Getting Started With Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses aromas to enhance physiological and psychological well-being. It also includes the use of complementary ingredients that are found in nature.

A few include:

• The use of sugar as an exfoliate.
• Clays and muds to purify the skin.
• Sea salts
• Herbs
• Cold-pressed vegetable oils.

Aromatherapy has been in existence for thousands of years, but the distillation process required to extract essential oils wasn’t developed until the 11th century.

Aromatherapy enjoys popularity in the United States, India, England, and France.

There can be much more involved in aromatherapy than smelling a few essential oils.

The use of herbal distillates, carrier oils, vaporizer oils and phytoncides can make aromatherapy quite complex!

Fortunately, it isn’t necessary to make aromatherapy complex.

The beginner can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy with simple methods.

The aromas used in aromatherapy are acquired from two sources:

1. Plant extracts.

Extracts are obtained by either cold pressing the plants or soaking the plants in a volatile liquid.

Extracts may be used in aromatherapy, but have other uses, too.

Vanilla extract is used in cooking. Other extracts are used as insect repellent.

2. Plant essential oils.

Using a distillation process, the water portion is removed. The small amount of oil that remains is the essential oil.

A large quantity of plant material is necessary to produce a small amount of essential oil.

The quantity of plant material needed, and the energy required to perform the distillation explain the typically higher price of essential oils versus extracts.

Essential oils are primarily used for therapeutic purposes.

Keep in mind that essential oils differ from the fragrance oils found in perfumes.

Fragrance oils can contain artificial ingredients and lack the therapeutic action of essential oils.

The use of synthetic ingredients is not encouraged in aromatherapy.

If you’re looking for a natural way to treat common physical and psychological issues, aromatherapy might be beneficial to you.

“I mix all different oils - my bathroom at home is littered with oils; I'm really into natural beauty and natural healing.

Peppermint is really good if you put it on your stomach for a tummy ache; lavender is kind of all-purpose - I think everyone should carry it.”

- Liz Goldwyn


Aromatherapy Benefits

Several studies have shown that aromatherapy provides benefits.

The markers for the scent molecules have been found in the blood of patients after aromatherapy treatment, suggesting that the potential for drug-like effects exist. That’s exciting news!

Studies have shown that many animals can be calmed or agitated by essential oils.

Behavior and immune responses are improved. There is no doubt that essential oils have antimicrobial properties when administered to the skin.

As you would expect, many in the medical community are skeptical and poorly informed. However, that can be expected to change over time.

Aromatherapy provides several unique benefits:

1. Strengthens the immune system.

Prevention is preferable to a cure when it comes to sickness!

Aromatherapy is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal effects. Many studies have been conducted on this aspect of aromatherapy use.

2. Reduces anxiety and depression.

The reduction of stress and anxiety is the most popular use of aromatherapy.

Most beginners in aromatherapy focus on stress reduction.

Stress is a common problem, and the application of aromatherapy for this purpose can be simple, yet still effective.

Depression relief is the second my common usage of aromatherapy.

The drugs used to treat depression can also provide a lot of side effects.

Aromatherapy can be a helpful addition of psychological counseling and avoids the negative aspects of pharmaceutical therapy.

3. Boosts energy levels.

Aromatherapy is often used as an energy booster. Life is hectic and a higher level of energy can be useful!

4. Aid in sleep quality.

Essential oils are used to realign circadian rhythms and to help balance sleep schedules.

5. Facilitates the healing process.

Proponents of aromatherapy claim it can speed healing throughout the body.

Aromatherapy can increase the blood flow and the amount of oxygen that reaches a wound. It is also used after surgery.

6. Eliminates pain.
Aromatherapy can help to alleviate pain, particularly the pain caused by headaches.

While the pain is addressed directly, it can also be lessened by the reduction of stress and anxiety that aromatherapy provides.

7. Enhances cognitive performance.

Memory has been shown to be enhanced with the use of aromatherapy. The effect seems to be limited in duration.

8. Enhances digestion.

Aromatherapy is also used for issues with bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

It’s easy to see that aromatherapy has the ability to treat many physical and psychological conditions.

Aromatherapy makes good use of the idea of synergy.

The skillful combining of several essential oils is believed to provide greater results than single oils.

The presence of one oil can enhance the strength of another.

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.”

- Robert Tisserand


Related reading: Aromatherapy Guide