Aromatherapy is one of the most versatile natural therapies of our time. Essential oils, the working tools of Aromatherapy are used in many industries; they are added to foods as flavors, perfumes, medicines, natural therapies, massage to name a few and they are used extensively in natural skin and personal care products as actives. The versatility of essential oil use spans industry and application; there are so many safe and effective methods of use. The most effective way to use essential oils when addressing maladies of the body or skin is via topical application.
When applied to the skin (always diluted into a suitable medium such as an organic vegetable oil or crème), they are absorbed via the hair follicles.
Each essential oil is unique, characterized by the sum total of its parts; the constituents of an essential oil govern its efficacy.
For example Lavender (lavendula officinalis or angustifolia specie) is renowned for its cytophylactic quality (cell renewing), which makes it a wonderful addition in skin and body care products where renewal and repair is required. In Aromatherapy, essential oils are used to treat skin conditions (when the skin is unbroken).
Sandalwood possesses rare antibacterial qualities; it is deeply moisturizing to dry, chafed, flaking or dehydrated and sun-damaged skin. Sandalwood is highly prized and priced as it is also one of the least toxic essential oils; comprising of approximately 90% Santalol.
Ylang ylang, a wonderful aphrodisiac to the body and soul; it is used in Aromatherapy to address conditions of the heart, both physical and emotional.
Here we again touch on versatility; the fragrant molecules of the oils; being able to affect change in the way we feel or think within three seconds. Imagine, simply inhaling and smelling an essential oil can stop a potentially ‘bad day’ in its track.
At your fingertips you can choose from; the euphoric benefits of clary sage, the uplifting qualities of bergamot, the mood elevation of grapefruit or lime and the enlivening qualities of lemon. Keep Rosemary on hand if you want to enhance concentration and the ability to retain information. The list goes on.
Next time, we’ll discuss the application of essential oils in the context of modern living.
Judith White