Also known as cucumis sativus, cucumber is mostly consumed in its raw state or slightly cooked to avoid damaging the nutrients found in it. For more the three thousand years, the cucumber plant has been known to exist in its greatest quantity in Egypt and India. Thus, cucumber has gradually found itself among the most widely used household names in these places. It has been known to be used by women to take care of their facial skin and to diminish stress around the eyes.

The cucumber fruit is always known for it chillness and there is no mistake in attributing this quality to the fruit. It is a good remedy against acne, blemishes and other inflammations and swellings around the face. The cucumber plants equally works internally by refining your inner body and a refined inner self is what adds vigor to the outer self. Remember that internal stress or complications are always manifested in your outer self. Therefore, make every attempt to consume one of such fruit on a regular basis. The cucumber oil is also found to be very flexible, offering a possibility for it to be mixed with other indispensable oils. This oil, when blended with olive oil and aloe Vera produces one of the best lotions to the body.

What is more to that? Cucumber is a very important supply of Vitamin B1 and vitamin C and proteolytic enzymes, which are not only known to possess enormous curative strengths, but which are equally needed by the body in great quantities. When mixed together with other essential body oils, the cucumber essential oil acts as ant-dehydrating agent to the skin. It is also used in the manufacture of soaps and body lotions. It has a restrained effect and there is no side effect from the use of it. For this reason, there should no reason to fear taking an overdose. One common use of the fruit is its curative strength against most facial blemishes.

Applying it to the face is relatively easy. All you need to do is to mix some of the cucumber essential oil with lavender oil, rub on the face and leave for not more than twenty minutes. The results is that is opens your pores and makes respiration easy and smooth. The secret in achieving this is not in knowing or accepting the fact that it works. The secret lies in you practicing these tips on a regular basis.

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known.

Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.

The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal, fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians coined the term perfume, from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.

The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians, but Greek mythology apparently credits the gift and knowledge of perfumes to the gods. The Greeks also recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, commonly called the “father of medicine” practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit. A Greek perfumer by the name of Megallus created a perfume called megaleion. Megaleion included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes: (1) for its aroma, (2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and (3) to heal wounds.

The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica that described the properties of approximately 500 plants. It is also reported that Discorides studied distillation. Distillation during this period, however, focused on extracting aromatic floral waters and not essential oils.

A major event for the distillation of essential oils came with the invention of a coiled cooling pipe in the 11th century. Persian by birth, Avicenna invented a coiled pipe which allowed the plant vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than previous distillers that used a straight cooling pipe. Avicenna’s contribution lead to more focus on essential oils and their benefits.

Within the 12th century, an Abbess of Germany named Hildegard grew and distilled lavender for its medicinal properties.

Within the 13th century, the pharmaceutical industry was born. This event encourages great distillation of essential oils.

During the 14th century, the Black Death hit and killed millions of people. Herbal preparations were used extensively to help fight this terrible killer. It is believed that some perfumers may have avoided the plague by their constant contact with the natural aromatics.

Within the 15th century, more plants were distilled to create essential oils including frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and rosemary. A growth in the amount of books on herbs and their properties also begins later in the century. Paracelcus, an alchemist, medical doctor and radical thinker is credited with coining the term Essence and his studies radically challenged the nature of alchemy and he focused upon using plants as medicines.

During the 16th century, one could begin purchasing oils at an “apothecary,” and many more essential oils were introduced.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, perfume starting being considered an art form, and it was more clearly defined as its own field.

During the 19th century, perfumery remained a propserous industry. Women would have their jeweler create a special bottle to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century also was important scientifically as major constituents of essential oils became isolated.

During the 20th century, the knowledge of separating the constituents of essential oils was used to create synthetic chemicals and drugs. It had been believed that by separating the major constituents and then using the constituents alone or in synthetic form would be beneficial therapeutically and economically. These discoveries helped lead to “modern medicine” and synthetic fragrances. This actually weakened the use of essential oils for medicinal and aromatic benefit.

