More Important Than Aromatherapy: What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils have long played a role in our physical and emotional well-being. Not only can certain scents bring about peace and tranquility or boost energy, they can also treat various medical conditions and improve your overall health. They can be used as a supplement to traditional healthcare practices in order to trigger your body's natural healing processes.

There are many essential oils used in aromatherapy which have several healing properties. For example, peppermint oil can be used to relieve chest congestion, fevers, and pains in the joints of the body.

Why does a certain scent boost your energy while another helps you to relax better? And why does inhaling essential oils have a positive effect? Why can aromatherapy be a solution for managing stress, reducing pain, and even healing certain maladies? Do natural oils really boost our overall well-being?

Plant extracts known as essential oils have been utilized for centuries by many cultures for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. Essential oils are extracted primarily through steam distillation or mechanical presses. The oils are then used through skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion. The inhalation of essential oils is termed aromatherapy. Either a single essential oil or a combination of essential oils are inhaled through an inhaler, oils placed on an absorbent material, or in an essential oil diffuser. When inhaled, the olfactory system is triggered. The olfactory bulb sends messages to the limbic system which initiates a systemic physiologic response to the inhaled oil. When essential oils are inhaled, the respiratory system

That makes them effective for warts, because the only way to truly eliminate warts is to kill the underlying virus that causes them. Not every essential oil works for every individual, and not every oil helps to kill warts.

Clinical aromatherapy intension of application is includes inhalation and topical absorption of diluted essential oils from 3% to 5%. Safety precautions must be strictly observed as essential oils above 2% may have potential drug drug interaction and adverse skin reaction. Due to potential drug drug interaction with essential oils, Clinical Aromatherapy or interventions with essential oil should comply to safety standards as advised by a qualified aromatherapist. Oral ingestion is contra indicated unless prescribed by individuals with proper credentials and licensing.

Truth be told, rose essential oil is likely a standout amongst the most crucial oils around. Cleopatra herself utilized rosewater as a part of her beauty regimen. Rose water has been utilized subsequent to 3000 BC; it was to a great degree significant in Ancient Egypt and Persia.

In 1995 a study was performed on cancer patients to determine the effects of Roman chamomile in a massage. Among 51 of the patients tested, the quality of life had improved, and they showed less signs of anxiety. At Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, another study was conducted, this time on rats, testing the effects of chamomile. Those who inhaled the vapor of the oil had lower ACTH levels–the higher the levels, the more stressed the animals were. “The Kavala Centre- International Yoga School says that lavender can be used to ease tension, tiredness and feelings of depression,” states Dr. David Schlundt on his website “Aromatherapy and Stress Reduction” for Vanderbilt College (1). These findings prove that lavender and chamomile could have beneficial effects on teenagers as opposed to the detrimental alternatives.

There are numerous conditions that utilize aromatherapy treatments since it is widely applicable with patient’s psychological and physical healing. It has been noted that “the effects of aroma and touch can occur rapidly, and be either relaxing or stimulating depending on one 's previous experience as well as the chemistry of the essential oils used” (Buckle, 1999, p. 42). Aromatherapy has been used in many treatment processes ranging from pain reduction to corrective curing of disease, and reduction of common discomforts such as headaches. Because essential oils are

The essential oils are grown in the plant to help it survive. Certain oils are produced to help ward off pesky and hungry insects that would otherwise consume the plant if it did not have the oil. The same oil that protects it, is what we distill and then use as a natural insecticide. The process can take years depending on the plant. The plant needs to be the proper age. If too young, it may not have enough oil, and the same goes with a plant that is aging and not producing nearly as much. Then it has to be harvested and extracted. Then bottled, and shipped often across entire continents since some plants grow better in different climates. Pure essential oils are believed to have therapeutic properties that fragrance oils do not have. They contain phytohormones which can bind to the receptors that humans have and create an actual effect. Certain oils have phytoestrogen that may bind to human estrogen receptors as an example. Although essential oils have potent and powerful scents often, the scents were not created for human enjoyment in a laboratory like fragrance oils can be. They are simply natural. They often are smaller molecules, so they tend to evaporate more quickly. In aromatherapy, essential oils are used extensively due to their therapuetic

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy and though aromatherapy is used mainly on relaxation and in relieving stress as well as alleviating pain, the benefits of essential oils are not limited to these.

I have to say it; I am holding my hands up and admitting it - I have a love affair with essential oils! My life improves when I am exposed to the aromatic delights of one of nature’s most beautiful gifts. My senses are enlivened, my endorphins soar, and the muscles of my face relax, sending forth a smile each and every time I open my precious little bottle of pure plant essence. Yes indeed, they are treasure to me!

Many people suffer from anxiety, and many of those people suffer from dependency and addiction from the pharmaceuticals that are prescribed to patients on a daily basis. There are many solutions to these problems, a common solution is Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is not only beneficial but a great replacement for traditional drugs. As addiction and dependence on prescription drugs continues to increase due to large pharmaceutical companies and doctors who over-prescribe, it is in society's best interest to look beyond those traditional methods. This will allow people to seek alternative therapy to aid homeopathic healing such as aromatherapy and help to develop a more self-sufficient society as a whole.

Benefits of such therapy vary based on physiologic makeup of an individual as well as applications. Studies from the International Journal of Drug Development and Research suggest that inhaling essential oils not only stimulates the brain to trigger a reaction but also supply therapeutic benefits when natural constituents are inhaled into the lungs. (Shah, et al., 2011). These effects aid in respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration and psychological effects. Topical application of diluted oils can progress directly to the spot that is being effected as they are absorbed into the skin and bloodstream, This journal article stresses the importance of aromatherapy in patients as helping in relaxation, mood, and clarity of mind more so than any actual physiological effects. However, sleep, relaxation, and other restorative feelings generated by these treatments can leave a person in overall better health, promoting

Tea Tree essential oil is a wonderful, effective antibiotic, especially useful when combined with soothing Lavender for childhood cuts and scrapes (if you're tough, just use the Tea Tree to prevent infections). Essential oils have been shown to reduce bacteria in the mouth which reduce tooth decay. Helichrysum essential oil is one of the most profound pain relievers and inflammation-reducers for muscular injuries, and makes small kitchen burns heal almost instantly (just a drop on that little hot spot and you'll be quickly convinced!). Sea Buckthorn heals wounds and reduces wrinkles. Chamomile or Mandarin have been used for years in Europe to soothe the traumas of childhood, and lend a hand to parental sanity. The scent of many pure essential oils just makes folks happier (and it's important to note this same results do not occur with "fragrances", a term for man-made smells -- they do not have the same make-up as natural plant aromatics do -- and in fact, many people are allergic to