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 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 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 sown 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 amount the natural variances in order to avoid
immunity.
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