The use of Essential Oils, which is derived from the pure essence of a plant, is not new. Though the term Aromatherapy was coined only in the 1920s (by Gattefossé in 1928), people knew of Aromatherapy Essential Oils from the prehistoric times. Starting from the Chinese to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian civilizations, each have added to the science of Essential Oils and to Aromatherapy as a whole.

Research still continues in the field of Aromatherapy Essential Oils, with new developments being made in the field. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils are no longer limited to cosmetic or aromatic uses only. Many of the Essential Oils have been proved to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits too. Take Lavender oil for instance. French chemist Gattefossé would have been unaware of the properties of Lavender oil to give instant relief without any scar in cases of burn, until he burnt his hand and accidentally put his hand in the jar full of the essence of Lavender. Similarly, there are a large number of Essential Oils that have medicinal properties. The ‘tulsi’ plant or Indian basil, distinct through its strong aroma and taste, is considered “the elixir of life” since it is thought to bring longevity. The use of the plant’s extracts is made to treat illnesses like headaches, inflammation, heart disease, and malaria. The Essential Oils derived from ‘karpoora tulsi’ have found use in the manufacture of herbal toiletry.

Essential Oils are derived from almost every part of the plant. Leaves, stems, flowers, roots, etc are distilled through steam or water to result into Essential Oils. Consequently, Aromatherapy Essential Oils contain the true essence of the plant. In its purest form, a few drops of essential oil can give the same results that loads of that plant would have given. This is because Essential Oils are available in concentrated form.

Though referred to as oil, Essential Oils in Aromatherapy do not give that oily feeing. Except for a few oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass, most oils are clear and see-through.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils must be differentiated from the perfume or Fragrance oils. While Essential Oils contain the purest essence of the plant, Fragrance oils are made of artificially created substances as a whole or a part of it. Fragrance oils may cause allergies or other skin reaction because of the use of artificial substances; but the use of Essential Oils brings upon no such allergic reaction.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils can be used by people either through inhalation or by applying them on skin in a diluted form. When Essential Oils are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and lungs directly, thus producing an instant effect on the ailment.

Applying Aromatherapy Essential Oils on the body is good for absorption. Since Essential Oils are available in a concentrated form, they need to be diluted using carrier oil. Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, etc are blended with the essential oil; and the mixture is used on the body or the part that is afflicted.

One needs to be very careful while purchasing an essential oil. Though readily available, people are not well equipped to differentiate between the good quality and poor quality essential oil. The following checklist might be helpful to all those people who are on their way shopping for Aromatherapy essential oils:

• A vendor who allows you to check the essential oil is preferred more.

• If the bottle containing Essential Oils has terms such as Fragrance oils, nature identical oils; they are not Essential Oils.

• Never buy a bottle of essential oil that seems old. It might be adulterated or just might not produce the medicinal benefits.

• A clear glass bottle of Essential Oils allows light to come in, thus reducing its aroma therapeutic benefits. Avoid buying Essential Oils that are sold in clear glass bottles.

• Essential Oils sold in plastic bottles too must be avoided as it dissolves plastic and becomes contaminated for use.

by: Bryan Josling

Was the information helpful?

Bookmarks it to your Social Bookmark Sites:

Aromatherapy Candles are in constant use to help set the atmosphere and improve the ambience in many situations. They can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.

Our sense of smell has been documented to directly affect our emotions. Part of our nervous system that helps to control our emotions is connected to our nose. Thus, the proof that using Aromatherapy Candles will have an effect on our mindset and our emotions. The key is in choosing the correct scent to match the emotion or sense you wish to evoke.

When it comes to Aromatherapy there are many ways to get the most out of the aroma, but one of the most popular ways is through dispersing it into the air with Candles. Aromatherapy Candles aren’t all the same, they can be made in a variety of ways, with different ingredients. You can also burn them in different ways.

Which kinds are better for you? Since paraffin wax Candles are said to pollute the air with soot I would advise against it for health reasons. Don’t be discouraged, there are many other types of Aromatherapy Candles available. Candles can be made with beeswax, soybean wax, vegetable oil or even pure essential oil Candles are available. All of these are great choices. They are environmentally friendly because they are derived from natural plant sources. Along with these ingredients, they are also available in different styles, sizes, and Scents.

The only way to get the scent in the air is by burning the Candles, and you have different ways to burn your Candles. One of the more popular ways is to use an oil burner, or the tiered bowl with tea lights, although more expensive, they make great diffusers.

Did you know that the way you burn your candle can effect the life and how evenly the candle will burn? Here are a few basic tips to consider before lighting up for your Aromatherapy session:

Wick trimming ¼” from top of wax will increase the life of the candle. Another trick to longer life is to refrigerate wrapped Candles before use. Last tip but not the least, the first time you burn the candle let it burn for at least an hour before extinguishing. This is what I call conditioning the candle and will help with the way the candle burns. This first burning extends the life of your Aromatherapy candle. Take some time to care for them and they will last a very long time.

Hopefully you are well on your way to that moment of relaxation you’ve been longing for. Light some Aromatherapy Candles and sit to read a book or take a long hot Bath by candlelight. Unwind, loosen up and start taking some time for yourself. Start enjoying your newly found serenity…. you deserve it.

By: Sanji Gretta

Was the information helpful?

Bookmarks it to your Social Bookmark Sites: