AN INTRODUCTION TO AROMATHERAPY

Put simply, aromatherapy is the application of essential oils to facilitate health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy is an ancient technique used first in the Egyptian era that is still popular in the 21st century. Whilst it can be used for medicinal purposes it often provides instant gratification to emotional and physical wellbeing. 

Essential oils, a substance extracted from a single botanical source, can enter the body through two facilities. The nose, through smell, results in an emotional response and massage, through the skin, provides a physical response. Choosing the essential oils in use is a personal decision and each combination is unique to the individual's position. These substances are naturally occurring and hold powerful properties. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the profile of an essential oil if you plan to integrate it into your lifestyle. Below presents the profile of the five essential oils whose properties are recognised  as valuable and regularly feature as elements of popular products within the beauty and wellbeing industry - this should introduce a novice interested in aromatherapy to the potential each essential oil holds in naturalising methods of health and wellbeing.

Chamomile

Used as a medicinal and sacred herb for thousands of years it smells fruity-sweet and has pronounced apples and pear drop notes and blends well with citrus, woods and florals. Its gentleness and sweet aroma make it safe and effective with sensitive skin and is used to reduce anxiety, insomnia and shock.

Lavender

An aromatic shrub native to the Mediterranean with a long history of use as a medicine. It has a familiar, fresh, floral and herby smell and is very versatile, blending well with just about every other oil. It is a balancing, regulating, tonifying and revitalising oil which is relaxing and restorative. The oil relieves pain, has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle and helps skin repair. 

Rosemary

A native of the Mediterranean countries, rosemary has been used as a medicinal, sacred and culinary herb for thousands of years. It has a strong and fresh smell and as such blends well with citrus oils, spices and other herbs. This is a warming and tonifying oil with stimulating, detoxifying and cleansing effects. It is useful for all conditions of congestion, and can aid in memory retention, mental fatigue and depression. 

Tea Tree

This is native to Australia and has been used for thousands of years by the Aborigines, who use the leaves to treat fevers and infected wounds. It has a pungent, spicy, fresh smell and blends well with other medicinal and antiseptic oils such as eucalyptus and lavender. This is an essential first aid oil, used with all skin conditions and to fight infections such as acne, cold sores and sore throat.

Yllang Yllang 

This is extracted from mature yellow flowers from a tall tree native to tropical Asia. Traditionally it is used in infusion with coconut oil for emollient properties in skin and hair care. The oil has a very powerful floral, intensely sweet and exotic smell with a balsamic, dark bitter musky undertone. It blends well with other strong florals, woods, spices and citrus scents. This is intensely powerful, uplifting and calming and is used to reduce anxiety, tension and irritability. 

Although brief, this short introduction indicates the complexity and significance each essential oil has. I encourage you, when investing in a product, to consider the influence of the properties it consists of. With this approach you should have more control over your emotional and physical wellbeing and ensure you optimise the performance of the products you purchase.