Where did aromatherapy
originate?
The 5,000 year old science of extracting essential oils is one of the
earliest forms of medicine. The Egyptians used Frankincense, Sandalwood,
Rose, Calendula and many other plant extracts in their day-to-day
practices of medicine and worship. We have learned through recorded
history that Frankincense is one of the essential oils used to treat
anxiety and grief. Chamomile is used for its soothing skin properties,
Lavender is a relaxant, while Rosemary is a stimulant.
What are essential oils?
Pure essential oils are components of a plant’s immune system. They
are most often extracted by steam distillation. The aromatic liquids
that result contain between 500 and 2,000 compounds and vary slightly
from crop to crop depending on growing conditions.
How do aromas affect the body?
We all know that animals are very receptive to smell. Smell is the most
powerful and the most instinctual of all our senses. Scientists say that
our sense of smell is inborn, rather than acquired because new born
infants, even before they have tasted food, screw up their faces at
unpleasant food odours. There are approximately 30 million smell
(olfactory) receptors in each of our nostrils. These receptors send
messages to the brain’s olfactory bulb where the smell is analyzed.
From here the message travels to the limbic system of the brain, the
area of the brain that is responsible for arousal, motivation, emotions
and memory.
What other ways do essential oils
affect the body?
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Its purpose is to protect the
body from unwanted toxins. With the ability to absorb and expel, it
makes sense to use natural products. Some essential oils are
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, or anti-spasmodic.
Essential oils may help to repair tissue, rejuvenate the skin, improve
circulation, balance hormones and break down mucous in the respiratory
system.
Do manufacturers and industry use pure essential oils?
Yes and no. Essential oils are used extensively in the food,
pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfume industry. However, aromas or scents
commonly used in commercial products and by industries are termed Fragrances.
They are often artificially altered, extended and sometimes
adulterated. These practices are used to create consistency and to
extend the volume of an essential oil.
Why use pure essential oils rather than artificially stabilized
fragrances?
Pure essential oils in their natural state are more suited to achieving
specific effects—somewhat like herbology. The key to aromatherapy is
that our bodies respond to the differences among the natural variances
in order to avoid immunity.
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