Aromatherapy 101

Contemporary healers, therapists, and marketing gurus are grabbing hold of a phenomenon that insects and animals instinctively understand: the power of aroma. nnScientists pursue aromachology (the study of scent and its ability to change human behavior) for its role in everything from medicine to marketing, migraines to memory loss, and relaxation to revitalization. nn-->The ancestry of aromatherapynThe ancestry of aromatherapy goes back some 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used aromatic botanicals for massage, embalming, medicine, and cosmetics.nnHippocrates himself might have been aromatherapy's first spokesman 2,000 years ago, as he touted the benefits of aromatic massage for physical and emotional well-being.nnIn the 10th century, the Arabian world invented the process of distillation, which allowed more efficient extraction of essential oils.nnFor centuries, cultures around the globe inhaled aromas, drank potions, and wore aromatic amulets to protect them from harm. nnIn the early 1900s, France and England attempted to re-introduce these ancient remedies and help them gain acceptance in the more traditional medical community. nnThis trend continues in France today. Many French doctors prescribe aromatic remedies, pharmacies stock essential oils, and insurance companies pay for the treatment. nnIn the United States, aromatic healing is gaining ground. nn-->Aromatherapy definednAromatherapy is the use of essential oils to treat ailments. These conditions range from physical conditions to emotional problems. From headaches to herpes. Dry skin to acne. Arthritis to asthma. nnThe essential oils of aromatherapy are extracted from aromatic plants and herbs--from the flower, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rhizome, or leaves--generally through a process of steam distillation. These oils may be inhaled or massaged into the skin, after combining with a vegetable, nut or seed oil.nnMassage with essential oils is most commonly used to alleviate skin ailments and muscle pain or tension. Lavender, orange, marjoram, and chamomile are particularly effective aromas in the use of massage.nnEssential oils can be inhaled with the help of a vaporizer, an electric diffuser or an aroma lamp.nn-->How does it work?nOur sense of smell is more complex than you might think. Your nose contain thousands of olfactory nerves. nnWhile your tongue has the ability to taste sweet, sour, salt, and bitter, it is your sense of smell that creates all the delightful flavors you experience. nnThe olfactory bulb is part of your brain's limbic system, which is not under conscious control. The limbic system controls digestion, libido, and emotions.nnSo, it's not your imagination that scents evoke emotion. Aromas actually trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of well-being. Scientists say your body's response to an aroma takes just four seconds.nn-->Which Essential Oils are Right for You?nEssential oils are available in natural and synthetic forms. nnNatural essential oils are not oils but non-oily, non-water-soluble substances, which dissolve in alcohol and combine with true oils. Pure, natural essential oils may be as much as 70 times more potent than the plant source itself.nnSome synthetics are derived from natural products. The exact formulation of an essential oil is virtually impossible to reproduce in the laboratory. Even the smallest variation can produce significant changes in the oil's effect. nnSome synthetic oils fall into the category of artificial fragrances, entirely made of petroleum products. These products generally do not produce the same therapeutic effects as essential oils.nnEach essential oil is comprised of different hormones and vitamins, which combine to create different effects. Furthermore, the effects of each essential oil can vary depending on the botanical species and where it is grown. The effects of particular aromas also vary among cultures and individuals, so the results of aromatherapy are not universal. Still, aromatherapists have developed a roster of scents with relatively predictable effects: nnAphrodisiacsnJasmine, ylang ylang, patchoulinnEnergizersnlemon, basil, bergamot, sweet orange, peppermint, eucalyptus, tangerinennHair Caren(dry hair) cedarwoodn(normal hair) lavender, ylang ylangn(oily hair) rosemary, lemongrassnnPMSncedarwood, clary sage, fennel, geranium, nerali, Roman chamomilennRelaxationnlavender, myrrh, cardamom, cedarwood, German chamomile, clary sage, frankincensennSkin Caren(all skin types) Lavender, geranium, ylang ylangn(dry skin) rosemary, rosewood, carrot seed, sandalwood, peppermint, rosemaryn(oily skin) basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemongrass, ylang ylang, sage