Christie Peisel: senior in business administration, relaxes with the aromatherapy of a candle. Kyle Cooper / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Curing diabetes, arthritis, back pain, migraines, insomnia and more diseases is possible with the right blend of natural oils and plants, according to some aromatherapy proponents.
Aromatherapy is a fast-growing alternative medicine, also used for skin care and promoting general well being.
“It’s more effective than antibiotics or drugs because they kill viruses, fungal infections, bacterial infection and actually shrink tumors,” said Lark Aho, former aromatherapy general practitioner and owner of Larks Oils, Herbs and Essential Oils. “They prevent inflammatory infections.”
Essential oils are steamed from the entire plant, so more properties are extracted.
For diabetes cures, Aho uses drugs from China.
“It started becoming mainstream in the perfume industry. The perfumes began in France, and they used essential oils in their perfumes.” Aho said.
“Then they went synthetic to make it cheaper.”
The essential oils from aromatherapy can be used on a day-to-day basis, too.
“Aromatherapy has both medicinal and calming purposes,” said Nancy Cleveland at Renew Medical Spa.
Aromatherapy can be brought home in the form of candles, oils, teas, lotions, acne medicines, perfumes and waxes.
There are about 150 essential oils including rose, lavender, lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus.
“It actually awakens the senses,” said Sonya Hildreth at Auburn’s Create a Spa. “It’s really a blend of oils and sensual scents that can vary from calming to all kinds of different moods. It helps you to connect with yourself.”
Some aroma therapists have medical and biology backgrounds.
Experts say the effectiveness of aromatherapy for medicinal purposes “depends on the situation and physical condition” said Hildreth.
One blend that is designed to relax the body, and can be used in a vaporizer, massage or in a bath, is two drops of geranium, lavender and sandalwood and one drop of ylang-ylang according to the holisticonline.com.
For those suffering from migraines, the recommended oils are rosemary and peppermint for sharp pains, lemon for mild pains and eucalyptus for colds and sinuses. Chamomile helps with anger, worry or hyperactivity, according to holisticonline.com.
“Aromatherapy is a modality,” Hildreth said. “It’s one of the amenities that can go along with massage therapy. It’s to help with calming emotions and creating balance.”
