| The use of various essential oils made of liquid plant | | | | aromatherapy, recommended by practitioners for |
| material and other aromatic substances for healing of | | | | treating wounds, to enhance memory, and helps in |
| the mind and body is called aromatherapy. The word | | | | combating anxiety and insomnia. A lavender bath can |
| was coined first by French perfumer René | | | | help relax tired muscles and a tired mind. It's a |
| Maurice Gattefossé. He dedicated his life to | | | | wonderful way to relax before bedtime. Other |
| researching different healing properties of essential | | | | popular scents are eucalyptus, bergamot, rose and |
| oils. The use of aromatherapy is believed to bring | | | | jasmine. |
| pleasure, beauty and healing in the lives of those who | | | | Aromatherapy is now becoming one of the fastest |
| use it. | | | | growing fields in alternative and holistic medicine. They |
| The different materials used in Aromatherapy are:o | | | | are even used in clinics and hospitals for relieving pain, |
| Essential oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from | | | | for labor pain, for relieving pain caused during |
| plants by distillation. They can also be fragrant oils | | | | chemotherapy, and for the rehabilitation of cardiac |
| extracted from plant material by any solvent | | | | patients. |
| extraction.o Absolutes: These are fragrant oils which | | | | Areas used: |
| are extracted from flowers or delicate plant tissues | | | | Though aromatherapy is used in various other fields |
| through solvent or super critical fluid extraction.o | | | | but it may be best known in these areas:o Skin Care |
| Phytoncides: They are antimicrobial volatile organic | | | | or Aesthetic - Aromatherapy is best known for the |
| compounds extracted from plants. Plants like onion, | | | | effects these essential oils have on skin and hair |
| garlic, oak and pine trees etc give off phytoncides | | | | care.o Emotional or Psycho - The aromas are known |
| thus preventing them from rotting or being eaten by | | | | to have positive effects on our emotions, moods and |
| insects and animals. Phytoncides can reduce stress.o | | | | feelings. This therapy is known as aromachology.o |
| Hydrosols: They are the water that remains after | | | | Holistic or Spiritual Healing - Brings spiritual healing with |
| producing an essential oil via steam or water | | | | the body, mind and soul.o Medical or Healing - It can |
| distillation e.g. Rose water. The plant matter used in | | | | bring healing and helps in enhancing and maintaining |
| essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to | | | | good health. |
| the water. Hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit.o | | | | Always remember that almost no essential oil should |
| Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant | | | | be applied neat or undiluted directly to your skin. Use |
| materials.o Carrier oils: They are cold-pressed | | | | 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to |
| vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the | | | | one ounce of carrier oil for best results. You can also |
| plant and are used to dilute essential oils for use on | | | | use these oils in your laundry and also for dish |
| the skin.e.g.almond oil. | | | | washing. For e.g. use lemon Oil to the washer to |
| Aromatherapy for health benefits: | | | | remove greasy/oily smells. |
| Aromatherapy is used for treatment and prevention | | | | By learning how to use these oils in your daily life you |
| of various health problems but is very essential that | | | | can enjoy leading a happy and healthy life. The use |
| the right dosage and duration of application is given | | | | of Aromatherapy and or Essential Oils extends to |
| to the patient. In France, where it originated, some | | | | Skin Care, Hair Care and other Personal Care |
| essential oils are administered by a physician as they | | | | Products, Health Care, Natural Healing, Candles, |
| are regulated as prescription drugs. Lavender is | | | | Incense, Potpourri and other Home Enhancements |
| known to be the best known essential oil for | | | | such as Air Fresheners. |