A large number of plant have been used for their essential oils. Among these are rose, lavender, jasmine, clove, sandalwood, mint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and so on. Apart from their medicinal properties, essential oils have also been valued for their aromas. The fragrances of rose, lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, for instance, is due to their essential oils.

The part from which the essential oil is obtained differs from plant to plant. Sandalwood, for instance, is obtained from the wood, oil of rose from the clove itself, lemongrass essential oil from the grass and so on. They also differ from each other in the number of constituents. In fact, many are not even known or identified as yet.

Like herbal therapy, aromatherapy is a branch of natural therapy, but there is a difference. Herbal therapy involves the use of the entire herb, or its extract, while in aromatherapy, only the essential oil may be the same, their curative actions differ. There are various methods of extracting essential oils, but the distillation process is the most common.

In aromatherapy, the main form of treatment is by massage. Essential oils can be added to bath water or used for inhalations. However, caution must be exercised in the use of essential oils, as they can be strong and highly potent in action. As such, they are usually diluted with other oils, like olive oil or almond oil, for massage. Essential oils can also be combined, according to their particular properties and the cure that is to be achived.
 
 

Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin. In fact, they influence the skin at the cellular level and improve the skin's capacity to absorb. They also help to set up a process of detoxification and elimination of the toxins and wastes thet have accumulated in the system. Many essential oils act by having an effect on lymph, blood, or the skin itself and thus help to reduce congestion.

There are innumerable plant products that exist in nature, with actions so versatile that individual needs can easily be met. For instance, some have a stimulating effect on the skin and increase local blood circulation. On the other hand, oils like that of rose and camomile have a soothing effect. Oils of lavender, jasmine, rose affect skin tissue by promoting and regulating the activity of the capillaries.

The ancient Egyptians used essential oils in their embalming process, to preserve the skin of the dead. The ancient Romans and Greeks used them in their baths and for massage, to bring about total well-being. In India, ancient Vedic texts contain the usages of various essential oils for the cure of ailments.

Aromatherapy Facial
Facial treatments and massage with essential oils are also carried out at the Shahnaz Herbal clinics. Essential oils have potent and specific curative properties that are of particular benefit to the skin. Most important of all, they are extremely effective for inducing relaxation of both body and mind, calming the nerves and reducing stress. Therefore, they are great relevance today. Stress is considered a contributory factor in many diseases and even in skin and hair problems, like acne, pigmentation, skin sensitivity, dandruff, hair loss.

During the aromatherapy facial, the skin is massaged with herbalised oils that contain essential oil and herbal extracts, after cleansing the skin thoroughly. Essential oils. being very potent in action, are usually added to "carrier oils", or to other facial preparations, like creams. The skin is first cleansed thoroughly. The massage is geared to tone the skin and stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface. It also helps to eliminate toxins and wastes. Gentle pressure is applied to specific points, in order to induce relaxation.

Aromatherapy facials also help to clear skin congestion and improve the normal functions of the skin. The mask, which is applied at the end of the massage also contains essential oils. The elimination of toxins, the improvement in the skin's normal functions, including cell regeneration and the uplifting effect which the aromatherapy oils have on the mind all combine to make aromatherapy facials totally revitalising and rejuvenating.

Cellulite
Cellulite is not a disease or a disorder, but it can make a difference to the figure and cause a great deal of concern. It is a common problem of "lumps" that generally appear on the thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms and even the upper back. Another term for cellulite is "orange peel skin", because the skin on these areas resembles an orange peel.

Cellulite is caused by deposits of water, fat and other wastes that collect  in pockets beneath the skin. The slowing down of the body's waste removal process is thought to be responsible for the condition. In other words, there is a relationship between body toxicity and cellulite. The hardening of connective tissue is also involved, as this leads to the imprisonment of wastes, in lumps under the skin. Sluggish digestion, constipation, poor liver functiong, poor blood circulation, mental tension, chronic fatigue, insomnia and a sedentary lifestyle are some causative factors. In fact, one or more of these can undermine the normal functions of waste removal carried out by the kidneys, intestines, skin and lymphatic system.
 

The lymphatic system helps the body to get rid of toxic, metabolic and cellular waste. The normal contraction and relaxation of muscles helps the system by proving necessary pumping for lymphatic circulation and drainage.Therefore, the treatment of cellulite involves changes in the diet, along with regular exercise and relaxation. Massage is also an important part of the treatment, along with "skin brushing". Massage with Anti-Cellulite Oil from Shahnaz Husain's Aromatherapy Bar can help to get rid of the problem. It is best to massage the area when the muscles are relaxed. A warm bath helps to induce relaxation. Long stroking movements, known as effleurage, are given for stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The area with cellulite is squeezed and kneaded, ending with the stroking movements again. Skin "brushing" helps the elimination of toxins. The entire surface, excluding the face, should be brushed, using a rough cloth, or a natural bristle brush. Begin from the feet and go upwards. Then brush from lower to upper arms. Go across the shoulders and back. Brush gently on the chest and abdomen.

Cellulite can be a stubborn condition and will not disappear overnight. You need to bring about a permanent change in your regular exercise, relaxation and deep breathing will help to free these trapped wastes and drain them from your system.

The Shahnaz Husain Aromatherapy Bar
Anti-stree Bath Oil is a combination of essential oils of cinnamon, basil, and others that help to induce relaxation and soothe the nerves. It also helps to reduce stress caused by pollutants and our modern lifestyle.
Muscle Relaxant Oil helps to remove muscular tension and promotes blood circulation. It is ideal for removing fatigue and improving the function of many organ systems of the body.
Shapeace is a unique combination of oils that brings about total relaxation and tranquillity of the mind. It is of special relevance to the modern times, where the work environment has become highly competitive and stressful. We also have to contend with greater pressures in our personal relationships. This formulation is only to be applied on certain specified areas of the body.
Anti-Cellulite Oil has been specially formulated to detoxify the body and eliminate toxins and wastes that have accumulated.
 

It contains oils of neem (margosa, ashwagandha (winter cherry), devdaru (a deciduous tree), sandalwood, along with oilve, almond and sesame seed oils as the 'carrier' oils. Massage with this formulation helps to reduce conditions like cellulite, by improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also brings about a general feeling of well being.