There are some 400 essential oils extracted from plants all over the world today. Ancient texts describe to us how essential oils are used to heal the body, alter moods, stir memories, arouse sexual desire and generally improve quality of life.
The term aromatherapy may lead one to assume that this is all about smells. This isn’t necessarily true. These essential oils may be used on the skin, inhaled, or mixed into bathwater. Specific oils, or combinations of oils, are employed to give specific effects such as calming, pain relief, or energizing.
A popular method of using essential oils is by “vaporizing” in an oil-burner or vaporisers. However essential oils are far more effective when they come into contact with the body, through direct application, massage, spritzer, bathing, gargle and inhalation.
Nowadays, aromatherapy is one of the leading complementary therapies because of its effectiveness in treating both acute and chronic illness and disease. At the same time, regular use of aromatherapy treatments and home-use products can help to strengthen the immune system, thereby establishing a preventative approach to overall health.
Although some doctors doubt the efficiency of Aromatherapy, medical researches have scientifically proved that Aromatherapy may produce both psychological and physiological effects. Aromatherapy benefits includes stress and headache relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, hormones’ regulation, muscles’ relaxation, immune system’s stimulation, blood circulation, skin diseases’ healing.
Some of the most common essential oils used are as follows:
• Bergamot is one of the most popular oils in perfumery. Bergamot stimulates the pancreas and the liver in some people, has shown anti-microbial effects in some studies, especially on the bronchi, and may offer support in cases of slow digestion and hypertension. As a natural skin toner and detoxifier it may prevent premature aging of skin and may have excellent effects on oily skin conditions and acne for some individuals. It is an excellent insect repellent and may be helpful for both the urinary tract and for the digestive tract.
• Eucalyptus oil is often used in combination with peppermint to provide relief for the airways in case of cold or flu.
• Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines. Lavender can be a profoundly effective home remedy.
• Rose oil is a gentle tonic for the heart, with the key to Rose’s psychological properties being its effect on the centre of emotional being. Rose calms and supports the heart, helping to nourish ‘heart-yin’ and restore a sense of well-being. The flower has been considered great in its ability to heal emotional wounds by bringing warmth to the soul.
• Aniseed (Anise Seed) aids muscle aches, bronchitis, indigestion, and antispasmodic for nerves and muscles. Added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance and used in mouth washes and deodorants. Anise essential oil is also energizing and toning.
• Basil invigorates the body and spirit and helps to refresh the mind. It’s a wonderful nerve tonic after a stressful day, and is said to help increase concentration and memory. Basil essential oil’s traditional uses include deodorant, soothing agent, and muscle relaxant. Aromatherapy class: soothing, energizing, and toning.