Essential oils are one of the vital ingredients in aromatherapy, a hugely popular variety of alternative medicine that has seen a marked comeback in recent years. Aromatherapy uses ‘volatile’ oils and other substances extracted from plants to aid in the promotion of both physical and mental well-being in an individual.
Essential oils are extracted from plants, usually using distillation. The oils may be extracted from any section of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, resin and peel.
The oils are usually sold in small, glass bottles, but can be bought in a number of forms. Usually they are released into the air by heating over a candle, burned as incense, or it is even possible to put some on a piece of cloth so it naturally defuses into the air.
Alternatively, essential oils can be put directly on the skin. That said, since they are very concentrated they should be diluted first, so care must be taken. In fact, like any kind of therapy, aromatherapy must be approached with a certain amount of caution. Use the caution you would give to taking any medicine and be sure to read up well on the subject or talk to an experienced practitioner. There are scores of essential oils, all with varying properties, so it is good to educate yourself.
Also, be certain not to confuse fragrance oils with essential oils. Fragrance oils do not have any medicinal purposes and contain synthetic substances. Ask around to try to find a reputable supplier that sells good essential oils.
As with a lot of varieties of alternative therapy, a good deal of debate surrounds aromatherapy and essential oils. It is ignored by many practitioners of traditional medicine, though other people have touted it as some type of miracle cure. The reality, however, in all likelihood lies somewhere in the middle. It is widely accepted that essential oils can improve well-being and mood in subtle but effective ways. Essential oils can’t cure a major disease like cancer, though they will make it easier for the person to cope with the symptoms if used properly.
As mentioned before, a certain amount of caution must be taken when using essential oils. For example, essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin, they should never be ingested and they should be kept well away from children. In addition, it is essential to use them sparingly, a drop or two is generally enough, and they have the potential to cause complications for people with existing medical conditions like asthma.
Essential oils are increasingly being thought of as a real aid to the promotion of physical and mental health. It is no miracle cure, but with safe and sensible use its advantages can be significant.
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