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Aromatherapy Essentials 

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological wellbeing. Aromatherapy offers diverse physical and psychological benefits, depending on the essential oil or combination of oils and the method of application used. Some common medicinal properties of essential oils used in aromatherapy include: analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative. 

Essential oils are used to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin conditions, menstrual pain and irregularities, stress-related conditions, mood disorders, circulatory problems, respiratory infections, and minor wounds. A pleasing natural aroma can have a positive psychological effect on the body. EO's, which are the "pure" essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are over 70 essential oils. Perfume oils, known as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential oils. They contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. The word "fragrance", was designated by the FDA to contain all of the 850+ ingredients that can be used to create a specific scent, so that the ingredient deck of any product in this category would not be overwhelming to the consumer. 

EO's that are drawn into the body by the sense of smell are believed to offer psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma stimulate the brain to trigger a positive effect, the natural components drawn into the lungs can also supply physical benefit as well. Oils that are applied directly to the skin are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This absorption aids in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Because essential oils are so concentrated and powerful, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils directly to the skin surface, "carrier oils", which are pure vegetable oils, are used to dilute the essential oils and carry them to the skin. 

Common carrier oils include: sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, canola, avocado, jojoba, wheatgerm, and grape seed oil. EO's also supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. Citronella candles provide relief, with Citronella essential oil as the main property of these candles. EO's are blended together to provide an especially pleasing fragrance. 

A synergistic essential oil blend of the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be greater in total benefit, than each oil working independently. Allow blends time to age, a week or more, before adding to a carrier oil. Blends, like good wines, undergo transformation as they age. Not all ready made aromatherapy products labeled with the word "aromatherapy" are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. They may provide no benefit at all. Check the ingredient deck of the products to be purchased, to see if they contain fragrance oils or impure chemicals. Be wary of these products. 

EO's are very expensive to produce; some more than others, due to the labor intensive process and the quantity of the plant required to produce the oil. Approximately 800 lbs of Thyme would produce 2 lbs of the essential oil, 4400 lbs of rose petals to make 2 lbs of oil. 6 tons of orange blossoms to produce 2 lbs of Neroli and 4 million jasmine flowers to produce 2 lbs of jasmine absolute. Essential oils may be up to 75 to 100 times stronger than dried herbs.

Created by: James Hobart

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_Hobart/1890490