So you're probably here to find out as much as you can about Aromatherapy and Essential oils, right?
You've heard it can do good things but you've still got a healthy degree of scepticism, after all it's just the latest 'fad' and there's no scientific evidence is there?
Well strictly speaking both of those are incorrect. So let's start with the history.
HISTORY
Aromatherapy (although not strictly as we know it as it was unlikely steam distilled) has been around for thousands of years.
Dating back to the Ancient Egyptians (what doesn't!) plant oils were used in a multitude of ways to ward of bad smells, infections and even .......
Almost 3000 years later the Ancient Greeks caught on and Hippocrates - the 'alleged Father of Medicine' used Essential Oils to .......
You probably would have heard of Frankincense and Myrrh?
These 'holy' oils are actually powerful essential oils and it's unlikely to be coincidence that these were chosen as gifts (if you believe in the bible)
Not convinced? Well even Shakespeare referenced the powers of using Rosemary oil for concentration. Ophelia's famous speech in Act IV of Hamlet begins with the line “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”
Ok, so if it's been used for so long why isn't there any scientific evidence to back up its claims?
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES / MEDICAL RESEARCH
Well I'm definitely not a medical doctor, but in my opinion (of which I have many!), I think that it's because Essential Oils are a natural product and therefore cannot be patented, there's no financial incentive for big pharma to prove that there's something better than their chemical pills - remember they treat DisEase!
Aromatherapy deals with WellBeing!
However the clamour around Aromatherapy has definitely gotten louder, with more and more people turning to Aromatherapy as a Complementary and Alternative medicine.
More research and scientific studies are being conducted, with some of the latest studies showing that for most people, the use of Aromatherapy Essential Oils will have some sort of physiological or emotional benefit whether short or medium term.
What I definitely know is that the mind is pivotal, we know about the placebo effect, and to quote my dear mother 'Beliefs Cure and Beliefs Kill! So basically if you have a positive mindset you are likely to see some sort of improvement benefit
For a more detailed look at the science, read our blog post - Scientific Studies that Suggest Aromatherapy is a powerful healer
BUT WHAT IS IT IN LAYMAN'S TERMS?
Ok so if you're still here you probably want to know a bit more about it? So here goes.
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
In a nutshell (or a flower petal?!) it's the use of the 'oils' that are extracted from the very essence of plants, flowers, leaves, stalks, twigs, wood.
HOW CAN AROMATHERAPY HELP ME?
Studies have shown that Aromatherapy can help to improve physiological conditions such as cuts, bruises and sprains as well as improving our emotional wellbeing such as depression, stress and anxiety.
HOW DO YOU DO AROMATHERAPY?
You can benefit from aromatherapy in a number of ways including inhalation, vaporisation or direct topical application. Essential oils are also present in many bath, skin and facecare products as well as candles and incense.
ARE THERE ANY DANGERS OR SIDE EFFECTS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
HOW DO I CHOOSE MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
HOW DO I STORE MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
HOW LONG CAN I USE MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
CAN I MIX MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
HOW DO I DILUTE MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.
DO DIFFERENT OILS DO DIFFERENT THINGS? HOW DO I CHOOSE MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
While safe for most, Essential Oils are a powerful substance and should be treated with caution. Some Essential Oil are toxic and some shouldn't be used if you are suffering from specific medical conditions.