Aromatherapy- What's it all about?

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Aromatherapy

The good & bad

What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is known as the use of pure, organic essential oils, derived from plans and trees; for healing. The word ‘aroma’ gives the illusion of inhaling, but that is false, or only half true. Essential oils can be inhaled, massaged and on occasion taken orally; with specific instructions by a trained professional. Essential Oils are gaining more and more attention as the general public has become more educated about harmful ingredients in several other over-the-counter products. Essential oils have become an alternative ‘solution’ or treatment for infections, stress and other health related problems. Scientific evidence has lacked in all areas of essential oils due to lack of consumer education and the deficiency of government funding- as these are not regulated by any form of government agency (FDA, OSHA, etc.)

What are Essential Oils? “Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes, as well as for their spiritually and emotionally uplifting properties.” Young Living is a pure, organic Essential Oil company that has pride in their exclusive seed-to-seal process- guaranteeing nature’s purest essential oils. “Young Living has always been at the forefront of bringing this ancient tradition to modern users, introducing millions to a total mind/body wellness they may never have dreamed possible. Primarily extracted through careful steam distillation but also though cold pressing, the purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they were extracted. Any time you hold a bottle of our powerful essential oils, you are holding nature’s pure essence.” Essential oils are highly concentrated, as they are extracted from roots, leaves, seeds, and flower (blossoms) of plants and trees. Each individual organism contains its own unique mixture of active ingredients- responsible for defining the proper use of that oil.

History- Essential oils have been thought of as a 'fad' by many, but in all honesty the facts don’t lie. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, actually dating back approximately 6,000 years. Ancient Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and Indians are all known to have used and continue using them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. They are used for spiritual ceremonies along with everyday spiritual ‘relief’ and relaxation. Hygienically, essential oils are commonly used as a ‘perfume’ itself along with adding to organic lotions and soaps. Therapeutic use is one of the most common uses for essential oils in modern day society.

How’s it work? Many researchers are not completely certain how aromatherapy works. Some experts believe the human sense of smell as the receptors in the human nose communicate with various parts of the brain, serving as a ‘stockroom’ for emotions and memories. This is why particular essential oils are known for aiding in the prevention or treatment of headaches, sores, etc. When someone breaths essential oils in, it is known to stimulate particular parts of the brain- ultimately having an influence physically, emotionally and mental health related. Researches also think the some molecules from essential oils have the capabilities to interact in the blood; with hormones or enzymes.

The Good: Many clinical studies have indicated aromatherapy to be helpful with Alopecia areata (hair loss), Agitation (possibly including agitation related to dementia), Anxiety, Constipation, Insomnia, Pain, Itching and Psoriasis. There are just a few of the common uses studied. As mentioned previously, essential oils have been used for thousands of years, before technology thought for us. They used what they had available and what worked for them. Scientific research is an ongoing process and continues to grow supporting evidence on the power of pure essential oils. 

The Bad: “Pregnant women, people with severe asthma, and people with a history of allergies should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with full knowledge of your physician. Pregnant women and people with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil. People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils, such as rosemary and spike lavender. People with estrogen dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage. People receiving chemotherapy should talk to their doctor before trying aromatherapy.” There are just a few examples of what can go ‘bad’ if not used properly.

My Opinion: I am an independent distributor of Young Living, a pure, organic essential oil company that produces hundreds of products world-wide. I truly believe in the power of these oils, as I have seen them used as well as personally ‘used’ them. I say ‘used’ as a general term because I USE them on a daily basis. It is prohibited to advertise, promote, or simply educate on essential oils as a “cure” or “diagnosis” for anything because essential oils have not been regulated by the government (FDA, OSHA, etc.) That being said, you’ll have to see to believe! If you have any specific questions for how I use these oils in my personal life, contact me via email or by using the Contact Form on the home page.

Resources:

Unknown. “About Essential Oils.” Young Living Essential Oils. Web. 4 Aug. 2015. https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/guide/about

Ehrlich, Steven D. “Aromatherapy.” University of Maryland Medical Center. VeriMed Healthcare Network, 9 Aug. 2011. Web. 4 Aug. 2015. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy