Aromatherapy Guide
Aromatherapy Guide
Aromatherapy has been in existence for almost 3500 years and its
use in our lives is as old as the dawn of civilization. It is
the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from
aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well
being and beauty. Apart from its physical and mental advantages,
essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and
emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and employed in
Aromatherapy have been described as their "critical factors" -
they are needed critically for the plants' biological process,
as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and
aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the
natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make
essential oils so valuable. Synthetic oils are not acceptable
and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical
in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from
many physiological sources of bark, herbs, spices, woods and
fibers and flowers, usually by distillation methods and solvent
extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for
aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed, after
the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.
Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with
essential oils:
For Massage:
This is the most effective method of using the oils that
combines all essential properties with the therapeutic power of
touch and feeling. The oils should never be used undiluted, but
should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil such as grape
seed oil, sweet almond oil or peach. A dilution of 3% essential
oil with carrier oil is the recommended level. This is
approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of
carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute
quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and
is assigned to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.
For Bath:
Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise
to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is
well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which
further enhances the powers of the oils. For daily use, add 10
drops of essential oil or a blend to the water and then bathe
yourself for some time, while you deeply inhale the superior
vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use, while
bathing your children. For Compressing Add 10 drops of essential
oil to 50ml of warm water to soak a piece of cloth in the water,
wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.
For Inhalation Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of
steaming water then place a towel over your head to inhale the
vapor for a few moments. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of
tension. For Vaporization All essential oils are known
antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good
air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different
atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are
good for ravishing parties or cool Peppermint and pepper clears
your mind, when you need to do hard work. Diffusers can be used
to make oils diffuse slowly in your home.
As Perfumes
It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by
skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different
permutations and combinations, by mixing with a carrier oil or
non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment.
Storing Essential Oils
Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher
temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with
tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the
bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform
temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in
contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic
bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years
if properly stored, while the oils derived from orange, lemon
and lime will not last long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which
actually gets better as it ages. It is oil with properties like
an age old wine. Mixing Essential Oils Blending different oils
in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You
should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various
combinations. It is strongly suggested that you use a good,
brand new dropper, so that it is easy to measure the actual
number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to
get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different
oil to avoid cross contamination.
Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are
various; different oils have their own special applications and
benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another
in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any
essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead
and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.
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