So What Exactly is Aromatherapy?
Aroma = fragrance,
Therapy = healing.
Aromatherapy Treats a Person’s Physical, Emotional, and Energetic Layers.
The meaning of aromatherapy is healing through fragrance and scents.
With Aromatherapy, sometimes just smelling the essential oil is sufficient to treat the problem and bring about healing.
Aromatherapy is not only complementary therapy, or alternative medicine.
It is part of herbal medicine, which is based on the principles of holistic medicine,
which perceives the person as complete and takes care of all his strata.
Aromatherapy treats a person’s physical, emotional, and energetic layers, and improves his quality of life.
Some may say that there is no disease that it cannot cure.
Aromatherapy: The Steam Distillation Process
The essential oils are plants extracts, herbs, spices, and steam-refined branches.
The steams flows through a container in which the aromatic plant is present,
increasing the overall vapor pressure of the mixture,
And so, allowing the oil to refine at a temperature lower than its boiling temperature.
The mixture exits the container and cools in the condenser,
Where the oil seperates from the condensate by its low specific gravity and water solubility.
The water created in the process are called hydrosols.
The Roles of the Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
Even in the Old Testament, the oils are mentioned for healing and spiritual transcendence.
In ancient Egypt, they also used oils for healing, body cleansing, and religious worship.
By the observation of plants and the purpose of their essential oils,
it was deduced that the role of essential oils in the plant is usually to protect against bacterial and fungal.
Therefore, most essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
In addition, the plants use the essential oils as a layer of protection from weather hazards, among others.
Each oil is a “messenger” to another system of the body,
and so brings it to balance by stimulating, sedating, and strengthening it.
Oils have the ability to relieve pain, soothe, and improve mood.
So How do Essential Oils Heal the Body?
Through the nose – The aroma of the essential oil penetrates directly through the nose,
to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions –
that can have an immediate emotional impact.
How many times have you smelled a scent that made you instantly change your mood and consciousness?
Sometimes you couldn’t even put your finger on what it was and why it happened – that’s exactly it …
Absorbed through the skin – When applied topically, the oil penetrates the skin,
enters the bloodstream, and reaches every cell.
Also, the oil has a direct effect on the peripheral nervous system located in the skin.
Suppositories – There is an option to make suppositories (usually based on coconut butter),
by adding them therapeutic aromatic extracts according to the pathology.
For example a suppository for lowering the heat, to reduce vaginal fungus, and for treating hemorrhoids.
So in What Ways Can We Use Essential Oils?
There are various ways to use essential oils, these are some of them:
Steam Inhalation – Effective in conditions of respiratory problems, immune system.
Cold or Hot Compresses – For rheumatic and other conditions.
Baths – Mix a few drops of essential oils with carrier oils, like Sweet Almonds cold-pressed oil.
Adding it to a bath can reduce the body temperature,
open the airways, and also treat problems related to the female and urinary systems.
Scent – Direct smelling of the essential oil can have an immediate effect.
For example, smelling a lavender essential oil can calm down in a state of an anxiety attack.
Oral Flushes – Gargle water mixed with a few drops of essential oil to treat a sore throat or mouth sores.
A Burner or Diffuser – Used for disinfection, for a good atmosphere, or during meditation.
Also, there are some oils that can be applied directly to the body without dilution –
However, It is advisable to consult before applying, to prevent irritation.
Natural & Vegan Ointments
The method in which I use essential oils is mainly through ointments.
The ointments penetrate the skin layer rapidly,
reaching the bloodstream and from there to each cell,
allowing the active substances present in the selected plants to treat the various pathologies.
