Aromatherapy Advice

Caring For Your Feet Is Essential, So Trust Essential Oils To Do The Job

Feet are an important part of the body. They allow us to walk upright, they support the body and act as a shock absorber for the spine. However, the feet are generally the most neglected part of the body, leading to problems ranging from foot odors to chronic back and joint pain.

Massaging natural essential oils into the feet not only helps the feet to smell great and feel better, but also can be beneficial for the body as a whole. The application of the oil itself increases blood circulation to the feet, providing a refreshing and cooling sensation and reducing bacterial and fungal growth. This is provided that you are using foot oil with quality ingredients, like Oil For Feet.

The oils used in Oil For Feet have been used effectively for centuries in many different cultures. Current scientific research shows that these traditional oils relax and de-stress the feet while improving overall health. Effective foot oils like Oil For Feet contain a combination of different essential oils, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Each of the oils in Oil for Feet has been chosen for its aroma as well as its effects when applied to the skin, making it the most effective and beneficial foot oil available.

Camphor, peppermint leaf extract and other oils containing menthol derivatives have traditionally been used in foot oils because of their healing smell and ability to kill bacteria and fungi. The minty smell of the menthol-containing oils relaxes muscles, while the plant chemicals in them kill a wide range of germs and bacteria commonly found on the feet, which are the cause of smelly feet. Using these oils leaves the feet feeling cool and fresh. In addition, peppermint oil contains antioxidants that strengthen and protect the cells of the feet.

Lavender oil is calming, both because of its distinctive, relaxing scent and through absorption into the skin and tissues of the feet. Rubbing it on the feet has been shown to relieve depression, anxiety and stress, while relaxing the muscles. Studies show that lavender also kills bacteria and fungi.

Lemongrass is an herb used throughout Asia as a medicine. The essential oil kills fungi and the pleasant scent of lemongrass also combats foot odor.

Sesame oil has been found in studies to be the most effective massage oil for improving blood flow and circulation, while also promoting relaxation and sleep. Additionally, sesame oil contains vitamin E, which softens the skin on the feet.

Ginger is found in Oil for Feet because it relaxes muscles, stimulates blood flow and has a refreshing smell. Ginger can ease joint pain in the feet and ankles since it has been shown in studies to help reduce osteoarthritis pain in joints.

Each of these oils has a unique fragrance, therapeutic effect and germ-killing ability that is beneficial for feet and overall health. Oil For Feet will also make your feet feel softer. By combining these effective ingredients into one foot oil, Oil for Feet, makes it easier to care for your feet and still get all of the benefits that a variety of oils can provide. Buy Oil for Feet, with all these ingredients at a great price here. This is the only US store providing this great product – www.WholeHerbal.com.

References:

Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2531-8.

Agarwal KN, Gupta A, Pushkarna R, Bhargava SK, et al. Effects of massage and use of oil on growth, blood flow and sleep patterns in infants. Indian J Med Res. 2000;112:212-7.

Cavanagh, HMA, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of Lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research. 2002;16(4):301-8.

Sökmen A, Vardar-Ünlü G, Polissiou M, et al. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea sintenisii Hub. Mor. (Asteraceae). Phytotherapy Research. 2003;17(9):1005-10.

Vardar-Unlü G, Candan F, Sökmen A, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Thymus pectinatus Fisch. et Mey. Var. pectinatus (Lamiaceae). J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(1):63-7.

Wannissorn B, Jarikasem S, Soontorntanasart T. Antifungal activity of lemon grass oil and lemon grass oil cream. Phytotherapy Research. 1998;10(7):551-4.

Since recorded history –and probably before—women and men have anointed themselves with scents. It has been said that Egypt’s ruling queens Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut had extensive vats of exotic perfumes. History also notes that during the reign of King Charles II men often carried pomanders, or “nosegays” of scents as accessories. Perfumes through the years were not only used as alluring adornments, but also to dissipate body odor; by today’s standards, personal hygiene of the past was significantly lacking!

