by Caetlyn R Campbell

Created on: November 17, 2007   Last Updated: August 26, 2008

Aromatherapy or the use of essential oils through physical application and/or inhalation is a lovely way to enhance ones physical, mental and/or spiritual well being. It is a fragrant, complementary therapy that is easy to use for you and your family.

From six months old up to someone as old as 156, just a few drops of essential oils in a cream or an oil or placed in a diffuser, can help people who are feeling depressed, ease headache, soothe burns, clear up skin complaints such as diaper rash, eczema, dry skin and acne and even help relieve the symptoms of the common cold.

Essential oils are the natural physical essence of a plant which is obtained by steam distillation which is the application of steam to plant matter such as bark, flowers, fruits and seeds to release the "Essence" of the plant, expression (squeezing) and even with the use of CO2. Often oil will not smell the same as the flower or plant that it has been taken from and many people are disappointed when they smell the oil for the first time. However, the more you smell them, the more you notice and appreciate the depth of the fragrance.

When plants are steam distilled, the waters that are left are called either "Hydrosols or "Floral Waters. These Hydrosols are becoming a more valuable resource for Aromatherapy as we understand them more. These waters contain a minute quantity of essential oils and are gentler than the more powerful pure oils. Because of this, the risk for irritation and allergic reactions is much less and the fragrances are wonderful.

Thanks to myths perpetuated in the many books published on Aromatherapy, as well as those put forth by some multi-level marketing companies and unscrupulous retailers, essential oils are being used incorrectly. The one great untruth that has hurt a lot of people is that essential oils can be used "neat" (undiluted) on your skin. The two oils named in conjunction most often with this untruth are Lavender and Tea Tree.

Unfortunately, because essential oils have been applied to the skin either neat or too often, many people have found that they have become allergic to some essential oils and can no longer use them. Others have been burned or developed nasty and painful rashes.

Aromatherapy is at its best and safest when essential oils are mixed with creams, soaps and carrier oils such as olive oil or fractionated coconut oil just to name two of the myriad of the carrier oils that can be found. In fact," Less is best" when it comes to using any essential oil.

Used with proper care Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to help you and your family live a more fragrant life and while it can help with minor health issues, Aromatherapy cannot and should not your doctor for the serious medical issues you may face.

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