AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy definition The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being. What are essential oils? Essential oils are the volatile (readily vaporised) liquid components of aromatic plants and trees. They occur in different parts of the plant depending on the species of plant; leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, rind etc. These precious essences are commonly collected by a process of steam distillation of the plant material. Expression (pressing) of the fruit’s rind is the method that is used for citrus oils and certain fragile scented flower oils must be solvent extracted in order to capture their fragrances. Solvent extracted essential oils cannot be certified as organic as a result of the chemical solvents (such as petrolatum and hexane) that are used during the extraction process. How do essential oils work in the body? There are two main routes by which essential oils used externally are able to reach the bloodstream by skin absorption and by diffusion across the tiny air sacs in the lungs. It is well known that the skin is a highly absorbent organ and for such a reason drug companies also use this method to administer their therapeutic agents. E.g. oestrogen can be administered by a patch on the skin. How do essential oils affect mood? Scent has a profound influence on memory, mood and imagination. Using your Heaven Scent Organics essential oils Baths: Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil(s) to a warm run bath. Close the door so the vapours don’t escape. Soak for at least 10 minutes relaxing and breathing deeply. For added moisturising dilute the oils in 10ml of carrier before adding to the bath Massage: add 5 to 6 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil. Mix thoroughly and apply liberally to the skin. Inhalations: Add 4 to 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head, close your eyes and lean over the bowl. Inhale the vapour for a few minutes. Burners and Diffusers: Fill the bowl of the burner/vaporiser with water and then add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil. Light the candle and the oil will evaporate as the water heats up. Do not let the bowl dry out
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 08:53:52 +0000
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