About Aromatherapy

Overview

Aromatherapy involves taking certain oils and plant materials and using their scents as a form of relaxation or alternative medicine. The main purpose is to alter or enhance someone's mood or physical well being. Most are easily recognized for the scent or their combination of scents with other oils. Most products are created from the oils of a plant, as they give off most of the smell. Aromatherapy is popular at spas, beauty shops and for home use.

Oils

Oils are one of the purest forms of aromatherapy. They are also the strongest scented. In pure oils, there is usually very little or no additives or water in them, making them very strong. Essential oils are similar but often have alcohol or water added to them to stretch the product further. Many pure oils are added to products such as candles, air fresheners, potpourri, incense, lotions, soaps and therapy packs. Myrrh, balsam, peppermint, sage, lavender, rosemary, ginger, sweet orange, sandalwood and tea tree are some of the popular oils on the market. Oils are also used in diffusers that contain reeds or porous sources that slowly give off the scents.

Incense

The use of incense in aromatherapy is a method of aerial diffusion in which the incense wand or stick is burned to allow fragrance to fill the air. Incense is popular as a fragrance but can also be used during relaxation. Popular fragrance oils include lemon grass, rose, sandalwood, cloves, jasmine and geranium. Bergamot and eucalyptus may also be used as air freshener. For relaxation, yoga and meditation popular oils may include neroli, ylang ylang, lavender, basil and chamomile.

Potpourri

Potpourri often uses dried herbs and synthetics to create attractive displays. This is another form of aerial diffusion of an aromatherapy product. Essential oils are added to provide scent and give off a relaxing or invigorating feel. Potpourri is often used in homes or other areas where scent needs to be added. Sometimes it is tucked away in baskets or boxes, or it may be visibly displayed in glass containers and bowls. Another option with potpourri is the simmering pot, which generally holds about a half a cup of potpourri. A few tablespoons of water can be added before the pot is set on low heat. The potpourri then releases the scent into the air.

Lotion

Both pure and essential oils are often found in lotions used for topical application. Many oils such as ylang ylang, basil, lemon, peppermint and jasmine are designed to awaken the senses and can be used as a daily lotion or during a massage. For relaxing at bedtime, lavender, rose and cypress are often used.

Medicinal

In aromatherapy, many oils are used for medicinal purposes. Many of these oils are indirectly inhaled in order to feel their effects. Ginger oil is often used to treat those with motion sickness, nausea, arthritis and certain types of parasites. Lemon and rosemary has been known to stimulate the brain and help with ADHD and learning disorders. Eucalyptus and oil extracts of mint can help with breathing and sinus problems in many people. None should be a substitution for medicines recommended or prescribed by a physician.