Aromatherapy
by Krysta CardinaleAromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, for psychological and physical well being. Aromatherapy was invented in the 1920’s by a French chemist, René Maurice Gattefossé. Some of the materials used in aromatherapy include essential oils, absolutes, phytoncides, hydrosols, infusions, and carrier oils.
The Oils: Aromatherapy
The oils aromatherapy uses are all different and used for specific reasons and purpose. Another name for them would be aromatherapy massage oils. The most commonly known oil would be essential oils. Essential oils are fragrant oils extracted from a plant and distilled by steam. Carrier Oils are triglycerides, oil plant based, applied to dilute essential oils for aromatherapy skin care. Absolutes are fragrant oils extracted from flowers or other delicate plant tissue, butters, concretes, or pomades by supercritical fluids. Phytoncides are organic compounds from plants employed to kill microbes. Another oil aromatherapy uses are infusions which are aqueous extracts of different plant parts. And lastly, hydrosols are the product after the distillation process. Unlike other oils aromatherapy uses, hydrosols are limited to only rose and chamomile because of the unpleasant odors others typically give off. Other popular oils aromatherapy consists of are eucalyptus, jasmine, and bergamot.
Uses of Aromatherapy
The oils aromatherapy uses can be for either medical treatment or for therapeutic effects. When aromatherapy is used for medical reasons it is typically just for the prevention of disease or skin care. In France, where it was created, aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. Here essential oils and other aromatherapy massage oils are controlled only by doctors and are given out like prescription drugs. In many other countries aromatherapy has been included into the national pharmacopeia. However in the United States, Russia, and Germany it is only recognized as a science and never a valid form of medicine.
The most common use of Aromatherapy massage oils is for therapeutic effects. The therapeutic effects it is based on are antiseptic, anesthetic action, central nervous system, metabolic or endocrine, psychological, and immunostimulator. Pleasant fragrances usually have a soothing effect on the brain. Thus, aromatherapy is among the largest fields of holistic medicine. In hospital aromatherapy has been used for pain relief from chemotherapy, labor pain, and the rehab of cardiac patients. An example of a commonly used essential oil would be lavender. Lavender is employed for treating wounds (such as burns), enhancement of memory, and as a sleeping aid.
The Application of Aromatherapy Essential Oils/Massage Oils
A common misperception of aromatherapy would be that it is limited to only scent and inhalation. However the oils aromatherapy uses can be for absorption through the skin and mucous membrane, and ingestion. Aromatherapy skin care is through the process of baths, massages, and compresses. Absorption of aromatherapy essential oils through the mucous membrane is via mouth washes.
To create a wonderful, fragrant aroma throughout your home, pour water into a bowl on a stove burner, and add a few drops of an aromatherapy essential oil. The pleasant scent will diffuse throughout your house and as you breathe it in it will relax your mind and body. Taking an aromatic bath is another good method for relaxation. After you run your bath add about five to eight drops of aromatherapy essential oil with a little milk, then mix the water. Make sure you do not add the oil as the water is running because a lot of the fragrance will be lost before you have entered the bath.
Aromatherapy essential oils, phytoncides and other natural aromatherapy massage oils work in different ways. As a scent they can activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. However, applied for aromatherapy skin care, with massage oils, they activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi. The Internal oil aromatherapy application may stimulate the immune system, urine secretion, or can have antiseptic action.
Different Oil Aromatherapy Recipes
If you have never used aromatherapy before, a good start would be to smell each essential oil separately. A good thing to remember would be that oils will only last for about six months, aromatherapy essential oils even less. Aromatherapy oils do not have to be used separately, in fact, the combination of certain ones prove to be very successful. Aromatherapy recipes can be used simply for their pleasant smell, or to help relieve headaches, nervousness, or drowsiness.
Different Aromatherapy recipes:
• Headaches: One tablespoon of base oil, one drop of Lavender, one drop of Peppermint, and two drops of Marjoram essential oil.
• Anxiety: Two drops of lavender, two drops of Geranium, one drop of Sandalwood, and one tablespoon of base carrier oil.
• Revitalizing Yourself: Two drops of Rosemary, two drops of Basil, and two drops of Lemon.
• Dry Skin: Two drops of Sandalwood, two drops of Rose, one drop of Geranium.
• Mature Skin: Three drops of Frankincense, one drop of Myrrh, and three drops of Lavender.
• Blemishes and Acne: Two drops of Geranium, one drop of Lemon, and two drops of Bergamot.
When discussing aromatherapy recipes and the use of these oils, it is important to keep in mind the concept of essential oil chemistry. Properties of these essential oils of the same type are not all the same. They actually can differ in their chemical components and thus in their therapeutic actions. The differences in chemical components are based on the method of extraction. Different extractions will produce diversity among what is suppose to be one kind of essential oil.
Keeping all this in mind, it is amazing to think what power can lie in our sense of smell. Using only oil burners, scented candles, or aromatherapy massage oils, you can make your home a heaven. Whether simply getting rid of cooking smells, lifting your spirits, or calming your nerves, it can all be done by using blends of aromatherapy methods and oils.
