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Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using pure vital oils to relax, balance and rouse the body, mind and spirit. Essential oils are the perfumed components of various trees, shrubs, flowers, fruit, herbs and grasses from around the world. These oils are cautiously extracted from the plant material, characteristically through a distillation process.

Essential oils can involve the human body in three ways: chemically, physically and psychologically. The chemical effect of essential oils occurs when oils engrossed into the skin interrelate with hormones and enzymes. Essential oils can also have a physical effect, such as inspiring or depressing the central anxious system. The psychological effect occurs when necessary oil is inhaled and thus influences an individual's mood or state of mind.

It is important to realize that large quantities of plant material are required to produce highly intense essential oils. For example, it takes 60,000 rose blossoms to surrender only one ounce of pure rose absolute oil. Eight million jasmine blossoms are desired to yield 2.2 pounds of jasmine oil. Sandalwood necessary oil must be distilled from trees at least 30 years old and 30 feet tall. The effort and quantity involved in the manufacture of these oils demand their high prices.

Many companies have tried to market fragrances that mimic the fragrant scents of essential oils. "Fragrance oils" are synthetically created and do not present any true aromatherapy benefits. Only pure essential oils offer the natural properties required to achieve the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy.

Aromatic diffusion: One of the popular satisfying ways of disbursing essential oils is with a diffuser. Diffusers are ready with a metal, glass or ceramic container that holds a little water and some drops of essential oil. The oil is dim by the eat of a candle or electricity. Typically, 4-6 drops of oil in a diffuser is enough to scent a room.

Massage & body oil: Applying essential oils through a massage is a very therapeutic technique of application. Use 5-10 drops of essential oil per little of carrier oil (like olive, grape seed or almond) to dilute.

Steam inhalation: Fill a glass or stainless steel container with 2-3 quarts of hot water and ad 2-5 drops of essential oil. Place your face, eyes closed, over the water. Drape a towel over your head for greatest effect. Relax and gulp the steam for 5-10 minutes. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil as required. Try eucalyptus for congestion or lavender for relaxation.

Aromatic bath: Dilute 5-10 drops of essential oil in a little amount of water and mix into a hot bath. Agitate the water to scatter the oils before entering.

Topical application: A few essential oils such as lavender and tea tree can be applied straight to the skin for a cut, bruise or burn. Or, make a squeeze by mixing 5 drops of essential oil in a sink of water. Dip a cloth in the water, squeeze out the surplus and apply to affected area.

Room spray: Oils can be thinned in distilled or spring water to make a spray. For each ounce of water, add 2-4 drops of essential oil. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and mist on the face, body or in a room. Shake the bottle well prior to each use, and avoid spraying the eye part.

Hair care: Essential oils like rosemary and chamomile are excelled choices for improving hair and scalp conditions. Add 5 drops of necessary oil per ounce of shampoo or conditioner and shake well.

Lotion: Essential oils can benefit the skin when added to an odorless lotion or cream. Sandalwood oil can aid dry skin and bergamot can assist stubborn skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Foot care: Tea tree oil can be helpful in treating persistent fungal infections on the skin such as athlete's foot. Try adding little drops of peppermint, rosemary or lavender in a basin of hot water for a revitalizing foot soak.