Healing environments are cultivated and supported with aromatherapy using chemical free essential oils.
What is aromatherapy?
Quality aromatherapy uses chemical free essential oils from plants for physical, mental and emotional, and spiritual support. Artifical perfumes made from toxic chemicals do not provide aromatherapy and instead often contain ingredients that are neurotoxic and carginogenic. Educate yourself about products. Know that some aromatherapy (and perfume) products claim to contain 100 percent natural ingredients when they do not.
Essential oils are developed from fragrant essences in plants. These essences are made in special plant cells, often under the surface of leaves, bark, or peel, using energy from the sun and elements from the air, soil, and water. If the plant material is crushed, the essence and its unique fragrance are released. When essences are extracted from plants in natural ways, they become essential oils. They may be distilled with steam and/or water, or mechanically pressed. Oils that are made with chemical processes are not considered true essential oils. Each type of essential oil has a different chemical structure that affects how it smells, is absorbed, and used by the body. Even varieties of plants within the same species may have chemical structures different from each other because they are grown or harvested in different ways or locations.
What are the potential health benefits of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy provides supportive care to people affected by cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, a significant amount of research has been published on the effects of odors on the human brain and emotions. Some studies have tested the effects of essential oils on mood, alertness, and mental stress in healthy people. Other studies investigated the effects of odors on the brain and some of its functions. Studies consistently demonstrate that odors produce specific effects on human neuropsychological and autonomic function influencing mood, perceived health, and arousal. These studies suggest that odors may have therapeutic applications in the context of stressful and adverse psychological conditions.
What are some examples of aromatherapy essential oils and their uses?
Many types of essentials oils are used as aromatherapy. Product qualities vary based on the specific ingredients and manufacturer. Use oils that are high quality and without chemical additives. Oils can be applied in many ways such as topically, ingested internally, diffused, used in baths, and burned. The following oils also offer many other benefits not included here.
- Lavender and chamomile for calming
- Eucalyptus for respiratory health
- Ginger as a digestive aid to reduce nausea
- Lemon and orange to uplift energy and clarity of thought
- Peppermint to purify and provide stimulation
- Frankincense, myrrh, and palo santo to support spiritual awareness and many other health benefits
- Pine for empowerment and grounding
- Rose to reduce anxiety
- Rosemary for mental clarity
- Sage to combat despair and mental fatigue
- Sandalwood to enhance deep sleep
- Spearmint for balance
- Valerian for relaxation
- Basil for brain energy
What is the history of aromatherapy?
The term aromatherapy (aromatherapie) was coined in France in 1928. The use of oils and scents from plants for therapeutic purposes dates back to biblical times, ancient Egypt, China, India, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
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