Aromatherapy Guide

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Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and

its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself.

It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from

aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and

beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have

soothing effects on the mind and emotions.

 

The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have

been described as their " critical factors " - they are needed

critically for the plants' biological process, as well as being the

substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even

if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital

critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable.

 

Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is

that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and

composition. Essential oils are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices;

woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent

extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if

the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process

and no traces are identifiable.

 

Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils:

 

For Massage:

 

This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their

properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should never

be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil,

such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel.

 

A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended level.

This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of

carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute quantities. The

skin is the largest surface part of the body and is designed to keep

out contaminants from the skin layers.

 

For Bath:

 

Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to

relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well

known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances

the powers of the oils.

 

For daily bathing, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to

the surface of the water, and then bathe yourself for about 20

minutes, whilst you deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about

the quantum oil you use while bathing your children.

 

For Compressing

 

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a

piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the

cloth on the affected part.

 

For Inhalation

 

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then

place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a

few minutes. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension.

 

For Vaporization

 

All essential oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus

make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different

atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good

for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind when you

need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in

your working room or living quarters.

 

As Perfumes

 

It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully

blending different oils. Try blending with different combinations,

which can be mixed with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your

own experiment.

 

Storing Essential Oils

 

Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher

temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight

stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in

an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture.

Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store

essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf

life of several years if properly stored, though the oils derived from

orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind

oil which actually gets better as it ages.

 

Mixing Essential Oils

 

Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some

fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to

experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that you

use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops

easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too

quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross

contamination.

 

Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are various;

different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How

ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application,

aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own

charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of

your own aromatic oil.

 

 

Regards,

Parvidia

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