Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Essential oils are the elixir for the stresses and strains of modern living. Most therapists and many of their customers will be aware of them but may not have experience with them or in depth knowledge about them. This informative article by the Salon Source team provides an introduction to essential oils.
In a nutshell, essential oils are plant extracts made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant such as the flowers, bark, leaves or fruit, to retrieve the compounds that produce fragrance. It takes several kilograms of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil.
Let’s get into a bit of history here because essentials oils have been used for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes dating back to ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in cosmetics, perfumes and drugs.
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy. And, Aromatherapy comes from the word's “aroma” fragrance and “therapy” treatment. It was the French (of course) perfumer and chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who conceived the term “aromatherapie” in 1937 with his publication of a book by that name.
Gattefosse conceived the term to distinguish the medicinal application of essential oils from their perfumery applications.
Originating from herbal medicine, aromatherapy initially involved only the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils). However, as the practice of aromatherapy has progressed and gained popularity, its approach has been more holistic encompassing all of a client’s health, both mental and physical.
We often underestimate the sense of smell which plays an important role in memory, mood and emotion. And, in terms of evolution, is one of the oldest senses.
Aromatherapy cleverly works through the sense of smell and skin absorption which explains its effectiveness in treatments.
Please note: Clients with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy:
An allergy or allergies or Asthma
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
Epilepsy, hypertension
The aromatherapist or massage therapist must find out if the client has nut allergies, because carrier oils are often obtained from nuts and seeds.
Aromatherapy can have side effects including nausea, headaches, some allergic reactions, but these are usually mild and do not last long.
The use of aromatherapy by pregnant or nursing mothers has not been proven safe by research, so it is not recommended.
There are a few basics to remember when working with essential oils:
When applying oils topically, always use a carrier oil like grapeseed and sweet almond oil to
dilute essential oils.
Do a patch test before applying anything to larger areas of your skin.
Many essential oils are toxic and should not be taken orally unless under the specific care of a healthcare professional.
It is important to buy “pure” essential oils as there many knock-off versions and perfume oils that don’t have the same benefits and may even be synthetic.
Essential oils are gentle and soothing and have a range of benefits, unique healing properties, uses and effects.
Here are some popular oils and their benefits:
Eucalyptus:
- Bronchitis
- Fever
- Sinusitis
- Muscular Aches and Pains
- Rheumatism & arthritis
Lavender
- Restful sleep
- Mood improvement
- Soothes sun-damaged skin
- Fungal infections and eczema
- Reduces Itching
Lemongrass
- Muscular Aches and Pains
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Physical and Mental Exhaustion
- Acne
- Insect Repellent
Peppermint
- Energising
- Stimulating
- Revitalising
- Improves digestion
Rose Geranium
- Relaxation
- Calming
- Mood improvement
Rosemary
- Cleansing and clarifying
- Invigorating
- Reduces appearance of water retention
Sweet Orange
- Uplifting
- Calming
- Aids digestive system
Tea Tree
- Fight infections
- Boost immunity
YlangYlang
- Sensual, hydrating
- Relaxing and soothing
- Tension and stress relief
Published: 26th May 2021
