You've
seen those mysterious little brown bottles in the health food store. But
do you really know what "essential oils" are? Have you seen
outrageous claims about lavender instantly curing wounds and found yourself
thinking "Whoa"? Let's take a look at one of the biggest fads
to hit North America in years and try to separate some of the fact from
the fiction.
AROMATHERAPY--WHAT IS IT?
Though the use of aromatic plant materials dates back millennia, aromatherapy
is a relatively new idea. In fact, the term "aromatherapy" wasn't
even coined until the 1920s. Though you'll find people who claim aromatherapy
can cure everything from AIDS to dandruff let's first look at aromatherapy
in its purest form--the use of fragrant plant materials to alter mood,
create an atmosphere, and personalize a room.
Ask an aromatherapy aficionado and he'll tell you that "true"
aromatherapy uses only pure, natural plant materials. But the truth is,
mood can be influenced by any scent--natural or not. Ask any realtor about
the use of scents and he might just suggest baking a batch of cinnamon
rolls or an apple pie while showing your home to prospective buyers. An
old wives tale? Some people think so but others swear by it.
IF IT QUACKS LIKE A DUCK . . .
Let's face it--there are folks out there hawking aromatherapy as a cure
for cancer, a treatment for depression, and even as an aphrodisiac. But
good scientific studies on aromatherapy are rare. Even among natural health
experts aromatherapy isn't taken all that seriously. At best it's a complementary
therapy.
And while
we're on the subject of quackery, let's
also clarify another common misconception. There is currently no standardized
certification aromatherapy program in the US. When you hire an aroma expert
you've no way to be sure the person knows what he or she is doing. (Editor's
Note: There are plenty of qualified Aromatherapists in the UK).
IT'S NOT A MIRACLE CURE SO . . . WHAT'S
IT GOOD FOR?
Aromatherapy may not cure terminal illness or heal burns in the blink
of an eye but it's a wonderful way to bring natural scents into your home.
Essential oils don't have the sickeningly sweet scent of artificial air
fresheners or the solvent scent of room sprays. Whether you use them to
freshen potpourri, diffuse them into the air, or use them to scent your
linens, essential oils are a quick, easy way to inject a bit of your own
personality into your private space. Let's look at some of the most popular
uses of some of the more common oils:
The medicinal scent of Eucalyptus or Tea Tree will make your bathroom
or kitchen feel cleaner, instantly. Rose in the bathroom, however, harkens
back to Victorian times, when rose was the scent of choice in perfumes,
face creams, and soaps.
Lavender is the classic "linen closet" scent. Try lightly spraying
your sheets and pillowcases about half an hour before you retire in the
evening.
Citrus oils like Orange or Lemon make a room feel happy and alive while
warm, woody oils like Patchouli or Sandalwood impart a mysterious, moody
feeling.
In your bedroom, the deep, exotic scent of Ylang-Ylang urgently whispers
"This is a romantic space".
About The
Author
As the owner of NaturopathicBath.com,
Lisa Barger is one of the few internet-based experts focusing on truly
therapeutic personal care products. Her cruelty-free products are made
without petroleum, dye, alcohol, or perfumes.
Editor's Comment: My wife swears by Essential Oil of Lavender to relieve headaches and sinus pain. Just rub a few drops on the temples and in the area of the pain. Don't get too close to your eyes though. Tea Tree Oil is great for insect bites and skin fungal infections like Athletes Foot. Again just rub a few drops on the area affected.
Note: Tea Tree oil and Lavender oil are the only essential oils you should apply undiluted to your skin. All others need diluting in a carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil. When you buy Essential Oils do check that it actually says 'Essential Oil' on the label, and not 'Fragrance Oil'. The latter are usually artificial oils - okay for oil burners and pot pourri, but not for applying to your skin.
© 2004 Natural Good Health
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