Scent is the most enduring of our senses. It has the power to transform our emotions, and heal our bodies. It can take us to another place and time.
Aromatherapy, began with the Egyptians, who used the method of infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants which were used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as embalming. The ancient Chinese civilizations were also using some form of aromatics. The Greeks, found that the fragrance of some flowers was stimulating while others had relaxing properties. The use of olive oil as the base oil absorbed the aroma from the herbs or flowers and the perfumed oil was then used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The Romans became well known for scented baths followed by massage with aromatic oils.
With the decline of the Roman Empire, the use of aromatics faded and the knowledge of their use was virtually lost in Europe during the dark ages. If not for the Monasteries using plants from herbal gardens to produce infused oils, herbal teas and medicines, .the art may have been lost forever.
At the time of the plague and during the Middle Ages, it was discovered that certain aromatic derivatives helped to prevent the spread of infection, and others, such as cedar and pine, were burnt to fumigate homes and streets.
The Arabs initiated a method of extraction known as distillation, and study of the therapeutic use of plants once again became popular. The knowledge of distillation was spread during the Crusades, and the lost process was once again returned to Europe.
When the conquistadors invaded South America more medicinal plants and aromatic oils were discovered.
Native American Indians were using aromatic oils and producing their own herbal remedies.
it was not until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on humans. It was French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse who discovered the healing powers of lavender oil after burning his hand in his laboratory. In 1937 and the term “Aromatherapy” was born.
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Therapies and medicines that were once viewed as alternative and cloaked in skepticism have now become part of modern day society, providing additional help to conventional medicine. Aromatherapy is an example of a complementary therapy, which is widely practiced today.
Scientific research has been, and continues to be performed which verifies not only the emotional but the physical benefits that aromatherapy provides.
Virtually all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils – the basis of Aromatherapy. You may be practicing aromatherapy without knowing it, by the burning of scented candles or by walking through a fragrant garden.
Essential oils are the highly concentrated essences of aromatic plants. Aromatherapy is the art of using these oils to promote healing of the body and the mind.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each of the essential oils used in Aromatherapy can be used either alone or in combinations to create a desired effect. Before using essential oils as part of an Aromatherapy treatment, it is important to understand the effect that the oil(s) have, and how it work
The oils are found in different parts of the plants. The methods used to extract the oil are time consuming and expensive and require a high degree of expertise. It takes in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoons full of oil.
Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils are expensive, but they are highly effective – only a few drops at a time are required to achieve the desired effect. Synthetic oils are available at a lesser price, but they do not have the healing power of the natural oils.
Essential oils have an immediate impact on our sense of smell, also known as “olfaction”. When essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional center of the brain, or “limbic system”.
The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing, and blood circulation, as well as the endocrine glands which regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems.
When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and into the bloodstream.
Essential oils have differing rates of absorption, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours, so it is probably best not to bathe or shower directly following a massage to ensure maximum effectiveness.
WHAT TYPES OF OILS ARE THERE?
There are 38 common essential oil and literally thousands of combinations derived from these.
Basil , Juniper, Bergamot, Lavender, Black Pepper, Lemon , Cajeput, Lemongrass , Cardamom Marjoram, Chamomile, Melissa, Lemon balm, Citronella, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Neroli, Clary, Sage, Orange, Clove, Patchouli, Cypress, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Petit, Grain, Fennel, Pine, Frankincense, Rose, Geranium, Rosemary, Ginger, Sandalwood, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Hyssop Thyme. Jasmine, Vetiver & Ylang Ylang Essential oils are often described by their “note”. The three categories of classification are top note, middle note and base note, and these terms relate to the rate at which they evaporate – or how long the fragrance will last.
Top Notes are the most stimulating and uplifting oils. They are strongly scented, but the perfume lasts only for approximately 3 – 24 hours.
Examples of Top note oils are:
basil, bergamot, clary, sage, coriander, eucalyptus, lemongrass, neroli, peppermint, sage & thyme.
Middle Notes are the next longest lasting, at about 2 – 3 days, and affect the metabolic and body functions. The perfume is less potent than that of top note oils.
Examples of Middle note oils are: balm, chamomile, fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender & rosemary
Base Notes are the slowest oils to evaporate, lasting up to one week. They have a sweet, soothing scent and a relaxing, comforting effect on the body.
Examples of Base note oils are: cedarwood, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, rose & sandalwood
HOW DO THOSE MAKE ESSENTIAL OILS?
To create a balanced perfume, a combination of all three notes will produce the best results. It is important to state that when making Aromatherapy blends, there are no fixed rules. The more familiar you become with the fragrances and their effects, the easier it will be to create combinations that are right for you!
Needless to say we can’t cover these all, however we will take some of the more common ones and tell you which other oils combine well with them and what they are used for .
Basel Combines well with: Citrus oils, Frankincense, Geranium
Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Uplifting
Bronchitis, Colds, Constipation, Insect Bites, Mental Fatigue, Migraine, Nervous Tension, Rheumatism, Sinus Congestion
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
Properties: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Digestive Stimulant
Uses: Acne, Blisters, Boils, Depression, Digestive Problems, Gout, Headaches, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Neuralgia, Nervous Tension, (anxiety, fear) Rheumatism, Skin Conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Combines well with: Chamomile, Citrus oils, Rose
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Expectorant
Uses: Anxiety, Catarrh, Cough, Headache, Lack of Confidence, Laryngitis, Mental Tension, Sensitive or dry skin
Effects: Calming, Therapeutic
Combines well with: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Insecticide, Sedative
Uses: Acne, Anxiety, Bronchitis, Burns, Catarrh, Circulatory Problems, Colds, Dandruff, Eczema, Flu Headaches, Insect Bites, Insomnia, Muscle Aches and Pains, PMS Symptoms, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Sunburn, Tension, Throat Infection, Wounds and Sores
Some oils do have contra indications. It’s a good idea to do some research. There is an excellent web site you can visit for more information. http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/essential-oils-atoz.htm