Aromatherapy
... reflex, he plunged his burned arm into the closest liquid which happened to be a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in 1928. From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century the use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life. Today's awareness regarding the use of synthetics, coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrance and spiritual use. • How does it work? Aromatherapy is basically an essential oil that is generally distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. The practice of essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs and/or applied to the skin is believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but the naturally occurring chemicals of the essential oils are drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefit. Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer. Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption. Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. Essential oils can vary greatly in quality and price. Various factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant. • What it does/can do for you? If you expect or hope that aromatherapy will in itself cure a major illness or actually cure "stress," you will probably be in for a disappointment. If you expect that aromatherapy can help with a physical condition, affects your mood, or temporarily eliminate stress or other psychological factors, you may be happy with the results that you experience. Oils can directly or indirectly affect the body's physiological systems. For instance, a couple of drops of peppermint taken orally can aid digestion. Used for their antiseptic and soothing effects, essential oils can successfully treat minor skin conditions. In add...