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Aromatherapy,
a term created in 1920, involves the use of essential oils that are
compounds in their purist state. The oils are concentrated liquids
derived from plants through a variety of means: distillation, solvent
extraction or expression processing. And the resulting oils are then
used as treatment for a variety of ailments and healing.
Aromatherapy
was actually coined because of Mr. Rene Maurice Gattefosse. While he
was conducting research about how oils might aid healing, his arm
caught fire and subsequently poured lavender oil onto it by
accidental, which in turn caused the arm to heal faster, leaving no
scar. Since that time, many have delved into how aromatherapy can
help with physical and emotional healing.
Popular
Uses
Some
common uses for aromatherapy oils are as scents for homes and offices
to help trigger relaxing feelings from occupants and to also help get
rid of unwanted smells and germs. For example, lighting candles and
burning wax chips made with aromatherapy oils can help rid a kitchen
of smelly fried onion and other food smells.
A
light fragrance can help welcome people home after a long day at the
office. Popular scents are bergamot, eucalyptus, lavender, jasmine
and rose.
Some
of the oils can help fight bacteria, like lavender oil. And others,
like camphor and menthol can help increase your metabolism and
endocrine system, improve your central nervous system and boost your
immune system to fight colds.
Other
aromatherapy oils are used for massage treatments, too. Absorbed by
the skin and muscles, the oils activate thermal receptors that result
in warm relaxing feelings and calmness in the muscle groups.
And
still other aromatherapy oils are used as topical aids to aid in the
destruction of microbes and other fungi; the oils are simply applied
to the skin. And other oils are taken internally where they can help
improve antiseptic activity, stimulate your immune system and work as
a diuretic aid.
Safety
Precautions
When
deciding about the uses of aromatherapy for your ailments and
healing, use the following guidelines as precautionary measures:
- Pure essential aromatherapy oils can be very strong and harmful to animals, children and you. So check labels carefully before using aromatherapy products, and consult your healthcare provider if needed. And do not use in pure oils undiluted on your skin.
- Do not use aromatherapy oils if you are pregnant, or have epilepsy or asthma.
- Test the ingredients and sample a drop or two first to check for allergic reactions.
- Only use aromatherapy oils in small amounts as they can cause burning of the eyes and other negative reactions.
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