Aromatherapy Essential Oils - What You Must KnowBefore expounding on any matter regarding essential oils, let me start by busting one major myth regarding essential oils. In essential oils, "essential" does not mean that these oils are absolutely indispensable. Quite to the contrary, "essential" over here refers to essence or aroma of that particular oil and are thus also known as aromatherapy oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated and contain aromatic substances which are highly volatile in nature. Aromatheraphy Essential oils have a long history. It is not as if their uses and advantages have been discovered by humans only a short time back. Historical records show that essential oils were being used in times long ago, such as by ancient civilizations in Egypt. They are mainly extracted from plant sources. As a consequence of this most of these oils are named after plants from which they are extracted or obtained. Hence we have names such as 'clove oil', 'olive oil' and so on. Main use of essential oils is in field of medicine or aromatherapy applications. While extravagant claims that these oils have powers to cure fatal diseases like cancer should always be taken with a pinch of salt, it is true that these oils have certain curative powers. So, these aromatherapy oils are put into use in various aromatherapy applications. Although it is usually associated with females, aromatherapy men grooming is also growing in popularity. And coming to ways in which essential oils are used aromatherapy applications is one major way or method in which there is a diverse use of essential oils. As a result, some essential oils are also known as aromatherapy ingredients. Aromatherapy is a special and popular branch of alternative medicine where essential oils are pressed into use. It is widely believed that intrinsic aromas of various essential oils have curative powers. Essential oils can either be massaged or diluted in a bath. There are many other ways of using aromatherapy essential oils. Conditions or afflictions in which an aromatherapy essential oil can be put to use are innumerable. Applications of essential oils vary from providing relief to pregnant women while they are in labor to healing of athlete's foot and balancing and taking care of the skin tone. Let us first begin with soothing ambience which can easily be created by aromatherapy ingredients by means of various essential oils. Essential oils such as ones produced from lavender and other such not only produce a good smell. But have other advantages too. For instance essential oil prepared from chamomile and lavender does not only create a soothing and relaxing ambience, they also act as excellent antibiotics or antiseptics due to high amounts of phenol forming an integral part of them. If ingested by means such as herbal tea, essential oils can act as an aid to digestion or as tonics. Besides, aromatherapy, using essential oils can bring about wonderful results if utilized for treatment of people afflicted by diseases like rheumatism. Essential oils derived from chamomile oil can help in cases of menstrual cramps as well as aid you in getting a sound sleep. Similarly, rose oil has been found to be immensely helpful in getting rid of nausea or for distressing. Thus we find that essential oils can aid us in more ways than ones and if put to proper use, can act as a very successful alternate medicine. My favorite essential oil is Frankincense essential oil. It is a must for anyone that uses aromatherapy. Frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled and 100% pure. It is useful for helping create an atmosphere of peace and serenity. You can try any of these herbs in their essential oil form alone or in combination in aromatherapy diffusers, or blended with distilled or floral water in a mist bottle, perfect for travelling. Frankincense essential oil is notorious for its ability to calm and clear the mind therefore it is extensively used to facilitate meditation and relaxation. It is also recommended to help calm mothers to be during labor. Frankincense essential oil is well-known for its anti-ageing properties and gives soap made from it a beautiful earthy, musky and smoky aroma. The soap is suitable for all skin types, especially dry, mature or lined skins, also good for unbalanced, oily skin. Frankincense essential oil is got from a selection of Boswellia plants. Boswellia carterii and boswellia frereana are from Somalia, boswellia sacra is from southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, while the boswellia serrata comes from India. My second favorite is Myrrh essential oil, which has the highest sesquiterpene contents - a compound which can directly affect the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdaline. Myrrh oil alone, or in combination with Sandalwood and Frankincense can also be used sometimes. Essential oil diffusers often come in very elegant designs that fit in with most home or vehicle interior decor. Aromatic diffusers are made of natural oil whereas the other fresheners are made of synthetic oil. Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Aromatherapy candle burners can be made of glass, terra cotta, stone, or clay. Blend the scent oil and carrier oil together. For every 1ml of our bottle, blend with 10ml of the carrier oil. Blends that are pure essential oils are professionally blended to specific formulas from quality pure distilled or cold pressed raw plant material. There is nothing like the smell of orange oil, its just like peeling open a fresh navel orange in winter. Electric essential oil diffusers can also be used; these typically come with absorbent pads that you soak in essential oils and place in the electric essential oil diffuser machine. Like an aircleaner, the diffuser blows air over the oil-soaked pad and out into the room. An electric essential oil diffuser can be handy as you place the desired number of drops on the cotton pad and turn it on or plug it in. An electric aromatherapy diffuser will typically be more costly but it will aslo be very effective in filling the atmosphere with a desired aroma. They diffuse essential oils directly into the air and some come with automatic shut off switches. An electric essential diffuser is excellent for sleeping or for the workplace where an open flame is not practical or safe. Clay diffusers are excellent for transporting aromas into your personal space. Electric essential oil diffusers are safer if you have small children around. If you don't have a vaporiser, you can achieve a similar effect by placing a few drops of essential oil in a saucer of water balanced on a radiator. |