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For many centuries essential oils have been used for the treatment of illnesses and other physical and spiritual needs. For instance, we find in the New Testament that wise men presented the Christ child with frankincense and myrrh. Both of these are essential oils.

Essential oils are volatile liquids distilled from flowers, roots, bushes, seeds, trees and shrubs. For example, the essential oils of orange, petitgrain and neroli all come from various parts of an orange tree. It takes different amounts of plant material to produce equal amounts of essential oil depending upon the oil. For instance, it takes sixty thousand rose petals to produce one ounce of pure rose essential oil, but you can get one pound of pure lavender essential oil from about 30 pounds of lavender.

Essential oils are different from vegetable oils such as avocado oil or olive oil. They are not greasy so they do not clog the pores of the skin like vegetable oils can. Scientific research has proven that some of these essential oils have remarkable medicinal properties.

Essential oils contain many different chemicals and they can have many different effects on the body. For example, lavender essential oil has been used for burns, insect bites, headaches, PMS, insomnia, stress and hair growth. For safe topical use, essential oils must be diluted with another substance, usually a base oil such as jojoba oil. As a general rule, essential oils are not meant to be taken internally. Do not take any essential oil internally without the supervision of a trained professional.

To read more about essential oils, you can purchase the book The Complete Book of Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood. Novato, CA: New World Library, 1991. 

As its name implies, aromatherapy is a therapy that uses aroma for healing. It can treat emotional as well as physical troubles, assist you think better, and enhance your athletic performance. Aromatherapy can even improve your love and your sex life.

 No wonder such a large choice of fragrant creations is now obtainable. Everything from candles to facial creams to room fresheners guarantee to bring aromatherapy into your life.

 Simply because you are reading this post you likely can’t help wondering what all this excitement about aromatherapy is. Perhaps you’re lacking something that could likely be a benefit in your life. In any case, the idea of adding a little zest to your life with sweet smells sounds like fun. But this brings up some questions in your mind: Can this hurt me? Is this is actually a therapy? How does it work? What will my friends say? Will they think that I will go off the deep end spraying odd vapors into the air or walking around smelling as if I tripped into a pool of exotic perfume?

 Aromatherapy is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment. You can utilize some suggestions that you discover in this blog in combination with other treatments for serious health problems, but only do this under your doctor’s care. Your body is different from everyone else’s, so when you get sick, the best treatment for another who has the same thing may not be just right for you. The common guideline is:  when in doubt, don’t. If you’re not certain what you have or you don’t know how to care for it, seek expert counsel. Always keep in mind, don’t take any risks with your health!

 Aromatherapy is closely related to herbalism. These two fields employ many of the same healing herbs. But aromatherapy concentrates on plants that are scented. Both aromatherapy and herbalism pursue the philosophy of holistic medicine. This means they study the whole individual and take into consideration not just your symptoms, but also your whole person. This includes your emotional self, how you lead your life, how you think, what you eat, how much you exercise, what brings you joy, and what stresses you out.

 It is likely that you have already been exposed to aromatherapy. If you’ve ever tasted a cup of chamomile tea, smoothed on a rose or lavender-scented hand cream, or smelled a cinnamon roll, you’ve encountered aromatherapy by now. It is an adventure that unites inviting aromas with good health.

The information for this post was taken from: Kathi Keville. Aromatherapy for Dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc, 1999

In their pure state, essential oils are too highly concentrated to rub directly on the skin. We use vegetable and carrier oils to dilute them. These oils are made from vegetables, nuts, or seeds. They are produced mainly for food and are a good source of nutrients and energy. But they are also used in aromatherapy. Many of these oils have healing properties even when we use them by themselves.

Here is a list of a few of these base oils and the various skin types they can be used for:

Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in protein, good for all skin types.

Apricot Kernel Oil
All skins, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed, and dry.

Avocado Oil
All skins, especially dry and dehydrated; eczema.

Borage Seed Oil
Prematurely aged skin. Good for regenerating and stimulating the skin. All skin types.

Carrot Oil
Premature aging, itching, dryness, psoriasis and eczema. Rejuvenating; reduces scarring.

Evening Primrose Oil
Helps to prevent premature aging of the skin.

Jojoba Oil
A waxy substance that mimics collagen. It can be used for inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair care, all skin types; highly penetrative.

Olive Oil
Rheumatic conditions, hair care, cosmetics; soothing.

Wheatgerm Oil
Prematurely aged skin; all skin types.

This post is based upon The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood. Novato, CA. New World Library, 1991