Have you ever used aromatherapy? It’s been around for a very long time, but has gotten quite popular lately and many companies are getting in on it. I have seen advertisements on TV where you can buy products and put them in your shower and the steam will emit an aromatic fragrance to soothe and relax you.
Essential oils are normally a liquid derived from a plant and distilled. The distilling process usually involves water from a stream or slow-moving river combined with the leaves, flowers, stems, bark and other parts of the plant. Essential oils don’t actually feel oily. Most essential oils are clear or a very clear orange or amber color.
Essential oils are said to contain the true essence of the plant or tree from which they were obtained. Due to the high concentration of the essential oils, they are often sold in very small bottles that last a long time. Essential oils are not the same or even similar to fragrances or perfumes.
Essential oils are always derived from real plants, while the vast majority of perfume or fragrance oils are artificially created or at the very least contain artificial substances and offer little or no therapeutic value.
Since the use of the word aromatherapy is not yet regulated by the United States government, many companies offer fragrance oils as aromatherapy therapeutic oils even though they are not the same.
Usually these fragrant oils have little or no natural ingredients. It’s important to understand that if an aromatherapy product contains any type of synthetic or perfume oil, it is not a true aromatherapy product, simply someone trying to sell a lesser product as a greater one.
An important guideline to remember is an essential oil should never be used undiluted on the skin. While there may be exceptions to this precaution, you should never make that judgment on your own without careful consultation with an authority on the subject. Using the oil on the skin can cause skin irritation, rashes, severe sensitivity, and can be very toxic.
Lavender and tea tree can be used on the skin, but should only be done so on very rare occasions so that you do not incur the possibility of sensitivity. Keep in mind that some oils may produce sensitivity or allergic reactions in some individuals. Like with other things, some people are going to be allergic to essential oils that are used in aromatherapy.
So in order to safeguard yourself and others against a potential allergic reaction, always apply a very small amount of diluted essential oil (never undiluted) onto a small patch of skin. It can be helpful to do this on the inside of an elbow and then apply Band-Aid. Allow the oil to sit for at least 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction.
It doesn’t matter if you think that you wont be allergic to any of the essential oils, you should always check first to be sure.
[...] Aromatherapy For A Healthier Life [...]
Great info thanks. I often use at home all kinda things but I’ve never really paid attention to details. But it’s good now I know how to check if there’s any danger of being allergic to some of the aromatherapy products.
I have always been a fan of aromatherapy. I love lavander and orange and use it with extra virgin coconut oil for back massage. For my feet, I use the ginger oil variation.
I must confess that it would be difficult for me to live without these small luxuries. I have episodes of lower and upper back pain especially after doing the laundry. My aromatherapy kits always come in handy to provide the relief.
And I didn’t know people can be allergic to these stuff.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!