FAQs: Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for their therapeutic effects. Essential oils are the essence of aromatic plants and flowers in a condensed form and have been valued for their fragrance and their restorative effects on the body, mind and spirit for thousands of years. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants through a steam distillation process and then mixed with carrier oils for dilution. The practice of aromatherapy incorporates the application of oils to the skin or by inhaling them.

What is an essential oil blend?
The pure essential oils are mixed for harmonious fragrance and effect. The skillful blending can balance the therapeutic effect of the individual essential oils.

How does aromatherapy work?
The scent of the essential oils is picked up by the olfactory receptors in the nose and this stimulates areas of the brain that can influence emotions and hormonal responses.

How does the scent from the aromatherapy oil get conveyed to the nose?
The most common ways this is achieved is either by adding the essential oil to a bath or massage or by breathing the vapours using an aroma diffuser. This typically is a small candle that heats the oils in a small receptacle above. The heat from the candle vapourises the oils.

How does aromatherapy work when essential oils are inhaled?
If inhaled, essential oils stimulate the olfactory nerve, which then sends messages to the centre of the brain concerned with our basic emotions and instinctive actions, hormonal and immune responses. Aromatherapy enhances these responses.

Why do plants produce essential oils?
Some plants have attraction mechanisms to attract insects for pollination, while some need to attract beneficial insects that prey on that plants natural predator, or they may produce essential oils to repel others away. The plant kingdom has been used throughout time as a source of nourishment, and as remedies. There are several different groups of aromatherapy oils.

What are the properties of the different aromatherapy oil groups?
· Esters: are antifungal, antimicrobial sedative
· Phenols: antiseptic, bactericidal, disinfectant, stimulant
· Alcohol: antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, germicidal
· Aldehydes: antifungal, anti inflammatory, disinfectant, sedative
· Ketones: anticatarrhal, cell proliferant, expectorant, vulnerary
This is not a complete list of all the groups and actions but it gives you the general idea of how certain actions are related to the chemical groups.

Why should I dilute?
Essential oils by themselves are extremely concentrated. Most of the commonly used oils need to be diluted with carrier oil before you apply it to your skin. Carrier oils are the "oily feeling" oils like vegetable oils, Olive, Almond, Grapeseed etc. Common dilution rates are anywhere from 2.5 % to 10% of essential oil to carrier oil. Rarely are there times where there is a need to apply the oil neat, (meaning undiluted) to the skin.
What happens If I don't dilute essential oils?
Your skin can become irritated, or sensitization can occur after prolonged use. Other oils may also have specific side effects or induce allergic reactions.

How does aromatherapy work when essential oils are used topically?
Essential oils are absorbed into the skin and transported to various body systems such as the nervous and muscular systems. Oils massaged into the skin are often medicinal in their effects; they are anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, etc. Applying oil to the skin benefits skin, muscle tissue, and joints. It may also oxygenate your cells, helping to reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle tension. Many essential oils that are considered primarily for topical use have the added benefit of aromas that are inhaled during application, thus producing emotional as well as physical benefits.

How do I use aromatherapy essential oils as a perfume?
When you apply an oil as a perfume, the effects are mostly achieved via inhalation. However, depending on the oil, it may offer physical benefits to the skin and muscles as well. Many people choose to add their oils to the bath. This is extremely effective both through inhalation and as a topical application. Hot water from the bath will open your pores, increasing the absorbency of the oil into your skin, while the aroma simultaneously stimulates your limbic system. It is best to apply the oil directly into the stream of running water when the tub is nearly full.

How do I use aromatherapy essential oils through a diffuser or mist?
Mists may be used to set an ambience or clear the air in a room, to freshen bed linens, or as a perfume. There are several different types of diffusers one can use. They range from lamp rings to electric diffusers that periodically send a fine mist into the room. Used in such a way, essential oils can create an ambience in a room, reduce odors, and even purify the air. A lamp ring is one example of a diffuser that utilizes heat. We do not recommend the use of heat with essential oils as this can destroy some of the properties of the oils, lessening its overall efficacy.

How do I use aromatherapy essential oils in massage?
Some massage therapists utilize essential oils in conjunction with massage. In such cases, the essential oils are absorbed into the skin, deeply penetrating the muscle tissues. As with any topical use, massage aromatherapy also provides the type of benefits achieved through inhalation. Thus, relaxing and calming essential oils are usually the ones used.

What if I am allergic?
Allergic reactions to pure essential oils and essential oil combinations are rare. However, if you do notice any kind of rash or experience discomfort when using an essential oil product, you should discontinue use and consult your doctor.

What is the best way to insure my aromatherapy essential oils product's potency?
Keep aromatherapy essential oils products tightly sealed and out of heat and direct sunlight. Do not leave in a car, especially during the summer. If possible, avoid x-ray machines.

Are there are any harmful side effects?
Essential oils are potent and should be used with care. However, when used properly, there should not be any adverse side effects. It is important to buy high-quality products from reputable companies.

What precautions should I take when using aromatherapy essential oils?
Do not use aromatherapy essential oils if you are taking Homeopathic Remedies without consulting with your Homeopathic doctor first.
Do not take essential oils orally (see below)
Always follow suggested amount, however, use less rather than more if you are unsure of amounts.
Keep essential oils away and out of reach of children.
Keep essential oils away from eyes.
When adding essential oil to the bath, drop directly under running water to avoid high concentration and skin sensitivity.
Essential oils are flammable and should not be stored by any open flame such as candles.

What should I do if essential oils are ingested by mistake?
If essential oils are ingested, rinse the mouth out with water. Drink a large glass of milk. Seek medical advice immediately. If essential oils gets into eyes, flush with large quantity of water immediately. Seek medical advice immediately.

What are the most common Aromatherapy Oils?
There is a huge range. The common and more popular oils include:-Basil, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Frankincense, Galbanum, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tea Tree or Eucalyptus, Vetiver, Yarrow

Training

Many colleges offer courses in aromatherapy.

Links

Resolve 20th January 2003