The Buyers
Guide to Aromatherapy
The Essential Oil
Company
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Aromatherapy - isn't
new, the theory and practice of using essential oils and aromatic scents
for therapy and wisdom has been with us for thousands of years. The
Egyptians were probably the first make use of aromatherapy and aromatic
herbs. Indeed they used essences for religion, medicine and cosmetics.
There is no reason disbelieve that Egyptians used a form of aromatherapy
candle to burn essential oils and evoke the spirits of those who were
being prepared for mummification. Certainly aromatic essences and resins
were used in the embalming process.
With the ancient
Greeks we can take aromatherapy back to the most famous physician of
that time - Hippocrates (c.460 - 377 BC) he was also a firm believer
in treating the patient holistically and included aromatherapy massage
as a treatment. During the Arabian empire a Persian physician named,
Avicenna (980 - 1,037 AD) is recorded with perfecting the distillation
process of essential oils.
Scented candles
can be traced back to Colonial America when settlers discovered that
boiling the distinctive grayish green berries of the bayberry bush produced
a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. However, the process of extracting
the wax from the bayberries was extremely time consuming. As a result,
the popularity of bayberry candles soon extinguished. (pun intended)
Today aromatherapy
candles are used to set the ambiance of any room and can be changed
for seasons and reasons. Aromatherapy candles can be used in business
as well as domestic situations.
So aromatherapy
isn't new but the name is, relatively speaking, it was was first coined
in 1937 by the French chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse.
Although not a believer of natural health he was interested in the properties
that essential oils exhibited. An accident changed his mind when in
1910 he badly burnt his hand in agony he used the nearest coolant and
unwittingly treated his badly burnt hand with pure undiluted lavender
oil, not only did it immediately ease the pain, but helped heal his
hand without any sign of a scar or indeed infection. He also discovered
that minute amounts of essential oils are absorbed by the body and work
with the body chemistry as part of the healing process. [ Never use
neat oils on the skin; if using oils for massage always dilute the oils
in a carrier oil (e.g. almond, grapeseed or jojoba) according to the
manufacturer's instructions.]
Here in the UK aromatherapy
was re-introduced by Robert Tisserand in 1969; he began the first aromatherapy
training institute in the early 1970s, and has written several books
on the subject, he wrote his first book in 1977. The Art of Aromatherapy
is now published in ten languages.
The benefits of
burning aromatherapy candles can be experienced when fragrances from
essential oils are inhaled. These fragrances trigger a host of chemical
actions within our body, these actions include the release of specific
chemicals. Enkephalin reduces pain and creates a feeling of well-being.
Our body's 'morphine', Endorphins also reduce pain and can induce sexual
feelings. Serotonin helps us relax and be calm. Essential oils contain
antibacterial properties and also may contain antibiotic, antiviral,
and other therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy is holistic therapy for
our mind, body, and spirit.
Because the olfactory
nerves are a direct extension of the brain's limbic system, reaction
to smell is relayed immediately. Essential oils act on the olfactory
nerves, these nerves are located within the nasal cavity and respond
to particular aromas. They send the information to the part of the brain
where memory and emotions lie. This area is connected to another part
of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which governs the hormonal
systems.
Each essential oil
has distinct therapeutic properties that affect the body's natural functioning.
These essential oils possess an variety of stimulant, anti-infectious,
anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties. In the practice of aromatherapy
by professionals, essential oils are applied in a variety of ways including
massage, ointments, lotions, baths and inhalations. Their professional
holistic application is applied for the needs of the individual 'patient'.
Professional aromatherapists are trained to recognize that each individual
requires a unique blend of essences.
Before
we look at specific smells reminiscent of Christmas or childhood, let's
take a look at how commonly known fragrances can help us, such as Eucalyptus:
This is considered to be a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and decongestant.
Helpful in alleviating colds and is a great air purifier. Geranium is
considered to be relaxing but also it is mentally stimulating. Geranium
in aromatherapy helps relieve nervous tension, PMS, post natal depression,
and stress related ailments. Lavender has a distinctive fragrance and
this essential oil is considered soothing and relaxing and said to help
relieve stress, depression and anxiety. Orange is stimulating and rejuvenating.
It is helpful in creating clean-smelling atmospheric well-being. Known
to counter depression, hysteria, shock and nervous tension. A touch
of clove adds a light spicy Christmas note. Rosewood offers a pleasant
fragrance which is helpful in creating a soothing atmosphere and general
well-being.
Aromatherapy candles
in the office: Anyone who works in an office or other commercial environment
will be acutely aware of how easily one can become stressed. A blend
of lavender creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere and grapefruit clears
stale air and also helps concentration. Geranium is considered to be
relaxing and yet mentally stimulating. Orange revitalises circulation
and nervous system and encourages positive thinking. Lemon also stimulates
circulation, reduces high blood pressure and makes themind alert and
clear. Pine stimulates and refreshes it combats pessimism and fatigue.
Aromatherapy candles
in the home: If you have problems sleeping then light a Sandalwood candle
for mind calming and anti-insomnia properties and a Lavender candle
for relaxation properties. Do you want an aromatherapy solution to smelly
feet? Citronella has deodorant and stimulating qualities which are excellent
for tired, sweaty feet! -also a great insect repellent. Cedar too, is
an insect repellent it also calms anxiety and fear. Still on smelly
things, eucalyptus purifies the air and clears blocked noses, it brings
down fever.Lavendar eases headache and migraine it educes anxiety, exhaustion
and helps relaxation.
Aromatheapy candles
for love and sex: To spice up your love life burn some Ylang-Ylang and
Jasmine for their aphrodisiac aromatherapy properties.Ylang ylang has
aphrodisiac qualities it has a relaxing and uplifting effect and relieves
frustration, anxiety and depression. Jasmine has aphrodisiac qualities
and encourages optimism and self-confidence it helps relax and stave
off depression. Rose reduces depression, shock and anger and honeysuckle
has a relaxing scent of warm summer days.
