Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts in various ways to heal the body, mind and spirit. Essential oils and hydrosols are the most common plant extracts used for healing. Carriers are oils
used to apply the essential oils since they
cannot be directly put onto the skin.
Essential oils are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) to extract the components that produce scent. The residual water that is left after extraction is a hydrosol which is a very gentle and highly diluted essential oil water. Both promote health and well-being through the intuitive and scientific application of blends that are created by an aromatherapist. These blends can be applied topically through the skin or inhaled through the nose into the lungs.
Aromatic plants have been used throughout history to heal. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used plants medicinally and in cosmetics. Scent was part of everyday life. Eventually, the knowledge of aromatic plants spread throughout Europe.
Modern-day aromatherapy was developed by French perfumer and chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1937. He discovered, after burning his hand and submerging it into lavender oil in his lab, that the oil had healing properties. Not only did his hand heal, but it was left unscarred!
Today, essential oils are used for everything from headaches to anxiety and stress management. They have been studied and found to have chemical components that exhibit healing properties. Many are sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, carminative and much more!
Many studies show that using essential oils can alleviate conditions such as:
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Mental focus
Nausea
Gas and bloating
Obesity
Dry skin
Wound and scar healing
My favorite ways to use essential oils and hydrosols with clients to support their health and well-being are:
- Roll-ons: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil that can be rolled on with a small roller bottle and massaged into skin. These are convenient and easy to carry in your pocket.
- Aroma Inhalers: These are portable plastic or refillable aluminum sticks that have an absorbent wick soaked with essential oil blends. These are fun and convenient to carry with you to use throughout the day.
- Aromatherapy Jewelry: Necklaces and bracelets can be worn after applying essential oils to a felt pad or stone and inhaled throughout the day as needed.
Essential oils are health promoting and balance mind, body, and soul!
