Aromatherapy’s Essential Guide To Get You Started

aromatherapy essential guide

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What are some essential information you should know about aromatherapy?

When you smell something nice, such as an appealing perfume, or a tasty dish being cooked in the kitchen, or fresh cut roses set in a vase full of cold water, does not the smell give you a good feeling inside?

These good feelings created by pleasing aromas are the basis for the art of aromatherapy.

People who practice aromatherapy believe that the scents that a person smells can induce the body to stimulate its ability to heal itself.

Depending on the kind of scent or combination of scents that was inhaled or absorbed through the skin, the scent activates the immune system of the body, making it more capable of fighting invading microorganisms that cause disease and boosting its strength.

The basis of aromatherapy is in its utilization of naturally gathered essential oils.

These oils are commonly extracted from plant material and additional compounds.

The flower based oils are commonly for powerfully aromatic users while the early sources of oils are principally utilized for medicinal purposes.

These oils are chiefly extracted from flowers or delicate plant tissues which are already known for their various properties.

Occasionally divided into 3 distinctive areas of uses, aromatherapy has proven an effective resolution to a lot of problems. Aerial diffusion falls in the class for environmental fragrance or disinfection.

Direct inhalation is promoted to arrest assorted respiratory problems like respiratory disinfection, congestion, tautness in the chest cavity and a lot of others.

Topical applications are chiefly for relaxing purposes like massages, baths, compresses and therapeutic skin care treatments.

Aromatherapy may have a positive effect on the limbic system through the olfactory system. It has likewise been known to have direct pharmacological effects.

There have been studies done to prove the connection between the direct effects of use between aromatherapy coupled with other scientific techniques, but to date, no absolute data has been forthcoming.

Be choosy of where you buy your essential oils. The quality varies widely from company to company.

In addition, a few companies might falsely claim that their oils are pure when they aren’t. It’s wise not to buy oils from vendors at street fairs, craft shows, or other limited-time events.

A few vendors understand novices have no recourse against them later. This isn’t to say that there are not extremely reputable sellers at these events.

However, this is a precaution for novices who aren’t able to dependably gauge quality.

Aromatherapy has become really popular nowadays. Though it’s still mostly linked to the idea of a relaxingly therapeutic massage session, newer uses are today being explored.

aromatherapy

To make the body heal and become more resistant to illness, practitioners of aromatherapy make use of essential oils.

These essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants.  They often find uses in the making of scented candles, perfume, soap and other beauty products.

Essential oils are very volatile. They evaporate easily and they are easily absorbed into the skin.

Practitioners of aromatherapy, however, never use essential oils undiluted because these oils are highly concentrated.

They can burn and irritate the skin if they come into direct contact with it.

Essential oils are always mixed with what are called carrier oils before they are used. 

What now, are carrier oils?  Simply put, they are vegetable oils, extracted from certain kinds of fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

They are called carrier oils because they literally carry the essential oil when mixed and applied to the skin.

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that each kind of essential oil and each kind of carrier oil have their own properties and characteristics.

To treat a specific ailment, a specific combination of essential oils and carrier oils need to be used.

The mixture is then massaged onto the skin or added to bathwater.  Sometimes, it is put into an air diffuser.

Below are the most commonly used essential oils and carrier oils, as well as the properties that each possesses and the ailments for which they are used.

Essential Oils

Chamomile  

Chamomile can help in easing the pain so the body can relax.  It is also good for soothing the skin.

Chamomile is often used for people suffering from nervous tension, headaches caused by fatigue, and an upset stomach.  It can also be used for treating skin problems like acne and boils.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus refreshes as well as relieves congestion and pain.  So, it is used for colds, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems.  It is also applied to aching muscles and joints affected by rheumatism.

Lavender

For ailments such as rheumatism and muscle tension as well as skin problems like acne and dandruff, lavender is often used.

Lavender can help soothe and relax the body as well as enhance the circulation of the blood.  Lavender is also applied to people suffering from insomnia.

Lemon

The citrus in lemon is refreshing and can provide relief from congestion and pain.  This is why it is also used for treating headaches and migraine.

It is also good for treating stomach problems, and it is also claimed to have the ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.

Rose

The rose is great for the skin.  It is often applied to skin that is dry, delicate or sensitive, making it softer and smoother.

The scent of the rose can also aid in relaxing the body, so it is also used for treating headaches, stress, and insomnia.

Carrier Oils

Almond

Almond oil is good for the skin because it has Vitamin D and can help moisturize dry skin.  It is a popular kind of carrier oil because the skin can easily absorb it.

Apricot

Apricot oil is a light kind of carrier oil that is rich in Vitamin A.  Practitioners of aromatherapy love to use apricot oil because it arrests the skin’s aging process and helps revitalize the skin.

Grapeseed

Grapeseed oil is the most commonly used carrier oil among practitioners of aromatherapy because it is the least expensive.  Also, because it is light, it can be used on people with oily skin without clogging the pores.

Jojoba

Jojoba oil is another type of carrier oil that is good for people with oily skin.  It has the ability to break down excess sebum, which causes pimples and dandruff.  Moreover, jojoba has Vitamin E, a kind of vitamin that helps the skin maintain its youth.

Sesame

Sesame oil is a kind of carrier oil that is known for its nutty smell, but it has great antiseptic properties.  It is effective in treating fungal infections, skin infections and light wounds.

Aromatherapy is a nice way of treating the body’s hurts and pains, if only because the oils used in aromatherapy smell great.

aromatherapy

Essential advice for aromatherapy beginners and all aromatherapy enthusiasts.

