Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, such as flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant, known as essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person’s mind, mood, cognitive function or health.
Aromatherapy has known since thousands year ago. The ancient people used the aromatherapy in their life. They used aromatherapy products to stimulate the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning. The doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression.
The effects of aromatherapy product depends on its material. Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Aromatherapy of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state
Scientific studies show that aromatherapy or essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes.
There are many kinds of aromatherapy product for many purposes. Some of them are produced directly from the plants such as essential oils, absolutes, COs extract, carrier oils, macerated oils, butters, hydrosols, resins and can be used directly for aromatherapy purposes. They are also used as materials for another aromatherapy products such as medicine, soap, bath bomb, lotion, cream, insect repellent, detergent, cleaner etc.
Aromatherapy product is ussually used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Aromatherapy product can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, it works on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.
Aromatherapy product are also helpful in other applications. It can act as a natural insect repellent and pesticide. Some of the essential oils can be used as disinfectant. And of course, aromatherapy can be used as room fragrance.
As an alternative medicine, aromatherapy product is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, rehabilitation of health, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
Whether inhaled or applied on the skin, aromatherapy has been suggested that it may be useful as an alternative treatment for infections, stress, and other health problems.
However, in most cases scientific evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions is still lacking and the research remains poor.
Aromatherapy works the best when it works on the mind and body simultaneously.