Aromatherapy

Archive for November, 2006

The process of extracting essential oils from plants and other scent-able things is accomplished in a variety of ways. Probably the most common means of acquiring these essential oils is by distillation. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this process, it is quite simple. The plant that the oil is being extracted from is subjected to a steady flow of steam that seeps through the plant’s interior. While the steam travels through the plant, it collects the oils that are hidden inside and turns them to vapor. While the steam flows out of the plant, it carries the vaporized oils with it. Once out of the plant, all one has to do in order to retrieve the oils is cool the vapor down and the oils will return to their original liquid form.

This process of distillation is not restricted to the plants themselves. It can also be used on other scent-able things, such as citrus oils. Citrus oils are taken from the fruit of plants that are otherwise used for food. Like the plant, steam is used, but in this case to detach the oils from the citrus rind or peel. Although distillation extraction is less successful with citrus (the expression method is a more productive method for these oils) it is often employed as way of retrieving the oils from these fruits.

Another way that one can extract essential oils from plants and other scent-able things are by pressurization and chemical extraction. Manufacturers that find it difficult to use the distillation method on a larger scale often use these methods. By pressurizing the plants, the oils are ‘squeezed out’ and collected with the aid of special machines. As well, certain chemicals can be applied to the plants so that the oils are extracted by some chemical reaction that occurs when they come in contact with the oils.

Other ways that plants and other scent-able things can have their oils extracted involves crushing or smearing. Some plants that produce essential oils can have their oils removed by applying them to a fatty substance. This substance serves as a slate onto which the oils can be smeared. Things like rose petals can be pushed down and rubbed against this surface to where the oils are left behind to harvest. Also, there is the process of crushing the source of the oils in order to extract it. For instance, citrus peels can be squashed down and pulverized until the oils within it are separated from the rind. Or, things such as rose petals can be collected into large quantities to be subsequently crushed to where their oils are separated as well.

Not all methods of extracting essential oils from plants and other scent-able things are as simple. Many are much more complex and involve several stages. For example, the citronella oils necessitate a preparation of the leaves before they can be suitable for extraction. The most frequent method for citronella oil extraction is by distillation, as we have already discussed. However the leaves of the citronella plants are usually left outside of the distillery facilities for several hours, much longer on rainy days, before distillation is even considered. After this, of course, the steam is applied and oils are extracted. Unfortunately, while the leaves are dried, some of the oils are lost. This is done by simply collecting more plants for harvesting.

A more modern, and thus safer, way of extracting essential oils from plants and other scent-able things is by vacuum distillation. Like distillation, it removes the oils by a vapor. However, the boiling points of the oils needn’t be reached since a vacuum effect is introduced into the still. 93 percent of the air in the still (the chamber where distillation is accomplished) is removed so that boiling can be achieved without losing some of the oils that are typically lost in the process of traditional distillation. As well, it is much cleaner and safer. This is because the vacuum removes many undesirable substances. As opposed to normal distillation, the vacuum method loses far less of the oils. A cold plate is set in the still next to the device that heats the substance. Very little is lost since the condenser plate collects the vaporized oils and reintegrates them, so that, most of the oils are retrieved. And, these are the ways that essential oils are extracted from plants and scent-able things.

After a long workday we all need to relax and unwind. Instead of a sitting down with a glass of wine, do something better for your body and mind; use aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the art of using essential oils to benefit you both physically and mentally. These essential oils are distilled from various plant materials including flowers, berries, bark, fruit or leaves. Essential oils can come to you in many forms and will improve your mood, enhance your well-being and generally make you feel better.

To put these wondrous fragrances into your home, you can use different means. Taking your essential oils you can mix them together and then after adding distilled water to the mix you can make room sprays. Not only can they improve your mood, but also they can get rid of unwanted smells, such as animal, cooking or tobacco odors, at the same time. You can use these sprays to enhance your energy, uplift your spirits, relax or help the romantic mood of you and your partner. Don’t forget that by using these sprays instead of room deodorizing aerosols you are also doing something positive for the environment.

