Aromatherapy involves healing through the use of aromas, which are volatile compounds derived from plants.
Most of us often use aromatherapy unintentionally in our daily lives, such as when cooking with spices, which contain the plants' volatile materials. Certain spices help in healing inflammation; for instance, Thyme possesses anti inflammation properties (as a strong antioxidant) and antibacterial properties, effective even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Thymol component). Others, like Ginger, aid in digestion, while some increase appetite. Some people drink herbal tea, as the aroma and plant extract affect the body’s systems. Also, when we use perfumes or other scents that we like, it changes our body reaction as we change our emotions.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts made from various parts of plants. The plant uses these oils as protection from insects, predators, bacteria, fungi and more. in aromatherapy we use these oils for healing the body and mind. EOs are active ingredients that interact with our body's chemistry, reacting with receptors in our brain and entering our bloodstream. EOs can affect our body in a short time after we smell them or apply them on our skin.
They can assist the body in fighting bacterial infection, fungi, viruses, relief pain, regulate digestion, rejuvenate tissues and address other physical issues. For instance, Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol known for its anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates allergies by suppressing histamine release and cytokine production (Edris 2007).
Mentally, EOs can help relieve stress, regulate emotions, calm the nervous system, uplift mood, among other benefits. For example, Sweet orange peel EO can calm tension, an overwhelmed mind and anxiety.
Aromatherapy has been used by humans since ancient times, there’s several ways to use EOs. Diffusing - When we inhale a scent, it travels to our brain, connects to our receptors, it can bring back memories and feelings, potentially leading to healing by evoking these memories and physical affecting our chemical reaction. Appling on the skin- Applying on the skin - The oils penetrate the skin, entering the bloodstream and interacting with relevant cells, Thyme for example can damage the virus cell wall or interior cell, Tea tree does the same thing with fungi. Orally intake- where the EO are being digested.
As essential oils are concentrated, we need to use them very gently on our skin, only when they are blended with bass oils (like almond oil, olive oil, jojoba, or other oils).
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