What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in creating a beneficial mental state, and enhances beauty and health. It is based on the ideas of holistic care of the body, mind and soul. This helps treat the whole body as opposed to a single symptom. It is also based on a preventative approach. This means that a body that is cared for and a mind that is relaxed are better able to function at a healthy level. Aromatherapy is not simply the use of fragrance to evoke a mood, but is the use of chemical constituents in plant material to have a direct impact on the brain. These essences can be inhaled or applied to the skin.
How long has aromatherapy been around?
Aromatherapy, in various forms, has been used in societies as far back as the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians used a scent mixture of frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and resins called kyphi, which was burned as an offering to the Gods additionally to induce hypnotic states of mind. Many of these plant materials were also used in the embalming of their mummies. The Greeks and Romans also used aromatic herbs for healing as well as in their baths and massage. And from the 7th century CE through the 17th century CE China was known to use fragrance, incense, and herbs for cosmetics, decorating, and medicine.
In the 20th century, the term "aromatherapy" as we use it today was coined by Rene- Maurice Gattefoss. He was a French chemist, who was working in his laboratory when he caused a small explosion. When he realized his hand was burned, he plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil, and was awed at how well it healed, with no infection or scarring. He then continued researching the healing effects of essential oils.
One scientist who followed with this research is French doctor, Jean Valnet, who used essential oils as an Army doctor. He later published the book, The Practice of Aromatherapy. In the 1960's, Marguerite Maury began use of plant essences in a holistic medical practice. Robert Tisserand brought interest of aromatherapy to the United States with the publication of his book, The Art of Aromatherapy. Today, developing aromatherapy products is one of the fastest growing industries around.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are volatile oils that are extracted from plant materials in several ways. The oils can be derived from flowers, leaves, grasses, fruits skin, seeds, barks and roots of the plant. The most common way to obtain the oil is through steam distillation where steam is passed through the plant material in a still. The steam then contains the plant essence which is then condensed and separated from the water. Oils also can expressed from the skin of citrus fruits, and others are extracted using solvents, which are then results in the precious absolutes of vanilla, jasmine and rose, among others. The resulting oils are not oily, but rather a volatile substance that is extremely concentrated and must be diluted before use.
What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils?
Essential oils are extracted from plant material. Fragrance oils are synthetically created. For aromatherapy purposes, one should not use fragrance oils, as they do not have the same therapeutic effects and essential oils. All Faery-Wings products are made with pure essential oil unless specifically noted.
What safety issues do I need to be aware of when using essential oils?
The most important thing to remember is to dilute the oils before use. All Faery-Wings products are diluted at the proper concentration, usually a 2 1/2- 5 % dilution. Another consideration is to not take any oil or Faery-Wings product internally. Under proper guidance of a qualified practitioner, essential oils are sometimes prescribed to be taken internally; however it is not the purpose of any Faery-Wings product to be used in this way. Additionally some oils are not to be used during pregnancy. These are: Marjoram, Sage, Fennel, Juniper Berry, and Rosemary. These may be used under the care of a qualified practitioner: Basil, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Jasmine Myrrh, Peppermint, and Thyme. Others should not be used with high blood pressure (Rosemary, Cypress) or epilepsy (Camphor, Rosemary). Additionally, some oils can cause allergic reaction so please do a patch test if using an oil for the first time.
