As stated above, aromatherapy is the art of using
essential plant oils to promote and maintain general health and vitality. The
beneficial properties of these oils make aromatherapy an attractive alternative
and/or addition to the traditional allopathic treatment of many diseases and
conditions.
Essential oils are extracted through the chemical process
of distillation from aromatic plants, flowers, herbs, woods, and fibers. These
oils not only give the plant their scent, but they are also essential for the
plant’s biological processes. Because of this many refer to the oils as the
"life-force" of the plant. There are in excess of 70 essential oils in
use for the purpose of aromatherapy today. Each oil has its own characteristic
aroma and profile of therapeutic effects. Some are soothing, some are
invigorating, some are believed to relieve mental conditions such as depression
and anxiety, some are thought to have direct physical effects on organ systems,
and still others are thought to possess antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal,
and anti-inflammatory properties. Those which are implemented for the treatment
of pain include lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, marjoram, geranium,
marigold and others. For a more complete list of essential oils and their
therapeutic potential in different conditions try these web sites: Aromaweb,
The frontiercoop, or The
green guide
The essential oils are used in many different forms to
utilize their therapeutic benefits. The ways in which they are used include
massage, inhalation, aromatic baths, compresses, vaporization, perfumes, and
cosmetics. Massage combines the complementary benefit of touch with the positive
effects of inhalation of the oils on mood and behavior. For more details on the
effects of inhalation and massage see physiological effects in this web
site. Aromatic baths combine the therapeutic value of water with the power of
the oils for a simple, effective, and pleasant way to relax. Compresses utilize
a clean cotton towel soaked with a dilute essential oil to apply the essence
directly to an affected part of the body. Vaporization uses different essential
oils as air-fresheners to create different moods and atmospheres. Essential oils
can be used to produce "natural" perfumes or cosmetics by blending
different oils with a non-fragrant carrier or cosmetic product.
Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated and
therefore should never be directly applied to the skin. They are diluted in a
pure vegetable carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, apricot oil, or grapeseed
oil before use. This step is very important in the practice of aromatherapy and
should not be ignored. You can find more information on the correct way to
dilute essential oils at The
Guide to Aromatherapy, The Aromaweb,
or The Green Guide.
