Title: Aromatherapy Essential Oils - An Inheritance Well Acclaimed
Author: Bryan Josling
Article :
The use of essential oils, which is derived from the pure
essence of a plant, is not new. Though the term aromatherapy was
coined only in the 1920s (by Gattefossé in 1928), people knew of
aromatherapy essential oils from the prehistoric times. Starting
from the Chinese to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian
civilizations, each have added to the science of essential oils
and to aromatherapy as a whole.
Research still continues in the field of aromatherapy essential
oils, with new developments being made in the field.
Aromatherapy and essential oils are no longer limited to
cosmetic or aromatic uses only. Many of the essential oils have
been proved to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits too. Take
lavender oil for instance. French chemist Gattefossé would have
been unaware of the properties of lavender oil to give instant
relief without any scar in cases of burn, until he burnt his
hand and accidentally put his hand in the jar full of the
essence of lavender. Similarly, there are a large number of
essential oils that have medicinal properties. The 'tulsi' plant
or Indian basil, distinct through its strong aroma and taste, is
considered "the elixir of life" since it is thought to bring
longevity. The use of the plant's extracts is made to treat
illnesses like headaches, inflammation, heart disease, and
malaria. The essential oils derived from 'karpoora tulsi' have
found use in the manufacture of herbal toiletry.
Essential oils are derived from almost every part of the plant.
Leaves, stems, flowers, roots, etc are distilled through steam
or water to result into essential oils. Consequently,
aromatherapy essential oils contain the true essence of the
plant. In its purest form, a few drops of essential oil can give
the same results that loads of that plant would have given. This
is because essential oils are available in concentrated form.
Though referred to as oil, essential oils in aromatherapy do not
give that oily feeing. Except for a few oils such as patchouli,
orange and lemongrass, most oils are clear and see-through.
Aromatherapy essential oils must be differentiated from the
perfume or fragrance oils. While essential oils contain the
purest essence of the plant, fragrance oils are made of
artificially created substances as a whole or a part of it.
Fragrance oils may cause allergies or other skin reaction
because of the use of artificial substances; but the use of
essential oils brings upon no such allergic reaction.
Aromatherapy essential oils can be used by people either through
inhalation or by applying them on skin in a diluted form. When
essential oils are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and lungs
directly, thus producing an instant effect on the ailment.
Applying aromatherapy essential oils on the body is good for
absorption. Since essential oils are available in a concentrated
form, they need to be diluted using carrier oil. Sweet almond
oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, etc are blended with
the essential oil; and the mixture is used on the body or the
part that is afflicted. One needs to be very careful while
purchasing an essential oil. Though readily available, people
are not well equipped to differentiate between the good quality
and poor quality essential oil. The following checklist might be
helpful to all those people who are on their way shopping for
aromatherapy essential oils:
* A vendor who allows you to check the essential oil is
preferred more. * If the bottle containing essential oils has
terms such as fragrance oils, nature identical oils; they are
not essential oils. * Never buy a bottle of essential oil that
seems old. It might be adulterated or just might not produce the
medicinal benefits. * A clear glass bottle of essential oils
allows light to come in, thus reducing its aroma therapeutic
benefits. Avoid buying essential oils that are sold in clear
glass bottles. * Essential oils sold in plastic bottles too must
be avoided as it dissolves plastic and becomes contaminated for
use.
About the author:
Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station
in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants.
To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils,
essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com
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