Essential Oils are volatile parts of aromatic plants extracted by steam distillation or expression. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are fragrant liquids pressed or distilled from plants. These essential oils are found in various parts of the plant body, in the seeds, flowers, bark, or leaves, and are also concentrated in certain special cells or groups of cells (glands). Essential oils are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, and trees. Most essential oils are collected by a process called steam distillation. Essential oils are antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and antiseptic. Although essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants, you should still consider them as having chemical compounds.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, in which healing effects are credited to the aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular branches of Holistic Medicine. Although some doctors doubt the efficiency of aromatherapy, medical researchers have scientifically proven that aromatherapy may produce both psychological and physiological effects. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic and other holistic healing methods. Aromatherapy is completely natural as the essential or fragrant oils are extracted from plants. You can benefit from the use of aromatherapy oils in wide variety of ways like inhaling the oil, massaging it on your body, or by soaking yourself in the bath water to which are added the essential oils. Each of the essential oils used in aromatherapy can be used either alone or in combinations to create a desired effect.
Health Benefits of Essential Oils
Science has discovered that our sense of smell plays a significant role in our overall health. Aromatherapy is defined as the use of pure, therapeutic grade essential oils to facilitate the health of body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to help coordinate the maintenance of overall well-being and may help with appearance, body function, home, children and all other emotional and physical aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Because essential oils work in all areas of our lives, they are probably the single most all-encompassing tool we have been given to assist us in both our personal health and growth. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider you trust who is knowledgeable about essential oils or willing to investigate with you.
Conclusion Essential oils are derived from various parts of plants. Essential oils are frequently referred to as the “life force” of plants. Aromatherapy is the use of plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well being to lift the mood, soothe the body and enhance the quality of life. In therapeutic aromatherapy, essential oils treat medical conditions. Cuts and wounds can be treated with sprays or salves that contain essential oils isolated from eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, tea tree, or basil. Using massage oils where essential oils have been added will help give some relief. There are several essential oils used to help you sleep or to help you fall asleep.
