Aromatherapy Herbs

Aromatherapy is an alternative field of medicine used for the treatment or prevention of diseases. It involves use of herbal oils. Aromatherapy activates the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain, activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi.

Aromatherapy is used in the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, fatigue, migraines, respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, cystitis, cold and flu. Aromatherapy also encourages emotional peace and calm with a gently calming effect on mind, body and emotions.
Some of the major aromatherapy herbs are:

• Basil
• Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)
• Birch
• Cajeput
• Cedarwood (Juniperus Virginiana)
• Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)
• Citronella
• Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)
• Clove
• Cypress (Cypressus Sempervirens)
• Fir
• Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)
• Gardenia
• Geranium (Pelargonium Graveloens)
• Ginger
• Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi)
• Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)
• Jojoba
• Juniper berry (Juniperus Communis)
• Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis)
• Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
• Lemon grass
• Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata)
• Marjoram (Origanum Marjorana)
• Myrrh
• Neroli (Citrus Aurantium)
• Nutmeg
• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)
• Peppermint (Mentha Arvensis)
• Pine
• Rose (Rosa Damascena)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
• Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeodora)
• Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
• Sage
• Sassafra
• Spearmint
• Spruce
• Tangerine fragrance
• Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata)

Article Source:
http://www.4ayurveda.com/health.asp?aid=259

Medicinal Herbs

There are several herbs which are known for their medicinal properties. These medicinal herbs are in use since time immemorial. Ancient Indian text "Atharva Veda" has mentioned several medicinal herbs and their benefits. In modern times too people are now increasingly turning to medicinal herbs as a source of alternative therapy. One of the major benefits of medicinal herbs is that they have no side effects.

Some of the common medicinal herbs that are used in everyday life are:

• Neem: Neem has been used for treating all sorts of skin problems for centuries. It contains Nimbidol and Gedunin which have excellent fungicidal properties. Neem is extremely effective in treatment of skin disorders such as warts, scabies, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.

• Basil (Tulsi): Basil is worshipped in Indian culture as the purest and most sublime plant. It is extremely effective in treating skin disorders as it is a blood purifier and kills bacteria. Basil Tea or tea with basil leaves provides relief to inflamed throat conditions.

• Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric is used as a popular remedy for infections, injuries, boils, accident recovery etc.

• Sandalwood (Chandan): Sandalwood is a uniquely Indian plant that has an extraordinary fragrance. The bark of the sandalwood tree is extremely smooth and sandal paste is applied on the body to impart an extremely smooth, unblemished and lustrous look to the skin. The fragrance of sandalwood is also said to be a proven aphrodisiac.

Article Source:
http://www.4ayurveda.com/health.asp?aid=260