Natural Aromatherapy Products & Essential Oils – The Facts & Benefits!
Facts & benefits from the use of Natural Aromatherapy Products.
Natural aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils derived from plants, shrubs and trees can be used to alleviate psychological ailments and treat medical conditions. These oils are widely used in cosmetics, they can also be used to improve moods and reduce stress. They are known to have powerful effects on both mind and body.
Unlike most perfumes, essential oils contain therapeutic properties and are 100% natural with no man-made chemicals. They are usually extracted by distillation from various parts of plants e.g. flowers, petals, resins, leaves and bark. There are hundreds of oils to choose from. Each has different properties and offer solutions to various ailments that are part of everyday life. The effects of essential oils are two-fold. Whilst the oil penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and address the physical problem directly, the aroma works on the psyche to relax the mind.
Natural aromatherapy oils and products can be applied to the body in the form of massage, used in bath and burners to promote health and well-being. Lavender is popularly used in most aromatherapy products.
A few drops of lavender can be added to a carrier oil; either sweet almond or grape seed oil to create a massage oil that soothes the muscles and relaxes the mind. For bathing purposes, lavender and rose can be added to the water to relax and prepare you for a good night’s sleep. Frankincense is beneficial for mature skin and it is also used in incense preparation. Rosemary can uplift your mood and also help with hair loss.
On the physical side, aromatherapy provides various therapeutic effects such as antiseptic, analgesic and anesthetic. It can therefore be used to relieve specific ailments or address specific physical problems. Inhalation is a method whereby aromatherapy is used to address respiratory problems. Eucalyptus and tea tree are essential oils used to relieve nasal congestion. Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree can be added to creams, gels and lotions for use on problem skin, insects’ bites and minor burns.
On the psychological side, the aromas can heal problems like depression and insomnia. Such benefits can be obtained through the use of diffusers, burners, candles and sprays. The therapeutic effect of the pleasing aromas of essential oils relaxes the mind and helps the body to heal. It is said that a rejuvenating feeling is created by inhaling the aroma of essential oils. As the aroma molecules are diffused into the atmosphere, they are taken into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream; the effects are both physical and psychological.
When buying natural aromatherapy products, it is important for you to ensure that the bases such as creams, lotions and shampoos etc. do not contain chemicals or synthetic additives as these will not give you the desired effect and can cause harm to your general health. If you are using home made aromatherapy, it is important to take advice from an experienced and qualified aromatherapist because a too high concentration of some oils can be harmful and a low dilution can be ineffective.