Learn About Essential Oils:
Black Pepper Oil
Bergamot Oil
Essential oil entries will be added above, one at a time....
In the meantime, here are some great resources:
Take a look at Essential Oil Profiles and Properties and Uses for Essential Oils at
Wavelengths Natural Health Aromatherapy.
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Showing posts with label Aromatherapy Basics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aromatherapy Basics. Show all posts
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Aromatherapy Dictionary
Blending
Combining different essential oils and carrier oils for balance, safety, and effectiveness.
Carrier Oil
Also known as a "base oil" or "fixed oil" (because it is non-volitile, or does not evaporate). Examples of carrier oils include almond, grapeseed, olive, sesame, wheat germ, and canola oil. Used to dilute essential oils so that they may be used safely. Many carrier oils have their own valuable, unique therapeutic properties.
Diffusion
Passive diffusion simply allows essential oils to evaporate. Heat diffusion utilizes steam or a heat source to volatilize the essential oils more quickly, but may damage or alter essential oil constituents. Nebulizing diffusers do not use heat, but create an extremely fine essential oil mist that disperses into the room, and which can be easily absorbed via the lungs when inhaled.
Dilution
Reducing the strength of an essential oil by using a few drops in a larger volume of carrier oil or other diluting substance. It is important to dilute essential oils before applying them, as they can be irritating when used neat, or undiluted.
Distillation
Usually steam distillation, the method by which most essential oils are extracted. In steam distillation, steam is passed through plant matter. The heat and water break down the plant material, releasing the essential oils. The steam and volatized essential oils are then cooled and condensed, and the essential oil is separated from the water phase and collected.
Essential Oil
The main material used in aromatherapy, volatile aromatic oils aquired through extraction of organic matter, such as flowers, bark, resin, leaves, and fuit peels.
Expression
Extraction method used to aquire essential oils of citrus fruits, where the fruit peel is pressed to release the essential oil.
Extraction
Separating essential oil constituents from the organic material.
Fragrance (Perfume) Oil
Synthetic, or man-made, aromatic substance. Synthetic or fragrance oils are usually used in perfumes and cosmetic products, and have no therapeutic value or uses. Only natural plant oils are used in aromatherapy.
Hydrosol
Water phase coproduct produced through steam distillation. Sometimes referred to as "floral water" or "hydrolat." Many hydrosols have their own unique therapeutic properties, but there is little information about using hydrosols in aromatherapy.
Patch Test
A test, usually performed on a small area of skin on the inside of the elbow, to ensure that essential oils to be therapeutically will not cause any adverse reaction.
Sensitization
An adverse immune response that may develop through repeated exposure to a substance, that may manifest as a rash, itching, or more serious reactions. Some people may be come sensitized to certain essential oils. If this happens, those oils may no longer be used.
Synthetic Oil
See Fragrance (Perfume) Oil, above
Volatile
Describes a substance that evaporates. Essential oils consist of mostly volatile molecules, so bottles should be kept tightly closed.
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Introduction to Aromatherapy
Many people think that "aromatherapy" is just smelling a relaxing or pleasing aroma. So first, let's talk about what aromatherapy isn't:
- Smelling a boquet of roses, while enjoyable, is not aromatherapy.
- Using synthetically scented air fresheners, despite what the packages may claim, is not aromatherapy.
- Using lavender soap in the shower is not aromatherapy.
Essential oils are the primary and most important substances used in aromatherapy. Essential oils are made by extracting volatile oils from organic plant matter. Some common essential oils are: lavender, extracted from lavender flowers and stems; lemon, extracted from lemon peels; eucalyptus, extracted from eucalyptus leaves; frankincense, extracted from tree resin.
Essential oils are used in many ways, in addition to simple inhalation. Aromatherapy application methods include diffusion for inhalation, steam inhalation, dilution in a carrier oil for massage, dilution in the bath, use in a masque or salve, among others.
Essential oils are also used as fragrance ingredients in beauty products and perfumes. In these cases, the essential oil often is used for its fragrance properties. While essential oils may make the products may smell nice, in nearly all cases there is no significant medical "therapy" taking place when these products are used or applied.
You may still be wondering: why might I want to use essential oils, and what are the health benefits of aromatherapy? Many people have used aromatherapy to help relieve problems such as head and chest congestion, fungal infections, muscle pain, anxiety, and acne.
Last, but not least, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with safety guidelines before you begin doing any aromatherapy on you own. In most cases, essential oils should be well diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil or even olive oil. There is always the potential that an essential oil could cause an adverse reaction, and it is always possible to become sensitized to essential oils. Please do your research before using essential oils.
If you're ready to start exploring the world of aromatherapy, browse the Essential Oil Encyclopedia or delve into Aromatherapy Recipes.
Recommended Resources ~
More Aromatherapy Basics:
- Introduction to Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy 101 Article
- Wikipedia: Aromatherapy
- Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Extraction Information:
Aromatherapy Application Methods:
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy:
- Aromatherapy Health and Beauty Database
- What Does The Research Say About Essential Oils?
- Guide to Aromatherapy Research and Resources
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