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Aromatherapy is the
practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils,
for psychological and physical well-being.
A pleasing, natural
aroma can have a positive psychological effect on the body. Essential
oils 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 many essential oils.
Perfume oils also known
as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential
oils. Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals and
do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
The
Benefit of an "Aroma"
Essential oils that are drawn into the body by the sense
smell are believed to offer psychological and physical benefits;
not only does the aroma of the true plant stimulate the brain to
trigger a positive effect, but the natural components of the essential
oil are drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefits
also. If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential
oils can also have severe consequences.
The
Benefit of Physical Application
Oils that are applied to the skin are believed to be absorbed into
the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed
to aid in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since
essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never
be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential
oils to the skin, "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, apricot kernel oil
and grapeseed oil.
Other
Benefits
Essential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for
instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. You may recall
using "citronella" candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes
away. Citronella essential oil is the main property of these candles
that supply this benefit.
Essential
Oil Blends
Essential oils may be blended together to provide an especially
pleasing fragrance and are also used to aid in providing a specific
health benefit. 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.
About
Aromatherapy Products
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. At worst, they provide
no benefit. At best, they provide only a fraction of the benefit
that natural products supply. Buyers seeking true aromatherapy products
must look at the ingredients within a product to ensure that the
product does not contain fragrance oils or unpure (chemical) components.
A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list
their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential
oils (look for products that contain pure essential oils on their
ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance).
A note, however, is that some sellers of good-quality aromatherapy
blends do not list their ingredients because they are worried that
others may copy their creation. By asking the seller more about
the blend, and listening to how they respond, you should have a
better idea about the quality of the blend being sold. Good suppliers
really should be happy to tell you the ingredients when asked as
some people should avoid particular oils due to health problems. |