During the earlier part of the 20th century, a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal use. Previously, he focused on the aromatic use of essential oils, but his interest in their medicinal use grew after an accident heightened his curiosity. While working, he burned his arm rather badly. By reflex, he plunged his burned arm into the closest liquid which happened to be a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in 1928 within an article where he supports the use of using essential oils in their whole without breaking them down into their primary constituents. In 1937, Gattefossé wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales that was later translated into English and named Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy. It is still in print and widely read.

Other highly respected 20th century aromatherapists include Jean Valnet, Madam Marguerite Maury, and Robert B. Tisserand. Jean Valnet is most remembered for his work using essential oils to treat injured soldiers during the war and for his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, originally entitled Aromathérapie in French. Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury is remembered as a biochemist who avidly studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy for primarily cosmetic benefit. Robert B. Tisserand is an English aromatherapist who is responsible for being one of the first individuals to bring knowledge and education of aromatherapy to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the highly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy. The Art of Aromatherapy was the first aromatherapy book published in English.

From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one’s everyday life. Today’s heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.

What is essential oil?

All essential oils are made purely from the herbs or plants themselves. This means that the oil contains no other ingredients, like moisturizers, to dilute the potency. This is why when bottles of essential oils are opened, the smell is often exceptionally strong.

What can peppermint essential oil do for me?

If you suffer from asthma, colic, cramps, fainting, fatigue, flatulence, fevers, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, then it is possible that peppermint essential oil could help alleviate the pain associated with the ailment.

If you suffer from apathy, anxiousness, insomnia, shock, stress, or vertigo, it is also believed that peppermint could potentially lessen the symptoms.

How can I use peppermint essential oils and aromatherapy?

There are many different ways to use essential oils, here are a few ideas:

Massage is a great way to use peppermint aromatherapy. Dilute the peppermint essential oil with some carrier oil. Carrier oils have moisturizers that will soften skin, making it malleable to the touch. Since peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated, only 1-3 drops should need to be added to a small handful of carrier oil.

If you have a water spritzer, fill it with water and add peppermint essential oil. For small bottles, 15-20 drops. For medium bottles, 20-30 drops. Shake the mixture, and lightly spray on bedding, curtains, or even carpets for a room deodorizer.

Many stores now carry ceramic oil burners for aromatherapy. The oil burner will look like a classic, glass milk bottle, except smaller, with a petite, removable, saucer-shaped lid, beneath which you place a tea-candle. After you light the candle, and replace the lid, pour a small amount of peppermint essential oil in the lid. The candle will heat the oil, and the peppermint scent will permeate the air, revitalizing your senses.

Bring a small pot of water to boil over on a stovetop. Place a 3-5 drops of peppermint essential oil into the water, and breathe in the steam. Be sure to take deep, slow breaths, allowing the mixture to permeate your lungs.

Place 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief. Fold handkerchief and place beneath pillow for a subtle scent that won’t overpower your nose.

Peppermint essential oil blends well with other oils. If you want to create your own unique scent try mixing up your own concoction. Peppermint combines well with: chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, spearmint, tangerine and ylang ylang.

Yet, we are told frequently that stress is bad for us. It can cause a number of health disorders including migraines and cause many health conditions to become worse.

For these reasons, many people are turning to armotherapy to help relieve stress, to help them relax and to help make their lives much more fulfilling. Aromatheray is a therapy that can come in many forms from such as candles, oils, incense, sprays, diffusers, perfumes, scent based lotions, etc.

The form you choose to use isn’t as important as the scent. The scent is the basis of all aromatherapy treatments. When looking for ways to relax and to better handle stress, you may want to start with these basic scents.

These scents are found to be relaxing and calming just as they are. They do not need to be mixed with any other scents.

LAVENDER

Lavender is sometimes called blue magic. The reason why is because it has many uses. Yes, relaxation and handling stress is one of its many uses. But lavender is also well known to help one to sleep, help one to fight migraines, and sinus headaches.

Lavender is considered one of the most essential of oils. It is also known to be able to help the body to come to balance with its mind and spirit.

