aromatherapy and the such

i was thinking about putting this in the plants and substances list, but figured it was better to make a new thread, since this is not meant for consumption(even though that can be done with most of this stuff…)

while attending gym class today, i was flipping through a magazine, out of pure boredom. it was some kind of fitness magazine, directed at the female audiance. after a while i found an article that i think you guys will like. there was a list of 22 different plants and such, that could be used for aromatherapy, complete with what they do to both the body and the mind. it is all in norwegian, so i have taken the liberty of translating it for you (though i have only translated 8 so far…). enjoy.

Legend:

first is the name(duh)
next the latin name, and a quick description on the smell and such
next, in italics we have a general description of what category it can be placed in, based on its effects on the mind
next is a semi-thorough list of what the stuff does
last two points are then repeated for effects on the body

orange:

citrus sinensis
the smell is sweet, fresh and fruity. the oil is well suited for aroma-candles and for use in the bathtub.

the effects on the mind:

generally balancing and calming

soothing
helps against depressions
generally balancing

effects on the body:

regulating and stimulating

regulates blood pressure, circulation and the lymph system
counters cramps, diarrhea and constipation
strengthens the body’s ability to absorb fat

basil:

ocimum basilicum
the smell is powerful and sweetly spiced, slightly like camphor. can easily be inhaled, but must NOT be used by pregnant women!

the effects on the mind:

refreshing, balancing and soothing

eases tensions, mental fatigue, depressions
lifts and calms, so as you do not use more energy than you have

effects on the body:

stimulating

eases the common cold, the “whooping-cough”, cramps, pains in the abdomen, rheumatism pains
helps against digestive problems, strengthens the liver(you hear that, you drunks??)

cedartree:

cedrus atlantica
the smell is sweet, woodlike and similar to balm. it is often connected to masculinity. it kills bacterias, but should not be used during pregnancy.

the effects on the mind:

balancing and soothing

gives internal peace
increases the ability to act(not as in romeo and juliet, as in do stuff)
balancing
counteracts stress

effects on the body:

regulating and stimulating

counters fat skin, dandruff and other skin diseases
fights infections in the urinary systems and vagina

lemon:

the smell is self-explaining. all citrus smells are purifying, strengthening and refreshing

the effects on the mind:

refreshing and balancing

eases depressions
sharpens awareness
is stimulating and uplifting for the intellect

effects on the body:

regulating and stimulating

eases rheumatism symptoms
counters cellulite, acne, fat and impure skin
counters build-up of calcium in the bloodveins

citronella:

cymbopogon nardus
the smell is strong and freshly lemonlike, spicy and green. is used in insect lights and to neutralise the smell of cigarettes. must NOT be used by pregnant women.

the effects on the mind:

balancing and refreshing

counters fatigue
lifts a depressed mood
lifts a “clouded” mind

effects on the body:

regulating

eases migrains and headaches
counters fungus
is used against “foot sweat”

mediterranean cypress:

cupressus sempervirrens
smells of smoked wood. cypress helps move water in the body, and works to good effect on the hormonal balance. increases bloodflow.

the effects on the mind:

balancing, soothing and refreshing

improves ability to concentrate
increases awareness towards opressed feelings

effects on the body:

stimulating

eases rheumatism pains
counters PMS, powerful menstruation, problems at menapause, hemmorhoids

juniper:

juniperus communis
the oil smells bitter-sweet, woodlike and like balm. it is said to work as an aphrodisiac. must not be used by pregnant women and those with kidney diseases.

the effects on the mind:

somewhere between balancing and refreshing

purifying
helps against confusion, exaustion, anxiety and being self-absorbed
counters stress

effects on the body:

regulating and stimulating

purifying on the inside and outside, removes waste-substances(like those in the blood)
counters fatigue, hemmorhoids, strengthens urinal pathways and genitalia.

eucalyptus:

eucalyptus globalus
the smell is strong, fresh and somewhat like camphor. can remind you of breathmints. do not comsume, or otherwise place inside the body(just in case there are a few freaks on the forum…), and do not use on the skin if undiluted.

the effects on the mind:

refreshing, slightly balancing

helps loosen up “locked” emotions
purifying, clarifying, if you are tired or “empty”
stimulating

effects on the body:

slightly stimulating and regulating

antibacterial
eases the common cold, sinus infections, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases
eases headcahes


just so you know, these things can be used in the following applications:

massage-oils
mouthwater
orally, for example on sugar
inhaled, for example by vapor or through a handkerchief
directly orally, in a diluted state

also, all things written here are rough translations made by me, so i do not know if it is true or not, but the magazine i got it from, says everything is scientifically proven. if that is true is unknown to me. i would personally not recommend orally taking any of these things, unless you are sure they are safe.

also, the remaining 14 items will be added at a later time, at my own convenience.

Hey, thank you.
I like burning incense (herbs, not sticks) and inspired by some other LD4all members, I tried to see what effects smells can have on my dreams.

Well, I didn’t do very much until know, but I plan to try more. What I did:
I put some drops of patchouli oil on a towel and stuffed that towel inside my pillow. I used it for two nights. The dreams of these two nights seemed unusually threatening/agressive/violent to me.

I know it needs more testing, but I think I will go with a different smell next time. I don’t really need to verify wether patchouli really gives bad dreams :bored:

How about your experiences? I think I remember DreamAddict saying that he got nice dreams from rose smell?

tapir

wow, what a handy extensive list!
Maybe this can become the official “scents” list of substances to influence dreams!!
I’ll try to find URLs to past discussion about scents and edit them here.

thanks for the response. this could well be one of those huge stickys, if we find enough info.

sorry about the slow update progress. havent been quite “awake” lately. i guess i’l just put in a “legend” now, and go to bed or something.

if you know anything about this, then please don’t hesitate to speak up. i guess i can edit the list to add more stuff as time goes by, so things are easily found, but that will be left for another day. need sleep now.

edit: by the way. a quick list of some other things i will add after getting around to translating it:

ginger
jasmin
rose
peppermint
rosemary
lavender
black pepper

and a couple more to boot, that i don’t know the english names of (just yet).

I’ve also heard of Mugwort??

kool list man… thanx for takin the time to post this, it looks very useful, thanx again.

Sup DA.

whats that? never heard of it…

if u can find info on it, then please tell me, and i will add it to the list. pm is preferred.

Kimius, the norwegian word for mugwort is “malurt”. I do have access to a lot of eucalyptus from work…maybe I should try to place some besides my bed? :cool: