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WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the volatile extracts from plants which we call essential oils for physical, emotional and mental good health. Aroma is described in my dictionary as a sweet smell and therapy as a curative treatment. Curative is an old-fashioned word – I prefer to describe aromatherapy as natural therapy using essential oils to improve our health and well-being. Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. We seem to be rediscovering the benefits which were familiar to our wise mothers and grandmas. Not only did they understand the healing effects of aromatherapy oils on the body, but they also they used them in the home to create ambience, and in cosmetics for skincare. It is important to know that perfume oils, also called fragrant oils, are not the same as essential oils. Fragrant oils contain synthetic chemicals and do not have the therapeutic benefits of pure and natural essential oils.
Essential oils can be used to treat physical problems including headaches, insomnia or sleep difficulties, muscular aches and pains, skin conditions such as eczema, coughs and colds. When applying essential oils to the skin we dilute them in pure vegetable oils called carrier or base oils. In my original career as a pharmacist I dispensed prescriptions using the same ingredients I now use as an aromatherapist. I recall making inhalations to ease congestion with eucalyptus and pine, and liniments to soothe muscular aches using wintergreen. In modern medicine the natural ingredients are often replaced with synthetic drugs.
When inhaled essential oils can have a positive benefit on the mind and emotions. Different oils can be relaxing, uplifting, refreshing, revitalizing, and balancing, restoring a positive state of well-being. When trying to improve a physical ailment, it is helpful to think about what is happening emotionally. Attitude of mind can be a powerful healer.
Aromatherapy is easy to use and it is fun! But a word of caution – essential oils are very strong. A little goes a long way. Just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe e.g. belladonna, or deadly nightshade, is a natural plant but it is poisonous. Use essential oils with some care, follow basic guidelines, and enjoy the benefits. If you are in doubt, ask a qualified aromatherapist.
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