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    Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy
    Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy
    Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy
    Ebook96 pages49 minutes

    Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy

    By Roby Jose Ciju

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    About this ebook

    Aromatherapy is based on the principle that volatile aromatic oils of certain herbs can have immense therapeutic effect on emotional and mental wellness of an individual. The book 'Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy', deals with the growing practices of 21 popular aromatic herbs and various therapeutic applications of their aromatic oils in aromatherapy.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAgrihortico
    Release dateMar 16, 2021
    ISBN9781393563624
    Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy

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      Book preview

      Growing Herbs for Aromatherapy - Roby Jose Ciju

      1 Herbs: An Introduction

      Concept of Aromatherapy

      Aromatherapy is based on the principle that volatile aromatic oils of certain herbs have therapeutic effect and therefore may be used as healing agents to cure those individuals suffering from extraordinary mood swings and emotional disturbances. The herbs that are used in aromatherapy are called aromatic herbs due to the presence of volatile aromatic oils and associated chemical compounds present in them. In fact, these volatile aromatic oils extracted from the aromatic herbs are the reason behind the healing effect of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy directly affects the limbic system, the area of the brain that processes aroma or scent which is also the emotional seat of the mind. When aromatic oil enters into a person’s body via skin or lungs or via olfaction (smell), the limbic system tends to process the aroma favourably and thus induces a pleasant effect on the emotional state of the person.

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      Definition of an Herb

      As per Oxford dictionary definition, an herb is a plant with leaves, seeds or flowers used for flavouring, food, medicine, and scent or aroma. Based on their life cycle, herbs are categorised into three categories: annual herbs, biennial herbs and perennial herbs. Annual herbs complete their life cycle within a year while biennial herbs take two years to complete their life cycle. Perennial herbs live for a long term, often beyond two years. Based on their utility, herbs are categorised into several groups such as ornamental herbs, aromatic herbs, medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, and sacred herbs. Culinary herbs are used for culinary purposes, mainly as flavouring agents while sacred herbs have religious importance and used for religious rituals. Ornamental herbs are grown for ornamental and gardening purposes. Medicinal herbs are used for medicinal purposes while aromatic herbs are mainly used for extracting aromatic oils from their herbage.

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      Aromatic Herbs

      In this book, we will discuss about aromatic herbs only. Aromatic herbs are fragrant owing to the presence of volatile oils in their leaves and stems. Most of the aromatic herbs have medicinal and therapeutic properties. Hence aromatic herbs are largely used for therapeutic applications and aromatherapy purposes.

      For example, Dandelion is an herb that is used as a health tonic. We know that tonics strengthen the whole body system. Similarly, herbs like chamomile, lavender, rosemary and peppermint are used as tranquilisers and nervines. Nervines works on the nervous system as a tranquilizer.

      Ginger, rosemary, basil, and clary sage are the best examples of the herbs that are used as an expectorant (An expectorant encourages removal of mucus from lungs and sinuses). Ginger is also used as a stomachic to cure stomach disorders. Peppermint and rosemary are used as an analgesic that alleviates pain. Basil, cardamom, ginger, and rosemary have sudorific and diaphoretic properties (encourages sweating). Rosemary and marjoram cause the walls of the blood vessels to relax i.e. act as a vasodilator. Herbs like peppermint, fennel, and chamomile are used as a carminative that soothes the digestive system.

      Lavender is an aromatic herb that is used for multiple therapeutic and cosmetic applications. It is a cytophylactic that encourages healthy growth of skin and other tissues. Rejuvenating properties of the lavender herb is incomparable. Lavender is an antibiotic that kills bacteria and other harmful microbes and also used as a healing agent that heals wounds (vulnerary).

      Lemongrass and turmeric are antifungal that cures fungal infections. Lavender and chamomile are also anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation). Lavender and turmeric are highly antiseptic (destroys skin infections) and antiviral (kills viruses) also.  Peppermint, rosemary, and marjoram are used as an antispasmodic (stops muscle spasms). Chamomile is a euphoric that improves mood and an anxiolytic (used as an antipanic or antianxiety agent). Medicinal geranium and yarrow are used as an astringent that dries up sebum gland secretions. Geranium, basil, sage, chamomile, rosemary, and ginger are used as an emmenagogue that brings on menstruation. Geranium, sage, and fennel also balance hormone production and dispersal. Peppermint, marjoram, and fennel are effective laxatives that clear congestion in the bowels.  Lavender, valerian, vetiver, and chamomile are effective sedatives that induce sleep. Peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary are used as a rubefacient that improves

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