| Product Model | Brand | View Best Price |
| #3: ABRA'S Aromasaurus Cold & Flu Bath | Directly From Nature | View Price ABRA'S Aromasaurus Cold & Flu Bath |
| #4: Jadience Muscle and Joint Therapeutic Pain Relieving Soak | Jadience | View Price Jadience Muscle and Joint Therapeutic Pain Relieving Soak |
| #5: Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mists | Directly From Nature | View Price Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mists |
The practice of using plants and substances from the natural world for health and healing is as old as humanity itself. Not only did this practice help our species survive, but learning how to harness the power of plants also helped us to thrive.
While little is known about where and how aromatherapy originated, what we do know is that many cultures from around the world utilized it for healing. Defined as the extraction of oils from plants, the “aromatherapy” word was first coined by French chemist and perfumer, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1937. His book, Aromatherapie, explored the effects of certain essential oils from plants on physiological ailments, distinguishing the medicinal application from perfumery purposes.
Today, aromatherapy has become a widespread and popular practice across the world’s populations. With more research being conducted on the specific and multiple properties of plants and their practical benefits, we can now see more of the science behind how and why the natural world can help heal our woes.
The essential, volatile oil components of numerous plants are rich with natural chemicals that can greatly benefit humans, animals, and other plants. They help us fight disease and illness, relieve stress, recover from injury and harm, and soothe our senses. No wonder this natural healing practice has been around so long!
Considered to be both a science and an art, aromatherapy refers to the use of naturally extracted aromatic oils from plants to promote health, balance, and harmony for the mind, body and spirit. Utilized for prevention and treatment for both acute and chronic illness and disease, this holistic therapy is natural, non-invasive and designed to treat the “whole” person, not just their symptoms.
Working as support for the body’s natural ability to regulate, repair, balance, and maintain itself, the multiple natural chemicals in the volatile oils of the plants perform a variety of functions. Most often referred to as “essential” oils, this is actually a contraction from the original term, “quintessential” oil. Derived from the Aristotelian concept of a fifth element in addition to water, earth, air and fire, quintessence is thought to be the life force, or spirit.
Just as we called distilled alcoholic beverages like whiskey or brandy “spirits”, the same was true with removing this quintessence, or life force, from a plant.
To be considered a true essential oil, there are certain parameters that need to be met in the extraction process. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) characterizes an essential oil as a natural product made through distillation using either steam or water, via mechanical processing such as cold pressing, and the dry distillation of natural materials.
Aromatherapy experts agree that a real essential oil must be isolated through physical means, without the use of solvents. Steam distillation and cold press distillation are the most commonly used expression methods, and maceration distillation is another process used only for certain kinds of plants that cannot be distilled with the more common methods.
It’s important to understand this, as essential oils are not regulated, and the buyer must be aware of adulterated, contaminated and otherwise unsuitable oils on the market labeled as pure essential oils. If you use an oil that has been extracted with potentially harmful or toxic solvents, this is NOT an essential oil, and could cause great harm.
Humans have been using aromatherapy for thousands of years, but it wasn’t termed as such until the 20th century. Evidence has been found for ancient cultures extracting volatile oils from plants in Egypt, China, Persia, and India to use for their physical and psychological benefits, along with religious and magical purposes. The practice eventually spread to Europe through the centuries, and blossomed again with Gattefosse’s strides into the medicinal study of the oils. Dr. Jean Valnet, a French surgeon in World War II, also furthered the study and practice of aromatherapy by using essential oils successfully on wounded soldiers.
Aromatherapy works through our sense of smell and also through skin absorption. As the strongest, most concentrated natural medicine known to man, the essential oils from plants contain natural chemicals and strong aromatic compounds. As soon as they are inhaled, they start to change our brain chemistry and to go work on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
When essential oils are absorbed through the skin, their various natural chemicals enter the bloodstream and perform an array of actions designed to bring the body and mind back into healthy balance. Because the essential oils are completely natural, the natural human body immediately recognizes them and responds in a favorable way.
Even when patients don’t like the scent of a particular essential oil, the oils can still have a beneficial effect. However, it is often recommended to use essential oils you like the scent of, as that will tend to have a better overall effect on relaxation and healing if part of you isn’t “fighting” the aroma!
Aromatherapy and essential oils offer a myriad of applications, and it’s easy to start using this therapy every day to enhance your life. It’s important to remember that essential oils are very strong, concentrated and volatile - a very little bit goes a very long way! If you are purchasing individual essential oils, be sure to practice caution and only choose oils considered appropriate and safe for use with the intended individual (Check out the safety tips at the end of this article).
Essential oils can be added to “carrier” lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners and facial toners you already use to enhance the benefits. Unscented lotions, and base oils and butters like sweet almond, apricot kernel and shea make great carrier bases for your own aromatherapy creations by mixing in a few drops of essential oils.
Aromatherapy diffusers come in a comprehensive selection of varied formats that can be used in a room, car, or office space to diffuse essential oils and their inherent benefits into the air around you, as can aromatherapy spritzers and sprays. Steamers and inhalers used for aromatherapy are also offered in a wide variety of formats to suit every lifestyle.
Baths and showers are two wonderful ways to indulge in the benefits of aromatherapy. Add a few drops of various essential oils to your bath bubbles or bath salts, or sprinkle a few drops on the floor of the shower for an aromatic showering experience.
The easiest and quickest way to start using aromatherapy is to select aromatherapy products already made by experienced and reputable companies, such as Aura Cacia, Jadience, and Abra. The level of exceptional quality combined with reliable, efficacious use through the years has made these popular products some of the best on the market.
Aromatherapy is a safe, natural and complementary practice that enhances well-being on every level. Various essential oils are used to both relax and stimulate a range of mental and physical processes within the body and mind to promote healing and good health. While most essential oils are safe to use, there are certain precautions to take when using them, and to know that not every essential oil is suitable for everybody!
It is recommended to consult with your professional healthcare provider before using any essential oils to ensure the safest usage for your unique requirements.
