Aromatherapy is a new alternative way of treatment, based on herbal medicine, which uses fragrances, derived from distilled oils of plants with known healing characteristics, to treat mind, soul and body. Essential oils are particularly dense aromatic extracts extracted by cold pressure from flowers, leaves and even from the roots of plants or trees. It is thought that, interacting with hormones and enzymes of the body, promote relaxation, help relieve stress and treat conditions such as burns, infections, depression, insomnia and hypertension.
Aromatherapy was used for therapeutic or beautify purposes from the era of the father of modern medicine Hippocrates, Dioscorides – the famous doctor of antiquity - recorded the beneficial effects of oils on the human psyche, while in India, China and Egypt they used aromatherapy to treat mental diseases (e.x. depression).
There are three models of aromatherapy, which suggest different uses:
The German, which emphasizes the olfaction, the British that focuses on the full-length relaxing massage with essential oils combined with herbal oils and the French that follows the medical standard and suggests internal use of oils. More specifically:
In the bathtub: a few drops of essential oil in the warm water, evoke aromas that cause relaxation, tranquility, a feeling of euphoria and wellness.
For massage: we use an oily base, mix it with the essential oil of our choice and by rubbing we get relieved from grips, joint pains, colds, while at the same time relax and exfoliate the skin.
For inhalations: do we want to relax or decongest our respiratory? a few drops of our favorite essential oil in boiling water, while we inhale simultaneously, is the solution.
We make compresses: essential oils locally relieve a discomfort or irritation on the skin. It is enough to pour a few drops in a bottle of water and make compresses that we will place them on the affected area.
For oral hygiene: a few drops of essential oil, dissolved in water, can be used for oral rinses or gargles.
For body hydration and fragrance: with almond oil (1lt) and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, you can make a mixture that you will spread on wet skin after your shower. Leave it for a few minutes, remove with a towel, and enjoy a hydrated and radiant skin like you have never seen before. Also, by mixing 100ml alcohol, 15ml water and 30 drops of the essential oil of your choice, you can make your own perfume!
Of course, you can always use any essential oil you prefer to aromatize your space and take advantage of its beneficial effect, either by dropping a few drops in boiling water or to burning wood or in the special ceramic device for essential oils that you will find at the market.
As for essential oils intended for internal use, you should be very careful because, if you use them undiluted, there is high risk of poisoning or of allergic reaction. As long as you make sure they are drinkable, mix a few drops with tincture or beverage or drinking oil and enjoy their antibacterial and antiseptic action. Finally, for intravaginal suppositories that offer antifungal action, you should consult your doctor and your pharmacist who will prepare them for you.
What should I pay attention to?
First, consultation with our doctor is always helpful and ensures that aromatherapy can indeed relieve us, especially if we suffer from certain chronic diseases or conditions (ex. asthma, respiratory allergy, chronic lung disease, skin allergies). Also, the doctor will direct us on whether we can combine our classic medical protocol with an alternative treatment.
Pregnant women and children younger than 5 years should not use essential oils. Furthermore, extra caution should be taken not to use essential oils near the eyes or mouth because irritation may occur.
Finally, we do not forget that it is forbidden to use insoluble essential oils directly on the skin.
What essential oils to choose?
Due to the increased demand of essential oils, as many people turn to new alternative and holistic therapeutic approaches, you will find a wide range of products, in pharmacies. However, the most popular essential oils are:
Tea tree: with antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial action, helps fight skin irritations, acne and vaginitis.
Lavender: has antibiotic and antidepressant characteristics, while offering relaxation, rejuvenation and relief from migraines, muscle or rheumatic pains.
Eucalyptus: with strong antimicrobial and antiseptic action, helps in respiratory diseases and relieves muscle pain.
Sandalwood: against depression, promotes mental clarity and has strong antiseptic actions.
Grapefruit: rejuvenates the body, improves mood and is also indicated for the treatment of cellulite.
Ylang-Ylang: has relaxing characteristics, stimulates the mind, and also treats nervousness.
Citronella: not only repels annoying insects but regulates the oiliness of the skin and relieves migraines.
