The Power of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy: Purpose
Definition. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help the mind, body, and soul. It has physiological, emotional, spiritual, and psychological properties
(http://www.dawn21.com/MessageMag/Aromatherapy.html). Today, it is a science that includes three fields: esthetic, commercial, and clinical (http://www.dawn21.com/MessageMag/Aromatherapy.html). Some categorize it as a holistic or alternative science. This is an ongoing debate, and the answer depends on who you are asking. Aromatherapy finds its origin in ancient Iraq; some evidence has been found of its use in Iraq some sixty-thousand years ago (http://www.sentex.net/~aquarius/mags/harts/iss95/aroma.html). In the East, herbal
…show more content…
A list of the components of essential oils is as follows:
Table of Components of Essential Oils:
Aliphatic Chains: These are slightly antiseptic and bactericidial, analgesic, expectorant and stimulating.
Sequiterpenes: Antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, calming and slight hypotensors, some are analgesic and/or spasmomytic.
Diterpenes: Expectorant, purgative, some are antifungal, and antiviral, some appear to have balancing effect on hormonal system.
Alcohols: Anti-infective, strongly bacterial, antiviral and stimulating; they are generally nontoxic in use and do not cause skin irritation.
Phenols: They are antiseptic and bactericidal. They stimulate the both the nervous system and the immune system, they activate the body's own healing process.
Aldehydes: Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, calming to the nervous system, hypotensors, vasodillators and antipyretic; their negative properties-when used incorrectly-can cause skin irritation and skin sensitivity.
Ketones: Cicatrizant, lipolytic, mucolytic, and sedative, some are also analgesic, anticoagulant, or stimulant. Organic Acids and Esters Antifungal. anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cicatrizant and both calming and tonic, especially to the nervous system. Like alcohol, they are gentle in action, and being free from toxicity they are "user friendly".
Oxides: The only known well to aromatherapy is 1,8 cineole, otherwise known as eucolyptol; it may also be regarded as
Aldehydes can be oxidized easily to carboxylic acids in aqueous medias and could cause over-oxidization
In fact, Essential Oils were Mankind's very first medicine. They have been a part of religion, marriage ceremonies, dating and courtship, cosmetics, and funerary services, medicine, and many other aspects of human life. Although they use of essential oils has evolved over the years, the basic principles remain the same. From the beginning of time, Oils extracted from Aromatic plants have been recognized as the most effective medicine known to mankind. The Egyptians are most often credited with being the first use essential oils. Although there is still some debate, most historians believe that the oils used anciently were not identical to the steam distilled essential oils used today. The oils used by the ancient Egyptians a year to the animal fats and vegetable oils into which the aromatic essential oils from the plants had been extracted-typically by steeping the plant material in the hot oils or fats. Although not as concentrated as are presently used steam distilled oils, they are considered
Aromatherapy can increase circulation, and relieve aches and tightness in the muscles. Aromatherapy is often used in combination with Massage or Acupressure as a healthy treat. Depending on the type of pain and the type of oil, they can be applied directly to pressure points, They can be used in massage combined with a base oil, or taken internally mixed with water. There are many oils that are not effective, make sure when buying, to do your research beforehand on the most natural oils, which are typically more
Thymol – This active ingredient is a natural monoterpene (common essential oil compounds) that holds several useful
It is important to first fully understand what aromatherapy is and how it works before one can review the various scientific studies found about this popular modality. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic oils on the body predominantly by inhalation or massage. These oils are extracted from plants (called essential oils). Dr. Jane Buckle, a critical care nurse trained in Clinical Aromatherapy and well known as an educator in the subject, indicates that essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for over 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Egyptians applied them after bathing and for embalming mummies. The Ancient Chinese compiled an encyclopedia of information on the uses of plants,
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for improving or Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian have used aromatherapy to maintain health and beauty. All ancient civilizations - Egyptian, for their physical and mental well-being.
An increasing number of medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicine for their students, and some hospitals already have alternative medicine departments. The availability of healers and doctors practicing holistic medicine has also increased in recent years, and more and more people are educating themselves in these new fields. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world’s population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional medicine as their primary form of health care.
Holistic therapy and healing is the main application for Aromatherapy. Over the years aromatherapy has matured and
The truth is, essential oils may get a bad reputation in some cases; however, they really can change the lives of people tremendously, more than society thinks. Essential oils are one of nature's best kept secrets. These products are non-toxic to the body and are said to help the mind, as well as moods and emotions of people in many different ways. On this topic, there is always big discussion on whether or not they actually work and truly benefit people in any way. Some people “believe” in these unique eco-friendly oils, while others do not. So the real question is, do essential oils live up to their full potential as they are described? Do they really benefit people? Indeed they do, and it turns out they improve
When using an ethanol/water co-solvent vehicle, the enhancement effect of ethanol appears to be concentration dependent. It is probable that at higher ethanol levels dehydrate the biological membrane and thus reduce permeation across the tissue (5). Fatty alcohols (or alkanols) may also have penetration enhancing activity. These molecules are typically applied to the skin in a co-solvent, often PG, at concentrations between 1% and 10%.
Since the beginning of the year I have become obsessed with essential oils. I have learned that there is so much more to oils than aromatherapy, and so many more oils than lavender and patchouli. I knew there was more but I didn't understand how much more. If you know a little about essential oils and would like to learn more then this article is for you. If you already know a ton but are obsessed with oils as I am, then this article is for you too.
Aromatherapy is the term first used in 1937 by R.M. Gattefosse but it has been used even 3500 years before the birth of Christ. Besides for the beautiful smell and healing properties, the oils were used for magic, mysticism and religion. Egypt was well known for it.
You can use aromatherapy to deal with varied physical and emotional issues or simply because you like a certain smell. You can experience the wonderful smells of nature in your home, office or car, thanks to essential oils. These suggestions can be the starting point for your first foray into the wonderful world of aromatherapy, after which you can start with your own experiments to uncover the fragrances you prefer.There is an abundant selection of essential oils and they have many uses. Experts in aromatherapy combine different oils to create unique fragrances and often work with dozens if not hundreds of different varieties. One way you can get into aromatherapy is to try the oils we mentioned and see how you feel.Essential oils can offer benefits to anyone as a natural therapy. There is sure to be at least a few essential oils you will find pleasing, even if people differ in terms of the fragrances they like. You will find, with some research, that there are plenty of symptoms that can be treated with aromatherapy. We've only been able to cover a few helpful uses of essential oils here, so you may want to explore this topic further so you can make aromatherapy a part of your life.There are hundreds of essential oils that have many different uses in aromatherapy. To some extent, the ones you prefer will be a personal choice, but different oils are recommended for different conditions and purposes as well. We've only had room to look at a few uses for essential oils in this article, as this is a vast topic that you could study for a lifetime. Yet you don't have to be an expert to start enjoying the pleasures and benefits of aromatherapy right
Aromatherapy is a very powerful tool for managing stress or shifting one's mood. Read on to find out more about it. Aromatherapy works directly on the limbic system - our emotions - while bypassing our conscious thoughts. It starts doing its work before we can even identify the source of the smell, and can be amazingly effective for a huge range of issues.
Aromatherapy is the oil extracted from different types of plants. Each plant has its own significance and powers. The oils can either be used in a diffuser that puts the scents into the air, or they can be used as a massage oil, both will work well for stress relief.