Another method to spread these mood-enhancing fragrances would be candles. They will put the same wonderful scents into the air. You will notice quickly a change in your mood as well as the room enhancement that candles bring to any scene.

If you are looking for a scent that will relax and invigorate you you’ll want to use either alone or in combination, sandalwood, lavender, or sage. These have properties in them that relieve anxiety, stress and even insomnia. Studies have shown that the reason these fragrant essentials oils work is that they stimulate a chemical that the body produces naturally, serotonin, which in itself relieves stress and helps you sleep. Other chemicals produced by the body that are stimulated by aromatherapy include enkephalin, which reduces pain, and endorphins that also reduce pain but as well heighten sexual feelings. Because the body’s system of smell is so closely connected to the limbic system of the brain the smell is conveyed immediately and so the feeling of contentment takes over quickly.

If you then put these essentials oils together with a therapeutic massage than you will again increase that feeling of well-being. Aromatherapy massage uses those fragrant essential oils to combine the best of both elements. While you lie there and enjoy the therapeutic massage the oils are absorbed into the skin or through the nose. While the increase in blood circulation also increases the speed at which the aromatherapy oils are absorbed.

So, you want to feel better, the day wasn’t the best and you need a pick me up. Forget the caffeine. Citrus is your answer. Look for candles or sprays of essential oils that are lemon, lime orange or grapefruit. Or maybe you just fell like relaxing. Lavender is what you’re looking for. Studies have proven that lavender slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It can also lessen muscle tension. Other scents have a similar effect including bergamot and sandalwood. Maybe you’re having a get together and want your home to have the clean fresh feeling. Use citrus mint or pine. These will also help make you feel more motivated. Or you may want to prepare the atmosphere for a romantic night. Jasmine, gardenia, and sandalwood would be ideal as they make that flowery, woody scent which can set the mood.

Just like you effect the mood of a romantic moment aromatherapy can also help you affect a holiday mood. Those smells that remind you of the wonderful times when you were a child can now be remembered or enjoyed with you own children. Autumn is the perfect time for pumpkin scents prompting memories of Halloween and dressing up. While in the winter you may want to try the smells of pine or fresh baking like cinnamon or apple. Summer time memories are often tied up in floral smells or citrus. Any of these wonderful sensations can be brought to you through aromatherapy. Its important to be happy and your mood can always use a little brightening up with the wonderful scents of aromatherapy.

In the day and age where our lives have become much like that of going through a drive-in window, we begin to find we don’t have time to do the things we enjoy, or find that time to have a quality relationship with ourselves, others in our lives and hence flowing over into our spiritual relationship. When we look at what the definition of holistic living, the American Heritage Dictionary says it is the belief of emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. People who want to live holistic lifestyles spend time working on the whole picture of themselves including the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social parts of their person. Holistic lifestyles not only emphasize the common parts of good health including maintaining a good physical being, they also suggest examining and changing a person’s nutrition, environment, and social values to ensure the person is living up to his or her potential. A huge part of any good holistic lifestyle can be aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy essentially means treating the body through scents for various kinds of conditions. Essential oils from plants like lavender, rose, lemon, and peppermint can be used in a variety of ways that may help holistically care for your body. They could be added to a warm bath. You could use them as massage oil. You can inhale them on a direct basis. You may even choose to use them as a room scent and inhale them that way. As holistic medicine emphasizes treating the whole person, aromatherapy can also be used for that purpose. The essential oils used in aromatherapy can change your mood. They can help to calm you in the evening after a long day or stimulate you in the morning after a long night. They can help to relieve your anxiety problems. They can even help you relax, no matter what kinds of stresses occur in your day. If you choose to use them as massage oils, they can help to relive all sorts of pain. They can even be used in your everyday skin care regimen to promote healthy, fit skin. If you choose to inhale essential oils as a part of your aromatherapy treatments, they help to stimulate the olfactory nerves, thereby affecting both the brain and the nervous system.

