Aromatherapy and how it can help with the healing process.

Category: Medicine
Keywords: aromatherapy, can, help, healing, process

Aromatherapy is a form of herbal medicine where is uses the scents from essential oils which have been distilled from herbs, flowers or trees and help in improving a persons health and vitality. It used correctly they can not only reenergize and rejuvenate a persons mind by they can do the same for the persons body and spirit as well. There are many ways in which aromatherapy can be used from candles and oils through to soaps and lotions.

The scented oils that are used in aromatherapy (essential oils) are extracted from the various plants etc., through distillation and although there are many different ways in which this can be done, in reality they are pretty much basically the same. The plant or herbs etc. are placed into hot water until steam is produced thus releasing and carrying the chemicals including the aromatic compounds and as the steam is produced it is chilled in a condenser and what is left behind is then collected. As the essential oil collects on top of the distilled water (hydrosol) collected in the condenser it can be scooped off and stored in jars.

Therefore if you are looking to purchase some herb or flower water the best type of buy is that which is the by-product of the distillation process for obtaining essential oils. Although there are some waters which have had essential oils added to them and these are not as good as the waters (hydrosols) produced from the distillation process.

Unfortunately the common misconception thought by many people is that because these scented oils have only come from plants then they are able to use as much as they like. However, essential oils are very highly concentrated and should only be measured in drops and one drop is equal to the same amount as say two cups of normal scented water and therefore ingestion of 1 ounce of essential oils could be fatal.

Therefore unless you are actually a skilled and qualified aromatherapist it is vital that you only use essential oils on the skin and always mix the essential oil drops with a carrier such as sweet almond oil. It is important to remember that essential oil which has not been diluted can burn a persons skin.

Finally below are a number of hints that you should look at and remember when using essential oils in relation to aromatherapy.

1. Read the label on the essential oils container and take notice of any advice that is provided.
2. Always make sure that they are kept well out of the reach of children.
3. Keep essential oils away from eyes.
4. Dilute the essential oils using carrier oil before using on your skin or you will get burnt.
5. Do not ever ingest essential oils they are only for external application.
6. Prior to using the oils test them first. You can do this by diluting a drop of essential oil with a carrier oil and then applying to the skin on your inner arm. Should you notice any irritation to your skin in this area then discontinue the use of this product.
7. Prior to using any essential oils check that you are okay to use them, this is particular important for pregnant women and those people suffering from certain health conditions as there are some herbs which they may need to avoid.

Permanent Link:
http://www.wuuzi.com/health_item.php/health_item/2732_aromatherapy_and_how_it_can_help_with_the_healing_process.html

<< Preview Article | Read More | Next Article >>