Of course, the scent of lavender comes from the flower itself. This is a very hardy flower that can grow almost anywhere. It is a preennial flower and is also considered a fast growing groundcover. A plus to growing lavender yourself is the fact that each time you water it or each time a rain falls you are greeted with its lovely scent.

JASMINE

Jasmine is often considered the king of the oils. It has a deep, relaxing and even a sensual type scent. Needless to say, it also has sensual affects as well as relaxing benefits.

Some say it will even act like an antidepressant and will help people with nerve problems.

CHAMOMILE

Have you ever noticed how great a cup of chamomile tea smells? If you have, it shouldn’t surprise you that chamomile itself has relaxing benefits, just by basking in its lovely scent.

Chamomile also has a sedating effect (great for those having trouble sleeping) and will help ease pain (possible good during a headache).

BERGAMOT

Bergamot is not only a relaxing scent is also a scent that will help you to loosen up tight, tense muscles.

ROSE

The scent of the rose is another scent that has many benefits, including its ability to relax a person. It is also known as a scent that may help a woman to balance out her hormones (great during that time of the month). Plus, it has calming benefits. During time of hysteria and great emotions, rose is a great scent to burn to help calm one.

Rose may even help with depression.

CLARY SAGE

Clary sage is an unique scent of both light and fruity, yet with a sweet and floral demension to it. It can bring on a happy feeling that helps relaxes a person.

Clary sage also has been known to help ease fatigue and help with pain.

NEROLI

Neroli has an exotic smell to it. It is a scent that is extracted from bitter orange. It helps relaxes one and helps one to handle stress. It also helps one to battle depression and possibly even gain confidence.

SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood is known for its relaxing and calming ability. But it can also help to soothe irritation, help fight acne and lift depression.

YLANG YLANG

Ylang Ylang has a smell similar to jasmine. It is sweet, exotic and floral scent. It can help relax one, calm one, calm anger, release tension, and ease muscles spasms. It can also help fight acne and lower blood pressure.

VANILLA

Vanilla is one of the top selling scents today. It is relaxing and calming. Yet, some also believe it can be used as an aphrodisiac.

Can aromatherapy help you to deal with your stress? Some believe the benefits you can achieve are many. Would it really hurt you to try lighting a candle or smelling some oil?

We also make a lavender lotion that is formulated just for babies and those with very sensitive skin. It’s gentle, relaxing and soothing. For more information, or to order any of our lotions, click Lotions.

Gentle Lotion Base Ingredients (89% Organic):

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cocos nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Palm Stearic Acid, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Mannan, Salix nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid

Cucumber Lotion Ingredients: (86% Organic):

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Distillate, Rosa damascena (Rose) Distillate, Cocos nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax NF, Palm Stearic Acid, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Mannan, Salix nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid

Lotion Base Ingredients:

Deionized Water
Minerals
Soy Oil
Acetyl Alcohol
Poly Sorbate 20 (from Sugar)
TEA (emulsifier)
Jojoba
Vit. E
Vit. A
Cocoa Butter
Dm. Dm. Hydantoin (preservative)

A painstaking effort goes into making aromatherapy candles and the prices match both elegance and efficacy of the aromatherapy candle that you buy. Good quality aromatherapy candles are made of high quality wax with pure essential oil added. Wax and the aroma used define the price tag the candle displays.

Good manufacturers use natural waxes like palm, beeswax and soy for an exquisitely cleaner flame. Petroleum based wax, which is an artificial wax, is a poor substitute and makes for an inferior aromatherapy candle.

To give the candles an alluring charm, manufacturers use colors by adding fine flower petals or herbs. They also add pressed flowers to the wax and then mold candles out of the wax and flower combination. Different candles are given different fragrances by adding essential oils, depending on the customer’s choice and popular buying trends.

A recent trend has been to make gel candles, but since they can’t hold fragrances, doubts persist on their commercial and practical viability. A candle is named based on the purpose it serves. For example, you can purchase a relaxing candle, a lavender candle, a celebration candle, a patchouli candle and an energizing mint candle.

Aromatherapy provides detailed information on Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Oil, Aromatherapy Candles, Aromatherapy Diffusers and more. Aromatherapy is affiliated with Acupuncture Schools.