject to the Drugs Act, they are still highly active substances that in some cases could make the usual medication superfluous! Quality: Don't use cheap oils, the best quality is 100% pure essential organic oil. Physical properties: All essential oils are water-insoluble and can be mixed with or dissolved in fatty oil, alcohol, soap and emulsifiers. When using aroma-lamps, be careful to clean the dish very well regularly. Action: Essential oils act both on a pharmacological and psychological level. It is necessary to test for one self, whether an oil is suitable or not, also from the point of view of fine-substance (smell, etc.) Aromatogram: In an aromatogram, bacteria are tested for their sensitivity to an essential oil. To do this, sputum is collected and sent to a specialised laboratory. They can supply a list of the essential oils that are of use or not, as the case might be, to the particular bacteria in the sputum. This test should be part of the standardised tests carried out in CF Out-patient Dept. Side-effects: Unfortunately there are more side-effects than to be expected: skin-irritation and allergies. In an allergy there is no alternative to avoiding the oil. In irritation, treat the effected part with a soothing cream. I recommend the Essential oils to be inhaled only indirectly via the room-atmosphere by putting 1 - 2 drops in a bowl or dish of warm water as in aroma-lamp. |