The effects of these plant properties have long been studied and the chemical constituents prove to be very effective. The following list includes terms used when describing the common effects agents have and specific to the oils I choose to work with. This information was taken right out of The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia who devoted his life to the study. The list is to give a broad view of the ways in which aromatherapy can be utilized.

• Anti-viral
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial
• Analgesic (an agent that reduces pain)
• Expectorants
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-spasmodic (reduces spasm)
• Anti-microbial (an agent that resists or destroys pathogens)
• Anti-pruritic (relieves itching)
• Antiseptic (an agent that destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria)
• Astringent (tightens and contracts tissues)
• Cephalic (an agent that is stimulating and clears the mind)
• Cytophylactic (and agent that encourages growth of the skin cells)
• Decongestant
• Emollient (and agent used externally to soften and make smooth)
• Calmative or relaxant (calming to the Central Nervous System)
• The list goes on and on.

Anxiety is an increasingly common complaint today. Many of us struggle to manage anxiety, lethargy, sleeplessness, sadness, and much more. Aromatherapy has great benefits for dealing with moods. An essential oil with calming effects blended into a lotion for topical use or even diffused into a room can help allow us to regain a since of relaxation and ability to be functional that otherwise would not be possible. This can reduce stress and anxieties, help have manageability over stress, and in the long run, help with a happier sense of self.  There are essential oils that can help with depression, mood swings, and menopausal symptoms.  Some physical symptoms oils can helps are digestive problems, viruses and bacterial infections, painful periods, eczema and psoriasis, acne, and neuralgia to mention only a few. In fact, often only 1-2 essential oils can be selected to support most of the aforementioned symptoms.

Aromatherapy is absorbed into the body in several ways. The olfactory system is one of the ways the microscopic oils enter your body; if you are breathing around them you are absorbing them. Absorption through the skin is the other application. You can create more effective results by choosing the applications specific to the ailment that is presenting. Inhalation gets the quickest results and are great for sinuses, mental stimulation or calming results. However, direct spot application would gain better results for something like treating a bruise, inflammation, or soreness on a specific area.

Spritzer-is a spray bottle with essential oils mixed with a carrier. You can use them around the office to reduce anxiety, increase mental clarity or to help manage attention challenges. The carriers I use are water or a pure grain alcohol. The idea is that it can be sprayed onto another surface that you are interacting with, such as a pillow or blanket for restfulness, or  a quick hot compress over the forehead. I often use pure grain alcohol for room sprays because the alcohol evaporates leaving the oil’s scent behind.

Topical application includes cream, salves, and lotions and are used for very specific areas. This application helps to keep the oils exactly where you put them. For example, muscle salve, cream for skin irritation, or lip balm.

Hydrotherapy would include a hot compress or soaking in water. In this instance, you would drop the oils into the water and then soak or submerge a towel,  and then apply it to an area of the body. This is a great application when the heat is also helpful for inflammation, or for bringing about relaxation in a hot bath ritual. An individualized recipe might be formulated for someone who needs to soak after a hard day, needs to affect skin irritation, and wants to get a deep level of meditation. All three presenting needs can be addressed with a formula designed as a result of a consultation. 

Steam is a form of hydrotherapy and is specific for inhalation via olfactory pathways.  However, utilizing it with steam helps to bring it into your senses more quickly and thoroughly again, while gaining the benefits of heat. This is especially effective as you can imagine for sinus issues, respiratory relief, and similar challenges. Often, a few quick inhalations of a headache remedy does the job if you are unable to stop and apply the formulation in another way.