Aromatherapy uses the powerful connection between your sense of smell and brain responses to affect emotions and achieve results such as relaxation or exhilaration. The aromas for aromatherapy come from essential oils extracted from plant materials including leaves, flowers, seeds, stems and bark. You can use essential oils individually or blended together in a bath, massage or potpourri. Essential oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil or water rather than put undiluted on the skin.
History
Although the Chinese were the earliest civilization known to use plant materials in medicine, the Egyptians were the ones who first applied the aromatic power of essential oils for perfumes, religious ceremonies and embalming, according to Carole McGilvery in "Essential Aromatherapy." Greeks and Romans knew the value of essential oils for relaxation and stimulation and employed them in baths, massages and religious celebrations. Records show that in the Middle Ages, aromas from essential oils were thought to protect the body from diseases such as the Black Plague. Today, people enjoy the effects of aromatherapy through massage, air fresheners and even cleaning products.
How It Works
The sense of smell stimulates parts of your brain that affect emotions and moods. The olfactory nerves in the nose send information on a scent to the brain. These aromas trigger chemical actions, including the release of biological substances such as enkephalin, endorphins and serotonin. Because essential oils influence emotions, aromatherapy can lessen depression, relax nerves and encourage a happier state of mind.
Uses
Perhaps the most common use of essential oils is to mix them with a carrier oil or lotion as part of a massage. The oils are absorbed through the skin, and the accompanying scent enhances the relaxing impact of the muscle manipulation, increasing the effectiveness of the massage and the pleasure of the recipient. Other uses for aromatherapy with essential oils include adding a few drops to your bath, creating a refreshing room spray made from essential oils and distilled water, scented candles, pomanders, sachets or placing a few drops of a relaxing fragrance on your pillow.
Favorites
Choosing a favorite essential oil for aromatherapy is a matter of personal taste and your body's response. Lavender, clary sage, chamomile, marjoram, ylang-ylang, and rosemary are favorite essential oils for promoting relaxation. Stimulating essential oils such as frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, orange, patchouli and peppermint awaken the senses and are frequently used for bath and shower soaps, air-fresheners and cleaning products.
Blends
The art of blending essential oils to optimize the effect in aromatherapy requires consideration of how individual essential oils complement one another. It is a good idea to experiment with suggested blends until you find one that works for you. Simplers Botanical Company recommends allowing blends to rest a week or more before adding carrier oils. They suggest a 10 percent to 15 percent dilution for perfume applications and 5 to 15 drops of blend per ounce of carrier oil for healing massage blends.
References
- "Essential Aromatherapy: A Full-Color Guide to Using Essential Oils for Health Relaxation and Pleasure"; Carole McGilvery; 1996
- Aroma Web: Recipes for blending essential oils
- Simplers Botanical Company: Essential Oil Blending Basics
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