arnica
hypernicum
starflower
echinacea
sunflower
St John's Wort
| How does it work?
Homeopathy is a system of treatment which stimulates the body’s own ability to heal itself. It looks upon symptoms of illness as signs of disharmony within the patient at all levels; mental, physical & emotional. In treating the person as a whole, (holistically), harmony within the patient is restored and so removing the symptoms of the illness, restoring the balance and equilibrium. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann discovered the 'Law of Similars’; which explains ‘That which makes sick shall heal’ For instance we know that when cutting a strong onion we may experience an acrid runny nose, a particular soreness in the throat & stinging watery eyes. So a homeopathic remedy made from Allium Cepa (onion) could be given to a patient who is suffering from Hay fever & manifesting these symptoms. You cannot become addicted to homeopathic remedies, because only a very minute amount of the actual ingredient is used in a specially prepared form. These are prepared using a process called 'potentisation', which increases the curative properties of the substance at the same time as removing the potential for unwanted side effects. What to expect at the 1st visit? The homeopathic consultation is quite different from your conventional visit to the GP. As people react in different ways to the same illness your homeopath will need to know not only about your physical symptoms, but also about you as a person. You will be asked a series of questions designed to establish a homeopathic picture about you and your health. Also feel free to ask any questions to help clarify your treatment. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence. How do I take my remedy? Remedies are usually given in tablet or liquid form. They should be taken directly onto a clean spoon & placed in the mouth, without water & dissolved under the tongue. No food, toothpaste or cigarettes should be taken for 20 minutes before or after the remedy. They should be stored in a cool dark place, away from odours Avoid handling the pills. How long will treatment take? Should your illness be one that you have had for some time, it may take several appointments before the symptoms are completely clear. If your symptoms are quite recent then you may only have to visit a couple of times. Homeopaths aim to help their patients achieve a state of health, which requires fewer consultations at longer intervals. Homeopathy does not treat symptoms by suppressing them but by treating the cause, and assisting the body to heal itself. In the weeks following your remedy you may experience a range of different physical or emotional symptoms, a surge of energy or a spring cleaning reaction such as a cold , rash or discharge. All of these reactions are an indication that the self healing process has begun and should be allowed to take its course. Please make notes of any of these changes, so that you can tell your homeopath at the next visit, or phone to discuss it in between appointments. No remedies are tested on animals. However animals can benefit from homeopathic treatment.
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Essential oils derived from plants are said to have different therapeutic properties. Some are calming, others stimulating and uplifting. Such oils have been used for healing and relaxation by many cultures for thousands of years. Myrrh and frankincense are mentioned in the Bible and the ancient Egyptians used oils to embalm the dead. So how can it be made to work for you? A few drops of essential oil can be either added to a vegetable carrier oil for a relaxing massage or placed in a vaporiser (a bowl of water warmed over a candle) to scent a room. Six or eight drops added to a warm bath may also encourage relaxation. Medicinal oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can be added to a bowl of steaming hot water for inhalation, or placed on a tissue or handkerchief to sniff when needed. |
Plant roots, flowers, leaves and stalks (even trees in some instances) are processed to extract the oils. Distillation is the most common method of extraction, whereby the plant is boiled or steamed until the oil vaporises. This was developed about a thousand years ago by the Persian physician Ali ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and brought to Europe by returning Crusaders in the Middle Ages.  How does it work?
Molecules in the scents released by the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream either through the skin during massage or by inhalation through the nose and lungs. These pass to the olfactory centres in the brain where they are thought to act on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that influences mood and the hormonal system. The psychological effects of smell have been well researched at centres such as the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, but the biochemical pathways that may enable specific scents to have particular effects is less well known. What is it good for?
Aroma therapists choose essential oils for their therapeutic effects in treating stress-related conditions such as insomnia and headaches, digestive disorders, colds and menstrual problems. It is also used to relieve stress, help relaxation and enhance well-being. These effects may be sedative, calming, stimulating, uplifting, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic or decongestant. Most oils will possess several properties. Here are some common examples: Calming: chamomile, lavender, geranium, jasmine, bergamot, clary sage Uplifting: ylang ylang, rosemary, rose, clary sage, neroli, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit Stimulating: cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, pine, black pepper, eucalyptus Antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal: tea tree, lavender Decongestant: eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine
What to watch out for: Use inhalations with caution if you have asthma or are prone to nosebleeds Do not swallow oils unless supervised by a medically qualified practitioner Never apply neat essential oils to the skin (except lavender and tea tree) Keep essential oils away from naked flames and out of reach of children Consult a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure
For more information:
International Federation of Aroma therapists
182 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1PP
Tel 020 8742 2605/6
www.int-fed-aromatherapy.co.uk
See also: Raw Juice Therapy>>
NB. The information given here are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.
If you are in any doubt about your health, please consult your GP. DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not intended to diagnose medical problems, prescribe remedies for illness, or treat disease. It's intention is solely educational. I would strongly encourage you to use this information in cooperation with a medical or health professional.
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