In our time, women’s perfumes and men’s colognes are considered to be an essential part of grooming. Heady, beckoning, and elegant ladies’ perfumes can be purchased in retail stores, specialty stores that carry only fragrances, on the Internet, through catalogues, or in duty-free international airports’ shops. Every perfume is built around “notes,” or specific scents; most fine fragrances have upper (the strongest), middle and lower notes all combined to form a single perfume. The top notes may be floral, earthy, musky, grassy, or citrus-based. The great parfumiers of France immortalized top-note fragrances like Chanel #5 by the House of Coco Chanel, Je Reviens from the House of Worth, Shalimar from the House of Guerlain, and Joy from the House of Jean Patou. In fact, Joy is the most expensive perfume in the world at $100 USD for half an ounce.

Men’s fragrances are primarily musky, earthy and citrus-based. Since most men object to the notion that they wear perfume as women do, these fragrances are usually referred to as colognes. Many fine colognes come from designers of men’s clothing such as Ralph Lauren, Versace, Chanel for men, Tommy Hilfiger, and Davidoff. In a recent US poll, Guerlain’s Vetiver, a citrus-based cologne, and Cool Water by Davidoff were top-ranked by men who use fragrances.

When you purchase fragrances, it helps to understand the difference between perfume and cologne, especially in women’s fragrances. Perfume is 100% fragrance-oil based, and very concentrated. Cologne, or eau de cologne, has been diluted with water; it’s smell doesn’t last nearly as long as women’s perfume. To locate fine perfumes, it’s necessary to shop in a specialty store or on-line. Much cheaper colognes are found in drug and discount stores. While a woman may lavishly spray herself with a less-costly cologne, only a small amount of perfume will endure for up to ten hours.

Even the bottling of fine perfume makes a difference in its enduring quality. Since the best perfumes are most often bottled in colored glass or crystal, they stay more fresh and retain their fragrance better than fragrances bottled in clear glass. Colored bottles prevent the essential oils in perfumes from becoming rancid. Many men and women store their fine fragrances in a cabinet to prevent too much exposure to light. Caring for the best fragrances is much like caring for fine jewelry; care must be taken to preserve your perfumes that can last many years!

Aromatherapy is one of the most popular natural therapies not only for relaxing mind and body but also for treating many health issues. It is very helpful in relieving pain. Aromatherapy massage during labor helps you to relax and cope with the contractions and it can also reduce the tension and fear you will naturally feel because of its calming effect on your nervous system. You may find that early on in labor you like the feeling of quite firm pressure but as your contractions become more intense gentle strokes may be all you can bear.

Aromatherapy massage for natural pain relief -

If you have already experienced aromatherapy massage earlier in your pregnancy your partner will have an idea of the kind of touch that is most helpful to you.

Tummy massage

This is helpful in the earlier stages of labor and the movements are soothing when the contractions feel like period pains. Use three drops of camomile or lavender oil in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of light carrier oil.

• Using relaxed hands make figure of eight movement across the tummy and under the bump. This movement should be fairly light, especially if the tummy is tender.

• Gently stroke around the bump using your fingertips in a circular movement.

Repeat these movements as necessary.

Back soother

Again use three drops of camomile or lavender oil in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil.

• With the heel of your hand apply pressure to the small of the back. Gently move your hand in an anticlockwise circular movement while keeping firm contact with the skin.

• Place one hand on top of the other in the small of the back and allow heat to build up under your hands.

These movements are helpful for concentrations felt in the lower back.

If you are feeling too sensitive to be massaged or even touched on your body, try the following aromatherapy relaxers.

Face soother

Add a few drops of lavender or rose oil to some chilled rosewater. Dip a small face sponge into this mixture then smooth it over your forehead down your face and neck, gently and rhythmically. Alternatively your partner can do this for you. The flowery aroma is very comforting and helps to take your mind away from the labor pains.

Hand soother

When the contractions become difficult this simple touch is very reassuring and helps to create a feeling of safety. Ask your partner to rub a little lavender oil (in carrier oil) into the solar plexus area on your hand.

Now he or she can gently stroke and soothe your hand, keeping a reassuring contact with you. Concentrate on relaxing into the touch.

Scented water soother

Kneeling in a deep, warm bath can be soothing in the earlier stages of labor and the addition of relaxing aromatherapy oils intensifies this experience. Choose from chamomile, lavender, ylang-ylang or geranium.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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