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Aromatherapy Basics By Michael Russell
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| Wednesday, December 31, 2008 |
Aromatherapy is considered one of the most important business today! Need evidence? Take a tour to all food products and natural herb store and you will see a wide variety of aromatherapy products on display. Although relatively new to the United States, the popularity of aromatherapy has grown to unprecedented heights in the context of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) since its "birth" in the 80s.
What is aromatherapy? There is still some controversy surrounding this issue. Some claim that aromatherapy is all about fragrances and is commonly seen as anything that breathes the scent sweet smell like candles and potpourri. Some even claim that the oils used should not even be of natural origin. This is not the true element of aromatherapy. In its absolute sense, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from natural sources botanical influence physiological and psychological well-being of a person.
Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils for healing and therapeutic, traces its origin from Neanderthal times. The method is commonly used throughout the ancient period that transverses the limits of distance and culture. It was so widely practiced that you can see references to ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Roman, Tibetan, Australia and New Zealand, North America, South America and the Middle East sources.
What are the essential oils and how they are used in aromatherapy? Essential oils are volatile liquid products extracted from plant sources. These oils are extracted from plant matter either by steam distillation, expression, or through the current method of extraction with supercritical CO2.
In steam distillation, steam towards the plant material, which vaporizes the most volatile of the plant. This process gives two products - the essential oil (contains oil-soluble products) and Hydrosol (containing water-soluble products). Rose water is one of the most popular hydrosols produced using this method.
The most popular expression is used in the extraction of essential oils of citrus. In this process, a citrus zest is grated or scratch to release the oil. No heat is applied in this method, so that the oil produced odors essentially the same as its source. The oils of lime, lemon and grapefruit are obtained by this method.
In supercritical CO2 extraction, carbon dioxide is used to produce high quality extract which has a composition similar to that of natural material.
What conditions are usually treated with aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is effective for a wide range of conditions and diseases. Basil oil, for example, can be used to fight against depression, sharpening memory and to treat headaches and migraines. Others have stimulating effects on physical systems such as digestive and urinary tract (oil of bergamot) and the circulatory system (oil, black pepper). Still others, can be used as an analgesic (oil of cloves), topical antiseptics and as disinfectants (the tea tree oil, eucalyptus, oil sandalwood , Etc.) and insect repellents (oil of bergamot, lemon oil). Some even act as aphrodisiacs (jasmine, rose, sandalwood oil and ylang ylang)!
The application of the oil depends on the nature of the disease or condition being treated and the effects of therapy. It can be inhaled (proven to positively influence psychological well-being of a person), topical application or ingestion.
Although relatively safe, some people May experience allergic reactions to certain oils. Cross-sensitivity, or the potential to experience allergic reactions to substances, May also another possibility. May this be caused by the presence of adulterants in the oil you use. For added security, take extra precautions when using the products. Essential oils are very concentrated so applications for the skin, remember to use a concentration not exceeding 5% to avoid negative reactions. If you use methods inhaled, please note that the exhibition should not be more than 15 minutes to 1 hour.
If in doubt, always consult a qualified practitioner.
Break a team of information. We humans are not the only beneficiaries of these wonderful oils. Use these plants naturally essential oils in controlling and curing infections, humidity, hormonal effects and attract or repel insects, birds and animals.
Michael Russell Your independent guide to aromatherapy |
posted by neptunus @ 10:28 PM
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