Any good aromatherapy treatment to help you live a holistic lifestyle relies on essential oils. These are essences that are taken from trees, flowers, plants, fruit, bark, seeds, or grasses. Only the most therapeutic plant material are used, and only those that have shown some form of psychological or physiological aid through the years of aromatherapy research are introduced into good aromatherapy circles. For the most part, there are about 150 essential oils in most aromatherapy practices. Some of them have all sorts of antiseptic properties include antiviral applications, anti-inflammatory uses, pain-relieving properties, anti-depressant uses, or expectorant applications. There are, though, a few other properties of essential oils. Some help with stimulation. Some are a great aid to relaxation. Many can even help to improve digestion or work as a diuretic in many people. It is important to note, though, that if you expect to introduce aromatherapy to your holistic lifestyle, you should only use essential oils that are made from natural materials. Many companies sell essential oils that are made from synthetic materials, and these should be avoided at all costs when you are trying to live a purely holistic lifestyle. They simply do not work.

Using aromatherapy as a part of a larger holistic lifestyle is one of the fastest growing alternative lifestyles in the world. Increasingly, it is used in the medical profession in a number of different applications. Women use it to ease labor pains on a regular basis. It is often used by seriously ill patients, like those dealing with cancer to help ease the problems associated with the side effects of traditional treatments. It has even been used to help rehabilitate people with heart problems. The medical industry, though, isn’t the only profession catching on to the world of holistic living through aromatherapy. In Japan, many engineers are adding aroma systems into buildings of all professions. It can help to calm customers or keep staff members alert as they perform their job duties. Holistic living through aromatherapy can certainly help meet all of your needs

Although the definition of ‘aromatherapy’ can be misleading, it is generally agreed that it is the therapeutic use of essential oils. The operative word is therapeutic and this is important to understand if one is interested in understanding the safe use of essential oils in aromatherapy. The first thing to realize is that aromatherapy is a practice that is exercised by licensed practitioners as well as patients themselves. There are aromatherapists that administer the oils to individuals that request them, but it is not necessary to go to one of these as long as one knows some of the general guidelines to choosing and using aromatherapy.

The application of aromatherapy varies. It can be administered to one by inhalation of the essential oils, which is the most common use, and then it can be applied to the skin and absorbed. But, there are some that question whether the method of skin absorption is indeed aromatherapy, since it is not taken through the nostrils and breathed in. Regardless of the debate, it is important to understand that the aromatherapy can either invigorate or excite one or it can subdue and relax one. Depending on the essential oil used, and the chemistry of the individual using it, the effects will differ.

Another thing to consider when deciding on aromatherapy is the severity of the ailment. Obviously, if one is suffering from a serious illness and expects this treatment to relieve them, then it is important to consult one’s primary physician for consultation. Aromatherapy can be very effective for accomplishing such things as soothing, relaxing, healing and the like, but it should never be viewed as an alternative to traditional medicine, especially if the ailment is of a serious nature.

An important thing to remember as a guideline to safe aromatherapy is not to use undiluted essential oils on the skin. This can cause irritation, photosensitivity and is not recommended. Of course, there are exceptions to this. Assuming you do not have sensitive skin, it is acceptable to use undiluted oils, such as lavender or tea tree (which are nonirritating). These can be used on burns, insect bites, pimples and other skin eruptions. It is possible to simply use diluted oil on the skin to treat such irritations. All one has to do is gently massage the oil into the soles of your feet. This causes less irritation.

Also, check for skin sensitivity if you are considering skin application. For instance, many are not sensitive to pure essential oils but are sensitive to synthetic versions of essential oils. It is important to find out which is the case. As well, some people may be allergic to say chamomile tea, but not necessarily allergic to its oils. So, do not be put off by an allergy to a plant when it is not the oil that one is allergic to.

Another thing to remember is to be aware that some essential oils serve as irritants to the mucous membrane (the lining of the digestive and genito-urinary tracts). But, all essential oils can be irritating to the eyes so keep them away from them. As to mucous membrane irritants, these include allspice, savory, cinnamon, spearmint, clove, thyme and oregano.

