Aromatherapy: Essential Oils That Bring Wellness

Aromatherapy

If once the healing use of essences was closely linked to magic, nowadays plants and aromas are considered precious allies of psychophysical well-being also by herbal science. aromatherapy exploits its purest essence, that is, the essential oils, to promote the health of mind and body. It's about a alternative medicine, a now widely used holistic practice that is part of the broader phytotherapy discipline, which uses medicinal plants for healing purposes. Here, however, the undisputed protagonists are the oils, their myriad properties, and their penetrating aromas. Here's everything you need to know about this ancient practice.

ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposesWhy essential oils? Because they're considered the "soul of the plant," its purest essence. Not to mention that they're highly volatile, unlike regular oils, which can reach your nose more easily.

The origins are ancient. Chinese Taoists claimed that elemental spirits fed only on fragrances, alchemists surrounded themselves with particular perfumes, in India scented incense was already used 5.000 years ago, pre-Columbian peoples wore containers with aromatic oils or flower powdersThe ancient Egyptians also used plants for healing as well as magical purposes, and the Greeks attributed divine origins to perfumes.

However, as we know it today, aromatherapy It was born in the 1930s thanks to the French chemist Rene-Maurice GattefosséIt was he who discovered the healing effects of essential oils, which he had been using in his time to produce cosmetics. After being severely burned and having tried various ineffective methods, he applied lavender essential oil to the infected wounds, which proved highly healing due to its antiseptic properties.

Gattefossé then decided to delve deeper into the properties of essential oils and discovered that they could be used to treat various ailments. In 1937, he published the book "Aromatherapy," dedicated to therapeutic essential oils. Subsequently, in 1964, Jean Valnet published another book on the subject, "Aromatherapie," and interest in this discipline continued to grow.

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BENEFITS

Aromatherapy promotes the physical and mental well-being Using essential oils with countless properties: soothing, balsamic, antibacterial, calming, anti-inflammatory, to name a few. These oils can be used in various ways, from applying them to the skin for massage, diffusing their aromas into the air, or sometimes even orally. And they are used for treat a wide range of disorders, from skin infections to respiratory tract problems, from abdominal swelling from cramps to mood disorders.

Through the sense of smell, odorous molecules reach the brain directly in the form of neural stimuli, producing a reaction that can positively influence mood. Depending on the essence selected, a state of relaxation, a sense of calm and relaxation, or vitality and stimulation of brain activity can be achieved.

OILS USED

There are some for every need, which can be used individually or mixed to obtain blends. Eucalyptus and pine fumigations They calm coughs by acting on the respiratory tract, while at the same time strengthening the immune system. Pine and lavender essence , known for their calming properties, are often used in cases of fever and flu. peppery mind, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps fight headaches. basil Relaxing, sage calms coughs caused by allergies.

Jasmine, rosemary, sage They are used for skin irritations thanks to their antiseptic and healing properties. Eucalyptus and peppermint are excellent insect repellents and bite repellents, while lavender and chamomile, with their soothing properties, prove to be valuable allies.

Lemon and grapefruit These are the most recommended essential oils for those who suffer from acne, because citrus fruits purify the skin. Juniper and geraniumThe first is purifying, the second decongestant, and helps fight cellulite. Hair is regenerated with applications of lavender, geranium, and lemon. Muscle tone improves thanks to grapefruit essential oils. sage detoxifies, cinnamon is an ally against intestinal infections.

Il red thyme promotes concentration, sandal It regenerates energy, and lemon balm regulates blood pressure and improves circulation. Sandalwood, geranium, and bergamot are also recommended for treating depression because they have balancing properties. lavender foot baths help overcome tiredness. pink, like chamomile, is used for its calming properties.

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HOW TO USE THEM

Essential oils are used in different ways, generally diluted in special solvents, such as vegetable oils and alcohol, to reduce potential adverse reactions. These products are potentially toxic due to their high concentration. The aromatherapist should evaluate the degree of dilution on a case-by-case basis, depending on the intended application.

The first type of use is the diffusion of oil in the air Using aromatherapy diffusers. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of essential oil to boiling water and let the aroma waft through the air. Essential oils are sometimes used for prepare incense, often in the form of sticks, which once lit slowly release their scent.

Another type of application is topical, used especially to relieve inflammation and pain. In this case the essential oil is diluted in vegetable oil or combined with a cream, in proportions that vary depending on your needs. On average, 3-5 drops are used per 50 ml of oil or cream. In specific cases, such as treating insect bites, the essential oil can be applied neat, but only one drop. However, DIY is a good idea.

Third job use in bath water, where you can add a few drops of essential oil to take advantage of its properties. The most commonly used oils in this area are relaxing and toning ones. Finally, there is oral aromatherapy which uses essential oils to make mouthwashes useful for sore throats, gingivitis, canker sores, and similar ailments. These products should never be prepared at home, but only with the advice of a professional, as they are potentially toxic.

Further ways of using essential oils in aromatherapy are relaxing foot baths, masks, regenerating muds.

AROMATHERAPY AT HOME

The aromas of essential oils can be diffused in the home in various ways. For example, using scented sticks which you can customize by adding a few drops of your favorite oil. Also le Candles they can be flavored The same goes for candles: just light them, wait for the wax to melt, turn them off, and pour 1-2 drops of essential oil directly into the wax. Be careful to turn them off before adding the oil, as contact with the flame can be dangerous.

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To take advantage of the therapeutic properties of essential oils in the bedroom, Pour 1-2 drops of essential oil on the inside of the pillowcase. Also useful are the terracotta diffusers to diffuse aromas in different rooms or alternatively ceramic lamps, which are also decorative. And in the winter season, why not pour a few drops directly on the radiators.

If you love to perfume your wardrobes with some potpourriIdeally, it's best to flavor it with a few drops of essential oil. You can even soak coat hangers or simple pieces of paper in them, which you can then distribute in drawers, thus benefiting from the aromatic properties of the oils used.

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