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Aromatherapy And Essential Oils - The Basics
Copyright 2005 Donovan Baldwin
Aromatherapy is the use of oils extracted from various,
primarily fragrant, plants to aid in the relief of a range of
physical or mental discomforts or illnesses. These oils,
commonly referred to as "essential oils" are also used to
enhance or encourage positive responses in the user. These oils
may be used by direct application or by inhaling the aromas,
hence the name "aromatherapy". The inhaled aromas can be
dispersed by candles prepared with the essential oils, by
applying the oil to some object, such as a handkerchief or
pillowcase, by spraying a mix of the essential oil and water
into the air, or by means of a "diffuser". A diffuser is a
device generally available from essential oil providers which
uses heat to disperse molecules of the chosen essential oil into
the air.
Although long used in other parts of the world, such as the East
and Middle East, aromatherapy is essentially new to Europe and
the United States. In the last few years, in addition to an
increase in the numbers of aromatherapy practitioners, a broad
interest and corresponding retail market in aromatherapy,
essential oils, and related items such as candles, perfumes, and
diffusers has sprung up. It is now very easy for someone knowing
little or nothing about aromatherapy to buy the necessary
supplies and reap the benefits of aromatherapy.
EFFECTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND AROMATHERAPY
There are several essential oils, some having effectiveness in
more than one situation. The list is not complicated, but is too
long to go into in this article. You may wish to visit
http://eherbsstore.com/aromatherapy/ to view a short list of
some of the more common oils and their uses.
Overall, the effects may be divided into two basic groups. Some
essential oils have actual physical effects. For example,
eucalyptus oil can be inhaled to help clear sinuses and the
respiratory tract. This would obviously relieve some symptoms of
an upper respiratory infection (URI). Some oils may be used
topically (directly on the skin, where they would usually be
absorbed by the body, or on a wound) to possibly relieve
swelling or fight certain infections.
Secondly, aromatherapy, usually thru the inhaling of the
molecules of the essential oil, can affect moods and emotions.
Since feelings and emotions are more and more appearing to be
hard-wired to the health of the body, it is beginning to become
apparent that improvements in such areas as moods can affect the
actual health condition of the body in addition to simply making
the individual feel happier, or more energetic, or more alert.
Studies have shown, for example, that the status of someone's
emotional state can affect the ability of their immune system to
fight off infection.
ESSENTIAL OILS IN OTHER PRODUCTS
Essential oils can be used in other products such as perfumes,
lotions, cleansers and other cosmetics and personal care items.
Essential oils are even used in such common items as household
cleaners and toothpaste. Many people even use essential oils
with other elements to create their own products. One company
even offers a Health, Home and Beauty Kit so that those
interested in aromatherapy can use essential oils to "...create
hundreds of blends for everything from women's concerns to
cleaning your bathroom tiles."
SCIENTIFIC STUDY TENDS TO SUPPORT
AROMATHERAPY
Being an alternative form of healthcare, aromatherapy was, until
recently, looked down on by the traditional medical community.
However, with the increasing tide of evidence of the importance
of the mind-body connection in health, and with an increasing
volume of empirical and anecdotal evidence, the scientific
community has begun to accept aromatherapy and the affect of
essential oils on health...at least to some extent.
In the last few years, researchers at the Kurume University
School of Medicine in Japan, the University of Miami School of
Medicine, the University of Alaska, and the University of
Pittsburgh, to name a few, have shown positive results in
subjects through the use of aromatherapy. Subjects have
experienced improved mental and physical functions after the use
of essential oils. Subjective measurements have indicated
positive experiences in participants, while objective
measurements, such as electroencephalograms (EEG) have borne out
these results as well.
Participants have used essential oils to improve their immune
systems, improve athletic ability, increase alertness, ease
depression, be more effective students, and to quit smoking.
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS
While essential oils are natural products and may be inhaled
directly with no harm, you should always be careful to merely
inhale the aroma rising from the container, much as you would
inhale the scent of a cologne or perfume. Do not place essential
oils directly into nasal passages. Using a diffuser, candle, or
item with the oil on it to release the molecules are the most
common ways of experiencing the actual aroma.
Essential oils are stronger than what would be experienced when
sniffing a rose, for example, so it is best to ease into their
use. Essential oils usually come in small vials or bottles and
are used a drop or two at a time. Products from various
suppliers may have different concentrations, so the product from
A may only need a drop while that from B needs two drops.
Take time off. Prolonged contact with the oils can result in
allergic reactions in some cases or even mild toxic reactions.
Always follow your distributor's recommendations and make sure
you have a distributor who can and will give warnings and
recommendations.
If using a product claiming to be an aromatherapy product by
virtue of its ingredients, always check to make sure that it is
actually using essential oils. While the smell which reminds us
of the fragrant flower or plant it copies might produce positive
feelings in most of us, the genuine essential oil itself will be
more effective.
Unless you are under the guidance of a skilled, experienced
aromatherapist, you should never ingest essential oils. Children
and pregnant women should never ingest essential oils.
Lastly, while essential oils used in topical applications or
inhaled during aromatherapy can certainly produce beneficial
results, they should never be used in place of professional
medical treatment.
About the author:
The author first became fascinated with anything having to do
with health, fitness, exercise, weight loss, and nutrition in
the early 1970's. He operates a herbal health site at
http://eherbsstore.com where you may find aromatherapy products.
You may find more information on health related subjects at
http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com .
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