Essential Oils: Relaxation in a Bottle

Aromatherapy is technically defined as “the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.”

Utilizing essential oils for aromatherapy purposes dates back nearly 6,000 years to the time of Egyptians and was a crucial part of their culture and religious ceremonies and was routinely used in embalming dead bodies for burial preparation within Egyptian tombs.

The practice of using aromatherapy spread across the Eastern hemisphere and, particularly within China, became a vital part of their medicinal practices.  In fact, for many years, aromatherapy was the primary medicinal used in treating various ailments.  In India, the custom was never lost and still today Avurveda, the most ancient medical practice, is still widely practiced.  In the West, however, the use of essential oils took a bit longer to gain momentum and just over the past thousand years has gained popularity.

In addition to medicinal applications, essential oils are often used in conjunction with other complementary ingredients, including various oils, sea salts, clays and muds from around the globe to produce cosmetics and beauty treatments.  The perfect combination of these elements results in rich, luxurious beauty products whose properties not only benefit the psychological aspects of a person, but also often produce results that make an individual appear more youthful and vibrant.

Often times, individuals mistake perfume oils for essential oils, simply based on aroma alone.  They are, however, completely different from one another as one derives its fragrance synthetically and the other, essential oils, are completely, 100% natural, being derived from the essence of a plant.

Another mistake many people make is thinking that since essential oils are completely natural, they aren’t harmful.  As a result, many will use them, undiluted, directly on the skin.  Doing so can cause burning, dermatitis and even a lifelong sensitivity to that particular essential oil.

Women who are pregnant or individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid the use of essential oils as they can cause adverse affects.  For example, certain types of oils when used in pregnancy can actually bring about contractions within some women.  Epileptics must also be cautious as some oils contain certain neurotoxins that can cause seizure activity.  Other oils, such as wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor and sassafras are so potent and can potentially produce harmful side effects, and should never be used by anyone other than a qualified aromatherapy practitioner and even then, only with extreme caution.  Regardless of which essential oils you choose to use, a skin test prior to long-term use, is essential.

There’s a lot of hype that surrounds the use of essential oils.  Some think that they can be healed from their particular affliction by regular use.  While cancer patients and those with other serious illnesses such as AIDS can certainly benefit from the use of aromatherapy for serious illnesses, it is not a substitute for traditional medicine and can truly only help the individual live a more comfortable life.

Essential oils can be beneficial in providing comfort measures to less serious illnesses and afflictions such as indigestion, stress, and PMS.  Oils have also been shown to help promote in faster healing from minor injuries, wounds, abrasions and bruises.

One of the leading uses of aromatherapy in the West, is in various beauty treatments.   One of the most popular beauty treatments seen marketed recently are the combination of Dead Sea salts, lavender oil and a complementary blender oil, such as jojoba oil.   This solution is then rubbed on the hands, legs and arms for exfoliation, rendering smooth, supple skin and the benefit of the calming properties of lavender essential oil.

Another popular use of essential oils within the beauty industry is in bars of bath soap.  Often times, goat milk is used to make bath soap and essential oils are combined, producing a rich, creamy yet gentle soap that gently exfoliates while conveying the properties of the essential oil.

Lastly, and probably the most popular essential oil bearing product within the beauty industry is actually a best-selling gift: aromatherapy candles.   Through the combination of essential oils with beeswax, soybean oil, and even traditional paraffin wax, a luxurious, fragrant candle is produced that when burned, imparts the qualities of the particular essential oil it contains.

If you’ve never tried essential oils, you’re in for a treat.  And, with so many products on the market and so many varied applications, you’re certain to find a use for your particular essential oil that will leave you wondering, “why on earth didn’t I try this sooner?”

Read more at Jade Dragon