All About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is more than just using aromas from essential oils for relaxation. Essential oils have been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years for medicinal purposes as well. If you are interested in using aromatherapy for any number of purposes, it is best to understand exactly what aromatherapy is and how it is used.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is considered to be an alternative form of medicine in which essential plant oils are used to benefit the body and the mind. Aromatherapy oils are diffused into the air, inhaled into the respiratory system, or applied to the skin. Aerial diffusions of essential oils are used to relax and stimulate the mind, repel insects, and disinfect the air. Direct applications of aromatherapy oil compounds onto the skin are used to treat fungal and bacterial infections, muscle injuries, and to soothe and perfume the skin. Some aromatherapy oils are inhaled to treat respiratory ailments like sinus infections, or the oils are used as a decongestant and expectorate.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

There are two basic principles of aromatherapy. The first principle is based on the mental effects that can result from inhaling essential oil aromas. Some essential oils, such as lavender and rose oils, promote feelings of relaxation. Other oils like lemon and cypress stimulate the mind and can help fight feelings of fatigue; the essential oils of sandalwood and ylang ylang are well known aphrodisiacs. It is not scientifically known how the aromas from essential oils elicit certain feelings or what chemical pathways in the brain are stimulated from these aromas. However, the effectivity of aromatherapy on the brain has been proven through hundreds of years of use and by recent scientific studies.

The second principle of aromatherapy is based on the medicinal, or pharmacological, uses of essential oils. In the States aromatherapy is frequently used for aromatic and mental benefits. However, in many European countries aromatherapy is frequently used for medicinal purposes. Tea tree oil is commonly used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties; it is also used as a disinfectant. Mint and Eucalyptus oils are used to open up the respiratory pathways in cases of congestion. Clove oil is a popular aromatherapy treatment for dental pains, and yarrow oil is massaged into the skin to treat muscle injuries and inflammation of the joints. The medicinal aromatherapy properties are gained through absorbing the oils into the skin, or through inhaling the aromas from the essential oils.

Aromatherapy Use Guidelines

Aromatherapy oils are concentrated plant oils; these oils are very potent and can cause allergic reactions to the skin. Never place aromatherapy oils directly on your skin without diluting them with water or benign carrier oils such as olive oil. Only buy 100% pure organic essential oils. Research how to use aromatherapy oils for specific conditions before you begin any aromatherapy treatments.