The Simple Pleasures of Aromatherapy!
Scents affect the way we feel, which isn't surprising when you consider how we smell. When we breathe in fragrance molecules through our nose, they attach themselves to olfactory sensors that transmit impulses to the brain. Odor molecules influence the brain's limbic system, which affects emotions, memories and such physiological functions as appetite and sex. Odor stimuli in the limbic system also prompt the release of neurotransmitters, including endorphins, which reduce pain, and serotonin, which promotes relaxation. The quickest way to induce an emotional response is through smell. Think about how the aroma of pine trees can instantly transport you back to a childhood Christmas and evoke the feelings associated with that memory. Creating positive feelings and physical changes is what aromatherapy is all about. The term "aromatherapy" was coined in the early part of this century by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who wrote several books exploring the cosmetic and medicinal uses of essential oils from plants. He conducted many experiments in aromatherapy on soldiers during World War I. Recognition of the power of scent goes much further back than Gattefosse's time, however. Records from more than 4,000 years ago show that the ancient Egyptians used perfumed oils, scented barks and fragrant spices during rituals, medical treatments and embalming. Hippocrates believed that an aromatic bath and massage every day encouraged good health. And the 11th-century Arab physician Avicenna is thought to have invented distillation in order to extract plant essences. Today, the therapeutic effects of fragrance are increasingly supported by scientific research. Studies of the central nervous system have found that lavender, long used as a relaxant, actually reduces brain wave frequency, while scents such as basil and rosemary increase the frequency. The aroma of nutmeg and such woody scents as cedar and fir have been found to lower blood pressure. Cinnamon, used in ancient times to perfume beds before lovemaking, proved to be an aphrodisiac. Exploring how scents affect you can be as simple as uncorking a bottle of an essential oil. You will be drawn to specific fragrances. Go with whatever feels good. Each of us responds in a highly personal way to scent. Most people find that some oils, such as chamomile, sandalwood and neroli (orange blossom), are soothing. Others find that oils such as ylang-ylang (pronounced ee-lang), rose and jasmine, are uplifting. Invigorating oils such as spearmint, pine, eucalyptus and basil will combat fatigue, while the scent of marjoram may put you to sleep.
Hermitage Essential Oils Online: Essential Oils and Essential Oil Products. Suppliers of medical grade essential oils. Established since 1979, customers include NHS trusts, Royal Schools for the Deaf, Therapists and many home enthusiasts. When practicing aromatherapy, use pure essential oils. It is not just the essential oil's aroma that promotes physical, emotional and spiritual healing, but its chemical composition. This composition cannot be completely reconstructed in a laboratory. A pure extract comes from the leaves, fruit, wood, roots, seeds and flowers of plants and may have hundreds, even thousands, of constituents. On the other hand, a synthetic oil reproduces only a fraction of the natural elements, diminishing the effect of the oil. It's like taking synthetic vitamin C instead of eating an orange, you miss out on the complex interactions of trace elements in the real thing. Many products labeled for aromatherapy are actually synthetic reproductions of plant essences. Look for labels that say "pure essential oil," and avoid products called "perfume oil," "plant perfume" or "fragrant oil." There are differences between an essential oil, a hydrosol, and a fragrance oil. All three use the aromas of plants, but essential oils, hydrosols, and fragrance oils differ in the way they're produced and the purposes they serve. When you need to treat an ailment, you should use essential oils rather than hydrosols or fragrance oils. Essential oils are the aromatic oils of fruit, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves, resin, barks, or wood. To capture the oils, manufacturers usually heat the plant part in water and collect the steam. As the steam condenses, the essential oil is distilled from the water. This fragrant concentrated oil is at least 50 times more potent than the original plant. The essential oil's distillation process also produces hydrosols. Also known as floral waters, they are highly diluted and offer gentler healing and a more subtle fragrance than essential oils. They make excellent skin toners, body mists, and hair rinses. Fragrance oils are synthetic. At first whiff they smell similar to essential oils, but they don't contain the compounds that lend essential oils their healing properties. Also, they generally exude a cloying artificial scent. Be aware that certain fragrances like peach or strawberry can only be created synthetically. Essential oils can be generally divided into two groups: those that are calming and those that are stimulating. While there are many nuances, knowing this most basic division can help the beginner in the selection of different oils for different purposes. For example, peppermint and rosemary added to a mild shampoo are invigorating in the morning. Some other oils to consider for their stimulating effects are grapefruit, lemongrass, eucalyptus, spruce and ginger, all of which are easily found. A blend of lavender and geranium diffused into the bedroom aids in relaxation and restful sleep in the evening. Other calming oils to try are chamomile, tangerine, bergamot, sandalwood, and neroli. Using your sense of smell to guide your choices is the best way to add to your collection, as most aromatherapists believe that the body knows what it needs. If a scent is especially pleasing, it's definitely one to try. Keep in mind that essential oils are very concentrated and potent, so they should not be applied directly to the skin (lavender being the notable exception) nor should they be taken internally. Children also benefit from aromatherapy, but keep the bottles of oils out of their reach. Stress is an inevitable part of our modern existence. Though it is unrealistic to think we can be stress free, there are ways to relax. Aromatherapy is a simple and pleasurable way to make the most of the moments we take for ourselves. A small selection of pure essential oils is all that's necessary to begin. The words "pure essential oil" should be on the packaging and the price will vary from oil to oil. When waved under the nose, the scent should be exactly that of the plant from which it came, with all its complexity and fullness. There are a variety of ways to experience aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, in whatever form you choose, is pleasurable and effective. It adds another dimension to the time you take to relax. It can help make the days when there isn't much time to relax go a little bit easier. Have fun, be creative, and don't forget to breathe! Let's experiment with some aromatherapy essential oils. Terra Cotta Pendants
Diffuse Essential Oils Wherever You Go
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