cosmetics, beauty, health

Aromatherapy is considered one of the nation’s main businesses today! Need proof? Take a trip to each natural food and herb goods shop and you’ll see many different aromatherapy products on screen. Although relatively new in america, aromatherapy’s popularity has escalated to unprecedented heights as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because its “birth” in the 80s.

What is aromatherapy?

There’s still some controversy surrounding this subject. Some argue that aromatherapy is all about scents and is usually perceived as anything that exudes sweet-smelling odor like that of scented candles and potpourri. Some even assert that the oils used shouldn’t be of organic origin. This is not the legitimate element of aromatherapy. In its meaning, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from natural botanical resources to affect the physiological and mental well-being of a person.

Aromatherapy, or using essential oils for therapeutic and healing functions, traces its source back in the Neanderthal times. The method has been so commonly used all throughout the early period it transverses the boundaries of space and culture. It had been so widely practiced that you can view references from ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Roman, Tibetan, Australian and New Zealand, North American, South American and Middle Eastern sources.

What are essential oils and how are they used in aromatherapy?

Essential oils are the volatile liquid products extracted from plant sources. These oils are extracted from the plant materials either through steam distillation, expression, or via the more recent technique of supercritical CO2 extraction.

In steam distillation, steam is directed towards the plant material, which vaporizes the volatile elements of the plant. This method yields two products – the essential oil (contains oil soluble products) and hydrosol (containing water-soluble products). Rose water is among the most popular hydrosols produced with this method.

Expression is more broadly used in extracting essential oils from citrus fruits. In this procedure, the peel of a citrus fruit is grated or scraped in order to release the oil. No heat is used in this method so the oil generated smells essentially the same as that of its origin. The oils out of lemon, lime and grapefruit are obtained by means of this method.

In supercritical CO2 extraction, carbon dioxide is used to produce a high-grade extract that has a very similar composition as that of the organic material.

What conditions are often treated by aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is effective for a broad selection of ailments and conditions. Basil oil, as an instance, may be used to counter depression, sharpen the memory and cure migraines and headaches. Others have stimulating effects on the physiological systems like the digestive and urinary tracts (bergamot oil) and the circulatory system (black pepper oil). Still others can be utilised as analgesic (clove oil), as topical antiseptics and disinfectants (tea tree oil, eucalyptus, sandalwood oil, etc.) and insect repellents (bergamot oil, citronella oil). Some even act as aphrodisiacs (Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang ylang oil)!

Applying the vital oil depends upon the nature of the illness or disease to be treated and the desired effects of the therapy. It can be via inhalation (known to positively influence the emotional well-being of a person), topical application, or intake.

Although relatively safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to a number of the oils. Cross-sensitivity, or the capability to experience allergic reactions to similar substances, may likewise be another possibility. This may result from the presence of adulterants in the oil that you’re using. To be on the safe side, take additional precautions whenever using any products. Essential oils are extremely concentrated so for skin care applications, don’t forget to use a concentration not greater than 5 percent to prevent negative reactions. If you will employ inhalation procedures, please be advised that vulnerability shouldn’t be greater than 15 minutes in 1 hour. When in doubt, always check with an experienced practitioner.

Some terrific tidbits of information. We humans aren’t the only people who benefit from these amazing oils. Plants use these naturally occurring essential oils in controlling and curing infections, humidity, hormonal effects and in attracting or repelling insects, birds and animals.