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The Benefits of Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy is the science of using essential oils in a way that promotes an improved sense of well being. The benefits of aromatherapy include aiding relaxation, relieving stress, and boosting energy levels. Aromatherapy can also be used to treat migraine headaches, indigestion, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other minor physical ailments.

People who are new to aromatherapy often confuse essential oils with fragrance oils, but these two products serve entirely different purposes. Fragrance oils are synthetic scents that have been created in a laboratory, while essential oils are made from natural plant extracts. Both have a pleasing smell, but only essential oils offer the benefits of aromatherapy. Essential oils are also significantly more expensive than fragrance oils, since they are highly concentrated and must be harvested with great care.

Although it is true that some people take essential oils internally to achieve the maximum benefits of aromatherapy, this is a practice that should never be done without the supervision of a trained aromatherapist. Essential oils may be all-natural products, but this does not mean that they are completely harmless. Many oils used in aromatherapyaromatherapyaromatherapy can have dangerous side effects if not taken correctly.

The most common way for people to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home is with an aromatherapy massage. However, it is important to remember that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. If you wish to experience the benefits of aromatherapy through massage, you’ll need to dilute the essential oil with a special carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oil are the most common aromatherapyaromatherapyaromatherapy carrier oils.

You can also enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy by purchasing scented candles, soaps, or body lotions. If you have some experience with soap making or candle making, you can also create your own homemade aromatherapy products. Just remember that whenever an essential oil is being dispersed through a scented product, you’re not achieving the maximum therapeutic benefits that would come from a more direct application approach.

While aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular among those who are interested in alternative medicine, the benefits of aromatherapy aren’t for everyone. Certain essential oils can be dangerous for pregnant women and children. People with epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, or other chronic medical conditions should also be cautious when experimenting with the benefits og aromatherapy. If you have questions about whether aromatherapy is safe for you, consult your healthcare provider.

 

 

Harmful Ingredients to watch out for:
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended to act as a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified health care provider, nor is any information on this site intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If anyone has a specific health issue they should always seek medical advice.

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Alkyl-phenol ethoxylades are used in cleaning products and shampoos. By mimicking estrogen in the body these are a cause of reproductive cancers and infertility in men and women. Ethoxalades contaminate water.

Benzene is carcinogenic, is not excreted readily and can interact with DNA to produce harmful mutations. It is not normally listed as an ingredient because labeling laws do not require disclosure of trace amounts!

Colours & Dyes (FD & C or D & C) are predominantly made from coal tar and as such, are carcinogenic, linked to ADD, ADHD and some to thyroid tumours, cause allergies and damage the skin.

DEA (diethanolamine) is a solvent and detergent that is carcinogenic and attacks the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is a health risk to children and babies, linked to miscarriage and harmful to brain development.

Formaldehyde is carcinogenic and breaks down the skin's DNA. It is released by the harmless sounding preservatives DMDM hydantoin or MDM hydantoin, which are common in lotions and soaps.

Parabens are used as preservatives in body products, and are strongly associated with breast cancer tumours.

Petrolatum, Vaseline and "Mineral" Oil are linked to breast and other cancers, and banned in the EU.

Propyl / Isopropanol / rubbing alcohol causeds mental depression, headaches and is carcinogenic. 1 ounce is a fatal dose. Used to clean new containers, it is rarely listed as an ingredient, but present in trace amounts.

Propylene Glycol carries substances directly into the blood stream, is found in brake and hydraulic fluids, anti-freeze and virtually all baby products, moist/baby wipes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. Mechanics are advised by the Material Safety Data Sheets to avoid skin contact as it causes liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Can cause dermatitis and irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.

Sodium Laurel / Laureth Sulphate or SLS is a mechanical degreaser that has become the major ingredient in most shampoos and liquid soaps. It is carcinogenic, linked to cataracts, denatures proteins and changes genetic material found in cells, breaking the skin's structure. Causes canker sores, so check your toothpaste!

Synthetic perfumes or "fragrances" cause headaches, violent coughing, vomiting, dizziness, skin irritation and rashes according to complains to the FDA. Watch out for synthetic "rose", "jasmine" and "lily of the valley". Synthetic fragrances are carcinogens that contribute to environmental pollution, including the Great Lakes.

Here's a few of the harmful ingredients, their purpose and a couple of healthy alternatives:

Paraffin & petroleum are used as waxes.

Healthy Alternatives:

    * Lanette wax with NO SLS!

    * Cocopalm emulsifying wax

Animal by products are used as thickeners.

Healthy Alternatives:

    * Xanthan gum

    * Vegetable glycerine

Sodium Laurel/eth Sulphate are used as soaps.

Healthy Alternatives:

    * Betaine (from beets)

    * Cornacopa (coconut & corn)

Preservatives like formaldehyde, DMDM etc. and parabens.

Healthy Alternatives:

    * Myrrh essential oil, heliozimpt

    * Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), citric acid