When everything is moving faster, when the body is permanently disturbed (noise, pollution, etc.) and when the mind has to deal with constant tension, it makes perfect sense to be in harmony with yourself, physically and mentally. Aromatherapy, what is it? What are essential oils for? Where can I find them? how to use ? Let’s check in.
Aromatherapy, what is it?
Aromatherapy is a therapy that dates back to ancient times: the Egyptians already included plants such as mint or laurel in their healing remedies. It wasn’t until later, in the 11th century, that the idea of ​​extracting plant active ingredients by distillation arose.
Aromatherapy is a branch of phytotherapy (plant = plant, therapy = cure). It involves harvesting the plant’s active ingredients through a complex process of steam distillation to recover the liquid and concentrated forms we know and call “essential oils.” Strictly speaking, this is not a problem of “fatty substances”, but a problem of endless active molecules.
Each essential oil has a specific chemical composition called a “chemotype.” It is defined in terms of the environment the plant is in, the soil, sun exposure, temperature, resistance to inclement weather, etc.
Thus, the same plant species can produce different essential oils and thus have multiple “chemotypes”.
What are essential oils for?
The plant world provides an almost inexhaustible source of active ingredients capable of relieving everyday ailments and more serious ailments. They also allow us to breathe energy and protect ourselves from external aggressions.
Their properties are varied: antispasmodic, antiviral, relaxing, aphrodisiac, stimulating, antiseptic, digestive, etc.
Where can I find them?
Essential oils can be found in drugstores, pharmacies, organic stores, specialty grocery stores, and now on the Internet as long as you are vigilant about the quality.
By purchasing essential oils in a pharmacy, traceability will meet standards, guaranteeing product quality and effectiveness. Plus, essential oils in drugstores are generally organically grown, guaranteeing 100% natural ingredients.
their perfume, a special weapon
Surprisingly, the smell of essential oils isn’t everyone’s favorite: In some cases, it’s an excellent insect repellant. This is the case, for example, with citronella oil and mosquitoes. Instead, it attracts pollen-gathering insects that cannot resist the scent the flowers give off.
Most of the time, the scent of essential oils has a beneficial effect on one’s mind by directly affecting one’s psycho-emotional balance. Essential oils can play an important role in preventing stress-related diseases. By improving our balance and general health, they can better fight fatigue, help restore balance to the mind and body, promote the release of nervous tension, and even release organ blockages. This is called “functionality”.
Unlike the other 5 senses, the information sent by smell does not reach consciousness directly. These messages reach the brain via the limbic system (= reptilian brain), so certain smells have a direct effect on mood before we even notice it.
The scent of rose thus has a relaxing effect, the scent of mint has a stimulating effect, and the scent of vanilla relaxes the atmosphere and can constitute a natural aphrodisiac.
How to use essential oils?
Approved essential oils include a dispenser bottle to deliver the exact amount of product.
25 drops = 1 ml
They can be used for:
oral
They are used for digestive and / or infectious diseases (ENT, angina, bronchitis, etc.). Beware of interactions with other medications and you should always seek your doctor’s advice.
Oils should always be diluted in oil, not in water, as they do not dissolve in water. You should drink a glass of warm water afterwards. They should not be eaten pure, they can cause burns to the mucous membranes of the mouth. They can also be taken in the form of mother tinctures.
through the skin
Essential oils penetrate the skin well and work deep into the tissues.
This use is especially recommended for dermatological or cosmetic purposes: to improve the condition of hair, nails, skin, etc.
by diffusion or inhalation
Essential oils can be inhaled with an inhaler at a rate equivalent to 2 to 3 drops in a bowl of water. They can also be diffused throughout the house with an essential oil diffuser, especially to clean the air, remove air pollution, kill microbes, or simply, create a pleasant olfactory atmosphere.
