Aromatherapy By: Caitlin Smith. Can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils A medicinal practice with much history Smell is only one part.

AromatherapyBy: Caitlin Smith

Can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils

A medicinal practice with much history Smell is only one part of its benefits

The alternative therapy can boost our immune, respiratory, and circulatory systems

It can enhance our mood and alleviate stress and anxiety

Aromatherapy can also help treat discomforts in the body

Aromatherapy Defined

What are essential oils?

How can they be extracted?

Why does aromatherapy work? How does it provide benefits?

Methods for application.

Essential Oils

“Essential” refers to the distinctive scent, or essence, of a plant.

Contained in concentrated oil sacs.

Found in the roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, stem, bark, and seeds of aromatic plants

In plants – provide flavor, fragrance, a toxic element

Purpose in nature often corresponds to its use therapeutically. Wormwood is a great example. The herb has

traditionally been used as a vermifuge in humans. The essential oil serves the same purpose in the plant, protecting it from parasites.

Purpose of Essential Oils

The aromatic molecules comprising essential oils are volatile. The best time to collect the oils would be at night when they are concentrated.

Steam distillation is the most popular method for extracting. Produces the extracted essential oil as well as

hydrosol. Hydrosol has a gentle therapeutic value that works

well when treating kids. Lavender and rose water for example.

Extraction Methods

A note on purity – Easy way to test the pureness of an essential oil would be to pick up on any adulterants through smell, also if an extract is pure, it will evaporate completely on paper

Through our sense of smell. Olfactory nerves carry the odor messages

directly to the limbic system. Particular scents can bring forth powerful

memories which tells us that aromas can increase our memory retention (For retention and concentration: basil, rosemary, peppermint, and lemon)

Also reach the hypothalamus leading to the release of neurotransmitters. Can diminish pain, induce euphoria, promote

relaxation, stimulate sexual feelings, and keep us alert and awake.

How Aromatherapy Benefits

How Aromatherapy Benefits

Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin and from there they can enter the bloodstream.

Low MW and oil soluble Mix with sebaceous

glands and travel to circulatory system

Used to dilute the concentrated essential oil. Essential oils are often too strong to use alone

Most common carriers are vegetable or seed oil.

Carriers are natural and they are not volatile. Examples of good carriers:

Apricot kernel, grapeseed, hazelnut, rosehip seed, macadamia nut, wheat germ, and sesame oil

Carriers

Herbal oils are extracts of medicinal plants (extracted by steeping in a vegetable oil base).

Fatty and nonvolatile substances Examples:

St. John’s Wort – excellent wound healer Reduces inflammation, an antiviral, soothes nerves,

and treats nervous disorders Calendula

Speeds wound closing, stimulates new tissue formation, mildly stimulates circulation, quickly reduces inflammation

Herbal Oils as Carriers

Inhalation Aroma lamps – another way to achieve same effect

is to put 1-3 drops of oil on light bulb Diffuser – used during resp. illness or to disinfect a

room Humidifier – helps to disinfect the room while

loosening mucus deposits in resp. tract Facial/Respiratory steam Portable inhalation – no equipment needed, apply

6-10 drops of oil onto handkerchief and store in plastic bag; disinfects, relieves stress, anxiety, motion sickness

Sauna – to detoxify the system and cleanse bronchial tubes

Methods of Application

Topical Compress – acute inflammations that are red

should be treated with a cold compress; for chronic aches and pains use a hot compress. Fill a bowl, add 4-6 drops essential oil.

Massage Baths – Good for aches and pains, muscle tension,

skin disorders, stress, emotional well-being Never add essential oil while bath water is still

running or it will evaporate. Add 5-12 drops, soak for 20 min.

Internal – seek guidance from qualified aromatherapist Base substances – sugar cube, spoonful of honey, tea

bag, tbsp. wine, cup of tea

Methods of Application

Ericksen, Marlene., Healing with Aromatherapy. Los Angeles: Keats Publishing, 2000. Print.

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue53/article2207.html?ts=1377021818&signature=f463a98121ecbe7764d2e17d70555738&ts=1397425223&signature=d8485d4adf45bdb22201724f947f2eb8&ts=1397577688&signature=23980b239f8880551bbb8a5d5176c1f0&ts=1398909525&signature=6de1277bd742f17bbd818fdd7c5c4900

http://annadannfelt.com/tag/essential-oils/

Resources