What is aromatherapy? People generally think of it as anything that smells good, but there is much more to it than that. We use the term aromatherapy to refer to the intentional therapeutic application of the volatile constituents from aromatic plants in their expressed, distilled, or extracted forms to promote health and wellbeing. It is often used as a complementary therapy to more traditional medical practices. In fact, aromatherapy has become one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine and holistic healing. Essential oils can encourage relaxation and can have a positive effect on your mood.

Who Coined the Term Aromatherapy?

While historians have uncovered evidence of the use of plant extracts dating back at least one thousand years, the term aromatherapy was not coined until the 1920s by the French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé. While working in his lab, he experienced a bad burn and he placed his hand in the nearest liquid, which happened to be a vat of lavender oil. When he realized how quickly the burn healed without scarring, he decided to research essential oils further. Recognized as one of the pioneers of aromatherapy, he published the book, Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales (later translated into English as Gatttefossé’s Aromatherapy) in 1937. This book is still in print today.

The Duality of Aromatherapy

One of the appeals of aromatherapy is its duality.  It is thought of as a way to better connect the body with the mind. One example of this is a massage. Oils used during a massage enter the skin through the hair follicles and are absorbed into the body at the same time as the scent is absorbed through your olfactory nerves in the nose. These nerves trigger the limbic system of the brain, which is associated with smell and memory. This can trigger the release of a variety of chemical reactions within the body. These chemicals, combined with the massage, can relax, calm, and stimulate both your mind and body.

How Can You Use Essential Oils?

There are many ways to harness the power of essential oils and incorporate them into your daily life. Many people like to add them to a warm bath to promote a more relaxing soak. Some simply add a drop or two of essential oils to a bowl filled with hot water and inhale the steam.

Another popular method of inhaling essential oils is to use a diffuser or burner. Diffusers change essential oils into a fine mist and release them into the air. Depending on which type of diffuser you choose, they do this by heat, using a fan, or by ultrasonic vibration. Essential oil burners work by placing the oil on a shallow surface above a candle. The candle slowly heats the oil and releases the scent into the room. Diffusers are generally easier and safer to use since they do not involve heat, but many people do enjoy using burners in their homes.

You do not need water or a diffuser to enjoy the scent of your favorite aromatherapy products. For a quick boost, keep a small vile on hand and directly inhale your oils, or add them to a room spray (link to cleaning with essential oils) and then apply them to furniture, bed linens, or pillows to add a comforting scent. If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition, please consult your doctor before using essential oils.

How Safe is Aromatherapy?

There are many benefits of aromatherapy and if you use essential oils correctly, they can be very safe to use. To prevent any adverse side effects, we do not recommend swallowing or massaging oils into broken skin. Our oils should always be used with a carrier oil and spot tested for adverse reactions when being used directly. If you do experience any skin irritation, please contact your physician immediately as some people may have an allergic reaction. Be sure to take necessary precautions if you have any allergies or are prone to skin sensitivity. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are advised to seek medical advice before trying aromatherapy, as are people who are on any prescribed medication.

Choose Pyurvana for Your Aromatherapy Needs

No matter what draws you to aromatherapy or how you use your essential oils, you can find high-quality products at Pyurvana. We have strict standards for purity and aroma and our essential oils are all therapeutic-grade. We want to welcome you to this gloriously fragrant world. We hope you enjoy it.

Read our blog or contact us today for more information regarding aromatherapy and essential oils.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Pyurvana’s products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.