Aromatherapy is the process of absorption of oils extracted from plant, which are also termed as essential oils. Essential oils are obtained from plants by the process of steam distillation. These essential oils are equipped with a kind of scent having a therapeutic influence. These oils are instrumental in enhancing mental, emotional and physical health. Aromatherapy Oils are either used alone for aromatherapy or are also considered to be supplementary natural components like carrier or vegetable oils.
The absorbed fragrance from such oils is believed to trigger and soothe brain function. These essential oils are soaked via skin and travel to the blood vessels and can improve the overall well being of the body. Aromatherapy is gaining momentum these days as it is facilitated in numerous forms which could be pain soother, mood enhancer and cognitive function stimulator.
Types of Aromatherapy Oils
There are a various aromatherapy oils found and all are coupled with unique healing capabilities.Oils are generally sticky but essential oils are other way around. They are non-stick, clear and light. It did not leave any stickiness on your body. Various essential oils are equipped with diverse effects. There are various essential oils which are used for aromatherapy. Under mentioned are some of the aromatherapy oils.
Hypercritical carbon dioxide (Co2s) : Hypercritical carbon dioxide (Co2) is extracted applying pressure to transform the gas of plant into liquid. This oil is generally thicker compared to essential oils. The liquid, in the form of carbon dioxide evaporates and the essential oil is left back when the liquid comes back to usual pressure.
Absolutes : Absolutes are comparatively concentrated than other oils. These oils are obtained from plants using chemical expression, not steam distillation process. Absolutes are mostly known for allergic reaction in a few people.
Hydrosols : Hydrosols are obtained through water or steam distillation process. These types of oils are often also termed as floral water. Hydrosols are mostly coupled with fragrance of plant extract and are equipped with several characteristics of essential oil. They are lighter than that of other essential oils hence they are suitable for those occasions where light essential oil can work.
Infused Oils : Infused oils are obtained by heating herbs in carrier oil hence the aroma and smell of the herbs is intact in this process of infused oil. These oils are considered as great aromatherapy oil if you are looking out ways to prepare infused oil at home. Such oil can be used as massage oils or it can also be used in an oil burner. These are used in the form of carrier oil and mixed with essential oils to make a compact aromatherapy essential oil as well.
Carrier Oils : Aromatherapy carrier oils serve the purpose of acting as base for all types of aromatherapy treatments. More often than not, less-scent natural oil is facilitated, like almond oil and jojoba oil. For several usages, essential oils are not used in its pure form but they are combined with carrier oil, especially when essential oil is applied on skin to massage. This mixture inhibits any kind of irritation while using it on skin. Carrier oils are often incorporated in face oils, massage oils or scanted oils for aromatherapy purposes.
Some Other Popular Aromatherapy Oils
In addition, there are some widely used aromatherapy oils which include basil oils, black pepper essential oils, carrot seed essential oil, neroli essential oil, nutmeg essential oil, cedar essential oil, lemon essential oil, lime essential oil, rose essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemary essential oil, ginger essential oil and host of other.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Almost every Aromatherapy Oils are anti-infectious and antiseptic in several ways. A few of the essential oils are also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. These Aromatherapy Oils are very beneficial and essential for our overall health and soothe our nerves and provide a calming effect. Following are some of the most popular and widely acclaimed soothing effects and benefits that are witnessed while using aromatherapy:
- Improves memory
- Controls emotions
- Useful in treating viral infections
- Revitalize tired mind
- Bolster immune system
- Triggers blood circulation
- Works as stress buster
- Catapults emotional outlook
- Fights stomach problems
- Normalizes irregular blood pressure
Precautions while using Aromatherapy Oils
Most of the essential oils are good and friendly but it is advisable to take some precautionary measures in utilizing these products. Such precautions may include:
- Mixture of carrier oil and essential oils should be facilitated only externally.
- No oral consumption is advisable unless otherwise prescribed.
- Using concentrated blends are not suggested.
- The shelf life of such oils is 5-6 month hence it is suggested to retain and store these oils only this much long and utilize it within this time frame.
- These oils should not be applied on damaged or bruised skin.
- Lower concentration of these oils is suggested for infants and children.
- Pure essential oils should not be applied. It must be combined with carrier oil before applying as essential oils are strong and can irritate skin.
- During pregnancy, epilepsy or high blood pressure, don’t opt for aromatherapy without consulting your physician.
- These oils should be kept out of mucous membranes or eyes.
- These oils should be kept out of children reach.
- Essential oils should be kept only in burners meant for this purpose as they are extremely volatile (flammable).
Recommendation
Aromatherapy Oils are very useful and manifest number of soothing effects if applied appropriately by some professional. These oils are highly strong when applied in its pure form hence it is advisable to apply and administer these essential oils only after blending it with some carrier oil to reduce its direct impact on your skin, body and mind and to yield optimum soothing and comforting effects, which these are popular for. So, you can pamper yourselves applying these soothing aromatherapy oils but not without any professional help!