Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils (which are the“essence” of the plant), for physical as well as psychological benefits. The Essential Oils are numerous and they include more than 95 different oils.
Aromatherapy oils do not contain any chemicals which differ from the other scents or fragrances.
How can aromatherapy benefit me?
Essential oils can be used in several ways, either through inhalation, applying directly on a painful area, putting some drops on a candle which all has both psychological and physical benefits. The aroma stimulates the brain and hence results in a reaction. It is important to note that aromatherapy is not supposed to be applied directly on the skin without dilution. You must always use a carrier/ base oil (such as sweet almond oil, castor oil, sesame oil or simply a vegetable oil) and add 2-3 drops of your essential oil before you apply it on a painful area. This is due to the fact that the oils in its concentrated form may cause allergic reactions especially to sensitive skin.
However, it is important to note some points when using essential oils to avoid any unpleasant effects:
- Never use directly on skin before diluting.
- Do not use many drops per time.
- Never swallow an essential oil, it is for external use only.
- Some essential oils must be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma,or are epileptic and hence enough knowledge about aromatherapy is prior before starting using them.
- Some essential oils are not part of aromatherapy but are widely used such as onion, Wormood, pennyroyal, camphor..etc , therefore, they should only be used with a well trained person to indicate their proper use methods.
- Essential oils are flammable.
Aromatherapy can benefit a wide range of diseases starting from muscle pains until more painful conditions. Main benefits of aromatherapy are:
- Colds and flu ( coughs, sneezing, sore throat, fever)
- Headaches
- Acne
- Inflammations
- Stomach and colon pains
- Joint and muscle pains
- Insomnia
- Fatigue