Do not take essential oils orally for therapeutic use. There are exceptions and when specifically directed follow the instructions of the product. But, typically they should not be eaten or drank.

Be especially cautious about taking aromatherapy as a therapeutic during pregnancy. For those women who are prone to miscarriage, the stimulating effects of the therapy can be a hazard, especially for women in the third trimester.

Aromatherapy should also be done with caution when the patient is elderly, convalescing or a sufferer of asthma, epilepsy or heart disease. The effects of Aromatherapy could potentially be serious in some cases, so it is best to be safe than sorry.

Lastly, overexposure to aromatherapy, whether it is application to the skin or inhalation could result in nausea, headache, skin irritation, emotional unease or what is often called a ‘spaced out’ feeling. If one experiences any of these, simply leaving the area where the essential oils are present in the air or washing the skin should relieve the symptoms. But, if there are any real concerns, contact you physician and ask his or her advice. These are just some guidelines for the safe use of aromatherapy with essential oils.

Frankincense is highly associated with religion and spiritual practices. In the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, Frankincense has played an important part in spiritual practices. One reason being that with so many people gathered in one place there were a lot of germs. Burning the Frankincense helped clear the air and protect people from sickness. Many people also believed that the smoke of the incense would carry their prayers to heaven.

You may also recall that Frankincense was among the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus over 2000 years ago; since Frankincense was valued as highly, if not higher than gold, it was the gift of Kings. Today, Frankincense is still burned during catholic masses and for Jewish ceremonies.

If you’re not familiar with Frankincense, right about now you’re ready to find out what it is and why it’s so highly valued. Frankincense is an aromatic resin. It comes from a tree called Boswellia thurifera, which is native to Northern Africa. (To make for easier reading, this article will refer to it as the Frankincense tree from here on out). The tree looks like a shrub, nothing too fancy; and it sometimes sprouts small flowers.

To get to the good stuff, the Frankincense itself, you have to make a deep slash into the bark of the Frankincense tree so that the resin can ooze out. When it first comes out the resin is a milky white color. But you don’t take it just yet. It takes several weeks to three months for the resin to fully harden. The hardened resin takes on a tear shape and turns a brownish color. This gummy resin is then harvested by scraping it off the Frankincense tree.

Because Frankincense was only found in Northern Africa, there weren’t enough trees to keep up with the demand. If you factor in the high demand, the limited supply, and the difficulty of the delivery, you can see how Frankincense would have been very expensive.

Today, Frankincense can be burned in its hardened, gummy form; but it has gained a lot of its current popularity by being processed to oil form and used in aromatherapy. When it’s processed to this oil form it takes on the name essential oil. (Because it is the essential oils from the plant or in this case the tree).

So now you know it’s popular in aromatherapy, but how do you use it and why? So glad you asked. Frankincense is still used in its gummy, hardened form today. You can burn this to use as incense. With Frankincense essential oil you can burn it in an oil lamp, in a candle or add it to a pan of hot water.

Burning the actual Frankincense or the oil is most often used for its stimulating and disinfecting properties. When the vapors are inhaled they will help to elevate your mind, relieve depression, slow and deepen your breathing, and fight against infection by supporting your immune system.

Using essential oils for massage or skin care is also a part of aromatherapy. This practice is great because you get the benefit of inhaling the vapors as well as the physical benefits for your skin. Frankincense kills bacteria, which makes it great for cleansing your skin, especially for clearing up acne. It renews skin cells and restores the skin tone, which means that it’s helpful in the treatment of scars and wounds. Many people are surprised to know that Frankincense also fights against wrinkles. Because of its inflammatory properties you can also use Frankincense to soothe joint pain and arthritis.

Another interesting way that Frankincense is used is during childbirth. Because it slows and deepens breathing, it’s perfect to use during contractions. Many people are opting to use aromatherapy during labor.

Frankincense is indeed a wonderful essential oil to have around. It has so many uses and keeps you healthy at that.