Aromatherapy Overview

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We hope to share our love of Aromatherapy and the use of pure essential oils to you.

OVERVIEW

For centuries essential oils have been considered the most theraputic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts. They are highly concentrated, regenerating, oxygenating and contain hormones, vitamins, and antiseptics that work on many levels.

While in the plant, the essence molecules play a key role in the biochemistry of the plant they are located between the cells of the plant and these molecules act as regulators and messengers. By giving thjavascript:void(0)e plant its aromatic essence, they are also thought to give the plant its "life force". They also protect the plant from parasites and disease, and play an important role in fertilization and assist the plant's adaptation to its environment.

In order to obtain essential oils the aromatic essence molecules of the plant must be captured by using a technical distillation or extraction method. In earlier times, the art of distillation was held in the hands of the few and was considered to be an alchemical transformation of spirit, a bridge between the two realms.

The term "essential oil" is used somewhat loosely as it is often applied to all aromatic products such as essence oils, absolutes, resinoids, and concretes. In Aromatherapy, the most common method of extraction is steam distillation. However, cold expression is used for citrus oils, and a method of solvent extraction for absolutes, concretes and resinoids. The newest technological process of extraction is the hypercritical carbon dioxide method: in part due to high cost, it is not as commonly available.

Aromatherapy works in two ways: through the sense of smell or inhalation and through the skin during massage or bathing. Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used with care and respect. Always dilute for use on the skin. The exception to this rule is with Lavender and Tea Tree which may be applied neat (undiluted) one drop to the area. Remember Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops. For theraputic results purchase only high quality oils.

In Aromatherapy it is held that once extracted, the chemical constituents of a particular essential oil will determine its primary action. Generally, essential oils consist of chemical compounds which have hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in their building blocks.

The primary functional groups of the essential oils used in aromatherapy are:
Monoterpenes: anti-viral, antiseptic, bactericidal, and can be highly irritating to the skin.
Examples: lemon, pine, frankincense.

Esters: fungicidal, sedating, and very aromatically pleasing
Examples: bergamot, Clary sage,lavender.

Aldehydes: sedating and antiseptic.
Examples: melissa, lemongrass, cirtronella.

Ketones: ease congestion, aid flow of mucus, can be toxic.
Examples: fennel, hyssop, sage.

Alcohols: very antiseptic, anti-viral with uplifting qualities.
Examples: rosewood, geranium, rose.

Phenols: bactericidal and strongly stimulating, can be highly irritating to the skin.
Examples: clove, thyme, oregano.

Oxides: expectorant and bactericidal.
Examples: rosemary, tea tree.