The Wonders of Aroma Therapy

Aroma Therapy – what is it ?

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils. Essential oils are complex, highly fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degrees of complexity, fragrance, and volatility. They are the most potent and concentrated extracts of various parts of flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots, and woods. The plant’s essence molecules are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated as an essential oil than in the dried plant.

While in the plant, the essence molecules play a key role in the biochemistry of the plant — they are located between the cells of the plant and these molecules act as regulators and messengers. By giving the plant its aromatic essence, they are also thought to give the plant its “life force”. They also protect the plant from parasites and disease, and play an important role in fertilization and assist the plant’s adaptation to its environment.

To obtain essential oils the aromatic essence molecules of the plant must be captured by using a technical distillation or extraction method. In earlier times, the art of distillation was held in the hands of the few and was considered to be an alchemical transformation of spirit, a bridge between the two realms.

The term “essential oil” is used somewhat loosely as it is often applied to all aromatic products such as essence oils, absolutes, resinoids, and concretes. In Aromatherapy, the most common method of extraction is steam distillation. However, cold expression is used for citrus oils, and a method of solvent extraction for absolutes, concretes and resinoids. The newest technological process of extraction is the hypercritical carbon dioxide method: in part due to high cost, it is not as commonly available.

In Aromatherapy it is held that once extracted, the chemical constituents of a particular essential oil will determine its primary action. Generally, essential oils consist of chemical compounds which have hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in their building blocks. The primary functional groups of the essential oils used in aromatherapy are:

Monoterpenes: anti-viral, antiseptic, bactericidal, and can be highly irritating to the skin. Examples: lemon, pine, frankincense.

Esters: fungicidal, sedating, and very aromatically pleasing. Examples: bergamot, Clary sage, lavender.

Aldehydes: sedating and antiseptic. Examples: melissa, lemongrass, cirtronella.

Ketones: ease congestion, aid flow of mucus, can be toxic. Examples: fennel, hyssop, sage.

Alcohols: very antiseptic, anti-viral with uplifting qualities. Examples: rosewood, geranium, rose.

Phenols: bactericidal and strongly stimulating, can be highly irritating to the skin. Examples: clove, thyme, oregano.

Oxides: expectorant and bactericidal. Examples: rosemary, tea tree.

How an Essential Oil Differs from other Oils

Essential oils and fatty/vegetable oils are two completely different types of oils. Understanding that essential oils are volatile by nature (most essential oils tend to evaporate or change to vapor quickly when exposed to air) should help to dispel frequent confusion about the relationship between essential oils and fatty/vegetable oils such as Almond oil or Sesame oil.

It is both interesting and useful to note that essential oils are soluble in fatty/vegetable oils. Because of this, in Aromatherapy, fatty/vegetable oils are called carrier oils. Since essential oils are often too potent to be used directly on the skin full strength, diluting an essential oil in a carrier oil is an excellent way to facilitate safe use of the essential oil. Carrier and essential oils also compliment one another’s effects in a synergistic way; they are nourishing and easily absorbed by the skin.

Absorption of Essential Oils

In the Aromatherapy it is held that essential oils have a relatively small, simple and lipid- soluble molecular structure that allows them to pass easily through the skin. Once diluted essential oil is applied directly to the skin it is completely absorbed and penetrates deeply into the tissues, interstitial fluid and bloodstream. Different oils have varying rates of absorption, between 20 and 120 minutes.

In the field of Aromatherapy it is held that in skin care essential oils regulate the activity of capillaries and restore vitality to the tissues. In Maguerite Maury’s Guide to Aromatherapy, she states “essential oils are natural rejuvenating agents which facilitate the elimination of waste matter and dead cells and promote the regeneration of new and healthy cells.”

In Aromatherapy it is held that when essential oils are applied in a body massage, they are carried by the to specific organs and systems of the body where they enhance the natural functions of these organs.

In aromatherapy it is held that simply inhaling an essential oil elicits an immediate olfactory response and provides for ready absorption in the bloodstream. Essential oils as implied by the term “Aromatherapy”, have a powerful effect through our sense of smell.

Smell (olfaction) is the least understood of our five senses and yet is perhaps the most powerful. The olfactory membrane is the only place in the human body where the central nervous system is exposed and in direct contact with the environment. When an olfactory receptor cell is stimulated, an impulse travels along the olfactory nerve to the limbic portion of the brain where memory, hunger, sexual response or emotion is evoked. Before consciously knowing we are in contact with an aroma, our subconscious mind has already received and reacted to it.

Care of Essential Oils:

If properly cared for, essential oils can have a shelf life up to seven years.

Direct sunlight and exposure to air are most damaging to essential oils. Keep your oils out of the sun and make sure the caps are tightly secured.

Try to keep your oils in a cool dry place. They are sensitive to extreme temperature changes.

Bath: fill the tub with bath water. Add & swish 9-10 drops of essential oil into the bath water. Some essential oils are more irritating to the skin than others. Read the safety cautions for each essential oil. Or add 9-10 drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil and add & mix into the bath water so the essential oil is soluble in the carrier oil before adding to the bath.

Liquid Soap: add about 30-45 drops of essential oil to 8 ounces of unscented liquid hand soap or unscented liquid shower body wash. Shake vigorously.

Body Oil: add about 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil and shake to blend.

Body Lotion: add 50-60 drops of essential oil to 16 ounces of unscented body lotion. Stir with a spoon or stirring stick to blend the essential oil into the lotion until smooth.

Body Mist: add 10-15 drops of essential oil to a 1 ounce glass misting bottle filled with spring or distilled water. Shake well and shake before each mist.

Liniment: add 25-20 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. Shake well to blend.

Compress: add & mix 3-5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm or cool water. Soak a wash cloth, wring and apply.

Shampoo/Conditioner: add 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of unscented or mild shampoo and conditioner. Shake well to blend.

Hair Brush: place three drops of essential oil into the palm of your hand; rub over the natural bristles of a hair brush. Brush your scalp and your hair.

Diffuser: add essential oils to an electric diffuser, candle burner or a lamp ring.

Room Mist: add 17-20 drops of essential oil to a 1 ounce glass misting bottle filled with spring or distilled water. Shake well and shake before each mist.

Scent: add five drops of an essential oil to a hanky or tissue and carry with you throughout the day. Or place under your pillow case to ease you into sleep.

Scent: add five drops to a cotton ball and place in drawers and linen closets.

Place: a drop of essential oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and inhale. (Keep away from your eyes). (A wonderful way to encourage a deep breath).

Never take essential oils internally.

Read about an essential oil before applying it.

Essential oils are very concentrated substances and should be diluted before applying them to the skin. Follow guidelines or recipes which recommend a 2%-5% solution.

Have a recipe’s concentration of essential oils when using with children. Do not use essential oils with infants.

Do not apply citrus essential oils, especially Bergamot before direct exposure to the sun. These essential oils increase photosensitivity.

Essential oils are not soluble in water. Make sure you dilute or fully disperse them when using water as a base.

Essential oils can cause a prickly, irritating sensation to the skin. Do not rub water on the area. Doing so will cause the oil to spread. Apply any vegetable/carrier oil to the area; this will cause the essential oil to be absorbed and ease the irritation in minutes.

Keep essential oils away from your eyes.

Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and animals.

If skin irritation occurs or an allergic reaction occurs with any essential oil or product with essential oils in it, discontinue use.

Essential oils should not replace proper health care. If you are under medical supervision consult with your health care provider before using essential oils.

These suggestions for Your Safety are not to be considered complete and all-inclusive.