Aromatherapy is the practice of using concentrated plant extracts, called essential oils, to promote health and well being. Essential oils can be inhaled, applied to your skin or, in some instances, ingested. The permeable nature of skin allows the essential oils present in aromatherapy products to be absorbed. The University of Minnesota's Taking Charge of Your Health website says that areas of your skin that possess high numbers of sweat glands or hair follicles may absorb oils more readily.
Massage Oil
Massage is often used in conjunction with aromatherapy products. Massage aids in the absorption of the skin care product, and thus the acceleration of any desired effects. Most essential oils require dilution in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Commonly used carrier oils include jojoba and almond oil. To apply essential oils through massage, you should dilute the essential oil to a ratio of one drop per teaspoon of carrier oil. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that essential oil massage in conjunction with medication or therapy may aid those suffering from depression.
Salve
A salve is a skin care product that can be prepared using beeswax and essential oil. The beeswax helps to thicken the preparation and aid its ability to moisturize and protect the skin. Lavender oil is an antimicrobial agent, and it has been used in aromatherapy salves designed to ease itching and inflammation. Certain people may possess immune sensitivities that make them prone to allergic reactions to certain essential oils. Additionally, essential oils such as bergamot or citrus oils may cause reactions when applied to skin that is subsequently exposed to sunlight, a condition known as photosensitivity.
Compress
Essential oils may be applied to your skin using a warm cloth that has been moistened with a carrier oil. Several types of essential oils may be put to use through this method. For example, UMMC notes that eucalyptus oil applied to the nose and chest has been used to treat arthritis, boils and skin wounds. Tea tree oil is known to have antifungal properties and has been applied in cases of athlete's foot, scabies and ringworm, according to herbal medicine consultant Mimi Hernandez, coordinator of the Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies at Frostburg State University. The University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center confirms that tea tree oil has demonstrated effectiveness in removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the skin of hospital patients.
References
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aromatherapy
- "Topical Herbs"; Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG); 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus
- University of Minnesota Taking Charge of Your Health: How Do I Choose and Use Essential Oils?
Member Comments