Essential oils and aromatherapy

Helpful essential oils tips and resource

Enhance the Air

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils, has been around for over 4,000 years. Essential oils are the fragrances derived from plants. The term aromatherapy was coined by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist in the early 1920s.

There are a variety of different ways to fill the air with the aromas of essential oils. Essential oils can be added to humidifiers or vaporizers which circulate the essential oils into the air with water vapor. Diffusers vaporize essential oils and water and release their fragrance into the air. There are also a variety of aromatherapy candles, or you can combine your essential oil with water in a spray bottle.

A popular way to directly apply aromatherapy benefits to oneself is by steam inhalation. Steam inhalation is done by putting a drop or two of an essential oil in a bowl of hot water and leaning over the bowl approximately eight to ten inches away and draping a towel over your head creating a tent. Breathe deeply to inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. You can leave the bowl open in a room as well to continue to release the fragrance into your air. Steam inhalation is not recommended for people who suffer from asthma.

Why do essential oils work as a treatment for a variety of ailments? Essential oils have a direct impact on our sense of smell, or olfaction. When we inhale essential oils, our olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and that impulse is transmitted to our limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. The limbic system is connected to other areas of the brain that are linked to memory, blood circulation, endocrine glands and breathing. The properties of the essential oils being used determine stimulation of these systems.

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The information on this site is not a substitute for medical or legal advice. The information on this site is only the authors opinion. About using aromatherapy during pregnancy

Terms of use and our legal disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always seek the advice from a certified doctor before using essential oils.