Aromatherapy

     The art and science of using volatile oils for the psychological and physical well-being is called aromatherapy. These volatile oils are derived from plants. Essential oils are used the most in aromatherapy on account of their innumerable benefits they have on the mind-body system. There are many types of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to fetch different therapeutic results.

     Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.  Absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. The term "essential oil" is often used as a blanket term to also include CO2s and absolutes.

     It is important to note that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential oils. Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy products.

The Benefit of an "Aroma"

     Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) of the essential oil are drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefit. If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can also have severe consequences.

Other Benefits

     Essential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. You may recall using "citronella" candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit.

Essential Oil Blends

   Essential oils may be blended together to provide an especially pleasing aroma. Oils can be blended together to also provide a specific therapeutic action. A synergistic essential oil blend of the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be greater in total benefit than each oil working independently.

About Aromatherapy Products

     Not all ready-made aromatherapy products labeled with the word "aromatherapy" are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit. At best, they provide only a fraction of the benefit that natural products supply. Buyers seeking true aromatherapy products must look at the ingredients within a product to ensure that the product does not contain fragrance oils or unpure (chemical) components. A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential oils (look for products that contain pure essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance). A note, however, is that some sellers of good-quality aromatherapy blends do not list the ingredients because they are worried that others may copy their creation. By asking the seller more about the blend, and listening to how they respond, you should have a better idea about the quality of the blend being sold. Good suppliers really should be happy to tell you the ingredients when asked as some people should avoid particular oils due to health problems.

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