Aromatherapy: You Hear it All the
Time, but do you Know What it is?
Aromatherapy is in essence, the practice of utilizing volatile
plant oils, i.e. essential oils, for both physical and psychological
well-being. These benefits can be obtained from the essential oils
in the purest form of a plant. There are approximately over 100
essential oils.
Also used in aromatherapy are absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols, which
are included in the term "essential oils." Fragrance oils or
fragrances is a term used to describe perfume oils, but they are not
the same as essential oils, as they do not provide the therapeutic
benefits of essential oils. This benefit is not possible since
unnatural chemicals are contained in perfume oils and fragrances,
although some companies falsely advertise or improperly use the term
aromatherapy on their products that contain these perfume oils.
Thus, when you look at the ingredients contained on the product, be
sure you know the difference between what is a true aromatherapy
product and what is not.
The claimed benefits of inhaling the aroma of essential oils are
both psychological and physical. For example, as a psychological
benefits, inhaling the aroma may stimulate the brain and on a
physical basis, it may clear the breathing passages. However, take
precautions when using essential oils, especially when using them
topically because they are very powerful and concentrated. They
should not be applied to the skin without being diluted with a
carrier oil because they could result in severe reactions. Carrier
oils, such as pure vegetable oils are used to dilute the essential
oils and carry them into the skin. Common carrier oils also include
sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil.
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