1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books

Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest.

2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums

Forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. The Yahoo Group Aromatherapy for Everyone is a friendly place for beginners, and members range from novices to experts.

3. Do Some Research on the Internet

While it’s nice to have an aromatherapy book or two at your fingertips, there are some excellent resources on the internet, too. Be a critical reader, though, and consider your source.

Information offered by a manufacturer or affiliate seller may not be as trustworthy as information offered by a more objective source.

Aromatherapy websites I refer to over and over include AromaWeb and Wavelengths Natural Health Aromatherapy.

4. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start

Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils.

Essential oils can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.

5. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils

When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance and perfume oils are not essential oils – they contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value.

6. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil

For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil.

Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.

7. Store Your Oils Properly

Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed.

Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities.

8. Learn How to Do a Patch Test

Essential oils can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or due to sensitization over time.

A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil.

Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.

9. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets

Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.

10. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils

Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this.

Some essential oils that are fairly safe to use topically may be quite toxic if taken internally.

In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.

Aromatherapy Accessories

Aromatherapy accessories include the whole range of storage boxes, bottles and jars, diffusers, burners, containers, dispensers and others.

Essential oils and other aromatherapy products, being so precious, not exactly in price but in face value to the user, demand special concern in the form of aromatherapy accessories.

Storage Box

It is important to get the best storage boxes for storing your essential oils. Essential oils may get contaminated if exposed to excessively extreme temperatures.

Similarly, direct sunlight is harmful to the aromatherapy products. The most common material used for the preparation of storage boxes is alder wood.

The boxes will be beautifully carved and given a natural wood finish. When shopping for storage boxes, check that it contain wooden dividers and brass clasp fittings. Also, decide the storage space before making the buying decision.

Bottles and Jars

Essential oils must be stored in dark amber or cobalt blue bottles. These are the best containers to prevent deterioration of the essential oils.

Since essential oils are contaminated when exposed to direct sunlight, clear glass bottles are a strict no-no.

Plastic bottles may be avoided, particularly when concentrated essential oils are to be stored. It is believed that the oil erodes the plastic and thus it gets deteriorated.

The market today has large options for people shopping for bottles and jars. They are available in ranges of 5 ml. to 10 ml.

Bottles with beautiful designs can be purchased. Some manufacturers also offer the option to design the bottles on demand.

Electric Diffusers

Diffusers are one of the most popular aromatherapy accessories. They are available in a wide range of electric diffusers, nebulizers, fan diffusers, clay pot diffusers and others.

They are a cleaner and more effective way of perfuming the environment. Electric diffusers can be left unattended too without the fear of it leading to fire since there is no naked flame.

Dispensers

Though dispensers and pipettes are only minor aromatherapy accessories, they are quite important. Use an ordinary dispenser and you have the danger of deteriorating your oils.

When oil is dispensed from its container, a part of it is left on the pipette. It reacts with the oxygen outside and gets contaminated.

When again the pipette is used, the contaminated oil contaminates the entire bottle of oil. So, one must purchase the dispensers too, with care.

In this way, we see that aromatherapy accessories have a large role to play in increasing the longevity of your essential oils. So, take the same care when buying the aromatherapy accessories as when you buy the oils.

As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER
  • The basis of aromatherapy is in its use of naturally gathered essential oils.
  • Direct inhalation is promoted to stop assorted respiratory problems.
  • Topical applications are primarily for relaxing purposes like massages, baths, compresses and therapeutic skin care treatments.
  • Essential oils are very volatile.
  • Essential oils are always mixed with what are called carrier oils before they are used.
  • Carrier oils carry essential oil when mixed and applied to the skin.

Essential Oils

  • Chamomile
    – Help in easing the pain
    – Good for soothing the skin
  • Eucalyptus
    – Relieves congestion and pain
  • Lavender
    – For rheumatism & muscle tension
    – Soothe & relax the body
  • Lemon
    – Relieves congestion & pain
    – Reduce cellulite on skin
  • Rose
    – Makes skin softer & smoother
    – Treats headaches, stress & insomnia

Carrier Oils

  • Almond
    – Has Vitamin D & moisturizes the skin
    – The skin can easily absorb it
  • Apricot
    – Light & rich in Vitamin A
    – Stop skin’s aging process & revitalize the skin
  • Grapeseed
    – Light & less expensive
    – Does not clog the pores
  • Jojoba
    – Good for people with oily skin
    – Has Vitamin E
  • Sesame
    – Known for its nutty smell
    – Has great antiseptic properties

Essential advice for aromatherapy beginners and all aromatherapy enthusiasts:

  1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
  2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
  3. Do Some Research on the Internet
  4. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
  5. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
  6. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil
  7. Store Your Oils Properly
  8. Learn How to Do a Patch Test
  9. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets
  10. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils

Aromatherapy Accessories

  • Storage Box
    The most common material used for preparation of storage boxes is alder wood.
  • Bottles and Jars
    Essential oils must be stored in dark amber or cobalt blue bottles.
  • Electric Diffusers
    They are available in a wide range from electric diffusers, nebulizers, fan diffusers, clay pot diffusers and others.
  • Dispensers
    They are used to avoid deteriorating and contaminating the oils.

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

– Have you tried any inhaling essential oils?

– Have you tried applying essential oils?

– Which among the essential oils you like best?

– Which among the carrier oils you like best?

– What aromatherapy accessories you have?


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