Caught between art and science Aromatherapy is one of the most popular forms of healing and relaxation in the world today. Not only do the oils and essences used in Aromatherapy have healing properties for the body they also have a therapeutic and calming effect on our minds. The plants, trees and flowers used in the preparation of Aromatherapy oils all have medicinal properties that can heal specific ailments and enhance our general well-being.

Rene Gattefosse fist coined the term ‘Aromatherapy’ in 1910 when he discovered the healing properties of lavender oil on a burn he had sustained in a laboratory accident. Of course the use of aromatic herbs and plants in healing, religious ceremony, sexual rituals and spiritual practices by the ancient peoples is well documented so Aromatherapy isn’t something new.

These days, however, essential oils are so easy to manufacture and obtain and are sold in so many pharmacies and health stores that their use is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the toxicity of many orthodox medicines.

What is an Essential Oil?

The oils used in Aromatherapy are volatile aromatic essences that are found in an abundance of plants, trees and flowers due to their photosynthetic processes. When you smell a sprig of lavender, a rose or crush a lemon tree leaf or Cinnamon stick it is the essential oils that provide the wonderful smell and glorious feelings that we know so well.

Most of us will agree that is far more than just an aroma that is experienced when we do this. In ancient times alchemists believed that a plant’s oils were its essence or soul and during the Renaissance these oils were used by herbalists and apothecaries.

The amounts of oil produced are fairly small and concentrated so it takes, for example, about thirty rose petals to produce a single drop of essential oil. Of course the amount of oil produced by each plant explains why the prices of these oils vary across a wide range with rose and jasmine oils being quite expensive! Remember the oil’s energy or intensity may be correspondingly powerful so you only need to use a few drops of these fragrances for a healing effect.

Petals, peel, root, bark or seed are all used to manufacture essential oils.

Making Essential Oils

The oils used in Aromatherapy are obtained by a process called steam distillation. The plant matter is harvested and placed into a canister through which steam is channeled. The steam rises through the plant material and lifts the essential oils through a condenser coil. This coil then cools the steam and liquid droplets are produced.

The oil and water mixture flows into a Florentine flask where the oil separates from the water and floats on top of it. Many manufacturers see this process as an art and claim to have superior techniques for gathering top quality oils from the best quality plant matter.

Good distillation needs a finely tuned balance of time and temperature to extract the most intense molecules from the plant without damaging their therapeutic properties.

The Origin and Cultivation of Plants

Where a plant grows and its growing climate and conditions influences to a large extent its quality and it is for this reason that many see it as similar to winemaking. The soil, rainfall, relative humidity and sunlight all affect the plant’s production of oils. Many oils offer information on location and growing conditions on the bottle. There are several methods of cultivation:

* Certified Organic Farming (CO):

This is certified by independent monitoring agencies as organically grown. No artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are used. Oils are distilled in organic facilities according to the highest therapeutic standards.

* Organic Farming (O):

These farms are not independently monitored but do practice organic farming methods. Often there aren’t monitoring agencies in their area. These remote farms are often not able to buy herbicides and fertilizers since they are expensive.

* Selected Farming (S):

Oils grown on this type of farm are selected and tested for the best quality. If no organic monitoring agencies exist and there is no personal contact, oils are chosen carefully.

* Wildcrafted (W):

Plants gathered in their natural environment and free of any artificial intervention. They are truly organic, kissed by the sun and as pure as Mother Nature herself!

* Absolute (Abs):

This type of oil is extracted by using of solvents rather than steam distillation. A two-step process with an aromatic waxy substance called a concrete is used.

The Uses and Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is used in massage, in inhalations via steam or just in a burner to permeate the home with its healing properties. It is also used in pot pourri and fragrance sachets or pillows.

Pure oils are thought to have the ability to touch the deepest part of ourselves and the small molecules connect with the olfactory nerves and central nervous system effecting healing on specific ailments both physical and psychological.

Some therapists believe that all our early experiences may be coded by smells that were present at the time. This may be why we respond to certain smells with the recollection of, for example, childhood memories. Therapists think the oils can be used to ‘unlock’ long held negative energy and cleanse our spiritual and emotional issues. This negative energy may be the cause of illness and mental disorders and using the oils to clear the blocked channels may result in healing.

If you choose to take a more orthodox view, many plants contain chemical compounds that are used in healing. Almost all our modern drugs for, example morphine and aspirin were once derived from plant sources. So there is overwhelming evidence for the use of plants in the healing therapies.

There are so many uses of Aromatherapy that it is impossible to cover all the ailments it is used to treat in this introduction. We suggest getting a good book on the subject or search online for a good source of its various treatments. Many people swear by Aromatherapy but you should always follow the correct guidelines for their use and be aware of any situations for example high blood pressure and pregnancy when certain oils are not recommended. Experiment with the different fragrances until you find at least three that appeal to you. Use them in a burner or in massage and then judge their value for yourself!