Aromatherapy, an age-old practice, uses fragrant Essential Oils with beneficial compounds. Sometimes blended with carrier oils, practicing in aromatherapy can result in:
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary health practice that uses essential oils from plants to encourage wellness on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. The term “aromatherapy” dates back to the early 1900s, when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse found that applying lavender oil had a healing effect on his own injured hand, which had been burned in his lab. The practice of using aromatherapy oils extends much farther back in time, with ancient civilizations throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East calling upon fragrant plants to assist with a wide variety of health issues. As methods to distill aromatherapy oils became more refined over the centuries, they grew increasingly popular, with production making considerable advances during the 20th century. Today, aromatherapy oils are highly concentrated; they must be used sparingly, and are often diluted in carrier oils for topical applications.**
Aromatherapy’s diverse traditional uses are rooted in science. Aromatherapy oils work by stimulating the nose’s olfactory receptors, which send messages through the nervous system. These messages are routed to the limbic system, the brain’s “control center” for emotions. In addition to processing smell, the limbic system is associated with learning and memory, which means that the subtleties of aromatherapy oils can influence cognition and emotion. For example, studies have shown that floral lavender aromatherapy oils have a relaxing effect and may promote optimal sleep.**
The beneficial effects of aromatherapy oils can lead to wellness attributes that reach further into the physical arena. Research has indicated that the use of lavender and other calming aromatherapy oils such as neroli can result in lowered blood pressure levels. Other aromatherapy oils also have a more direct physical effect. In fact, investigations have found that tea tree oil, known for its cool and woodsy scent, has inflammation-modulating and antimicrobial activity and can help to maintain healthy skin.**
The primary methods of using aromatherapy oils are:
- Aromatherapy Diffuser: Drops of essential oil are placed in an aromatherapy diffuser, which disperses the fragrance throughout a room, allowing for indirect inhalation. An aromatherapy diffuser can be found in many shapes and sizes. In the ancient diffuser method, a few drops of aromatherapy oil are placed in a dish filled with water that is suspended over a tea light candle. As the candle heats the dish, the essential oils are vaporized and released into the air. Other more high-tech aromatherapy diffusers have plug-in heating elements that vaporize oils and scent the air. A few drops of essential oils may also be added to a small spray bottle of water that can be spritzed around a space. Aromatherapy candles, which are often made with essential oils, have a similar effect, carrying a specific fragrance around a room when lit.**
- Direct Inhalation: Aromatherapy oils can be directly inhaled from their vial or from a glass or bowl of warm water containing a few drops of oil. Many essential oils are quite potent, so the latter option offers a subtler and less intense experience. Essential oils may also be added to the stream of a shower (approximately 5-10 drops). The effect can be extended by briefly covering the drain to let the oil circulate longer around the shower.**
- Topical Application: Aromatherapy oils are used on the skin in a number of ways. Lotions or bath salts may contain essential oils or have them mixed in for fragrant effect. Aromatherapy oils can also be put into a bath by placing 5-10 drops near the flow of water. The most renowned method of topical essential oil use is massage. Before an oil can be used in massage, though, it must be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba, which allows it to be safely and comfortably worked into the skin for relaxation. A common topical ratio for aromatherapy oils is 7-10 essential oil drops to one ounce of carrier oil. Massages with aromatherapy oils can range from a simple neck-and-shoulder self-massage to a professional full-body massage. Outside of massage, aromatherapy is sometimes combined with other complementary wellness practices, such as acupuncture, depending on the specific health issue at hand.**
With benefits that involve the body, mind and spirit, aromatherapy is emblematic of holistic wellness practices. Many aromatherapy oils even have distinct multiple aspects—lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and cedar oils, for example, are all dynamic fragrances that encourage both serenity and rejuvenation. Research has shown that the beneficial effects of aromatherapy oils extend to overall quality of life, with multiple studies reinforcing its positive effect on general well-being, particularly for seniors and/or those who are contending with major health issues.**
The holistic wellness benefits of aromatherapy oils can be further explored by combining essential oils. The flowery fragrance of jasmine, for example, might be mixed with citrus oils such as orange or lemon for an energizing and uplifting blend. Given the hundreds of aromatherapy oils available, there are countless wellness-promoting possibilities.**
Aromatherapy Products
Aromatherapy products are available in many different forms. Essential oils are commonly offered in 15 ml vials. These aromatherapy oils can be blended, either commercially or at home. Since these oils are notably concentrated, they may be mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond for topical use. Aromatherapy oils are also an ingredient in some lotions and bath salts. Aromatherapy candles are a simple yet popular way to release beneficial fragrances, and an aromatherapy diffuser is yet another approach to using essential oils.**
Aromatherapy Directions for Use
Although aromatherapy oils have no standard suggested dosage, they should be used with restraint. A general guideline for topical application of aromatherapy oils is 10 drops or less for every ounce of carrier oil.**
New to Aromatherapy?
We invite you to check out our Aromatherapy & Essential Oils 101 blog on The Pipe Line!
