What is Aromatherapy?
Used by for thousands of centuries before us by Ancient Civilizations including Egyptians, Greeks & Romans, Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for a perceived therapeutic or emotional benefit.
In layman's terms, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain when they are inhaled. This has a positive impact on the .emotional centre of our brain called the Amygdala, which controls our emotions, emotional behaviour and motivations.
What is Aromatherapy Essential Oil?
Aromatherapy Essential Oils are not really 'oils' in the true sense of the word as they contain no fatty acids. Essential as in they are the essence of plants that are extracted from leaves, roots, flowers, twigs, wood - basically any part of the plant.
However, what they definitely are, are extremely potent and need to be handled with precautions.
In some plant species different essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plant.
For example 3 different Essential Oils are derived from the Bitter Orange Tree (Seville/Sour Orange)
- Bitter Orange essential oil is derived from the outer peel of the orange fruit
- Petitgrain from the leaves and twigs,
- Neroli from the fragrant white flowers.
Out of the 250,000 plant species in the world, only 450 produce usable essential oils, with less than a third (about 130) usable for Aromatherapy. That's less than half of one percent!
Essential Oil Extraction
The essence of the plants are normally extracted via steam distillation or cold pressing (mainly citrus oils).
It can take a large amount of plant material to make the 10ml bottle of essential oil that you are likely to be using!
For instance it can take between 30-60 roses to make 1 drop of Rose Essential Oil,
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are increasingly more seen in everyday hair, skincare and home fragrance products.
Here at ZenHome we have a wide selection of sustainably sourced, IFRA certified Aromatherapy Products that can be used in a variety of ways.
Topically
- Aromatherapy Massage Oils
- 100% Pure Essential Oils, Organic Essential Oils & Essential Oil Blends
- Aromatherapy Bath & Body
- Aromatherapy Soy Wax Candles
- 100% Pure Essential Oils, Organic Essential Oils & Essential Oil Blends
- Aromatherapy Bath & Body
Aromatherapy on the Go
- Essential Oil Roller Blends -
We do not recommend the ingestion of Essential Oils in line with UK medical guidance.
Precautions when using Aromatherapy Essential OilsEssential oils are extremely potent and a little goes a long way and they should be used carefully.
When diluting with carrier oils or creams there are maximum safe amounts that you should stick to. You can find our more in our Essential Oils Safe Ratios for Dilution Blog Post.
How and Where to buy Essential Oils in the UK
Want to buy high quality pure Essential Oils that are ethically and sustainably sourced?
We have a wide selection of sustainably sourced, IFRA certified Aromatherapy Products including 100% Pure Essential Oils, Massage Oils and Pulse Point Rollers
SHOP ALL ESSENTIAL OILS
You can also read our What to look for when buying Essential Oils Blog post for more information.