Aromatherapy Basics - By: Mel Possehl

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, known as essential oils, for one's psychological as well as emotional well-being. Using aromatherapy correctly can benefit not only your mood, but health as well. It is the practice of enhancing the natural healing processes of the human body with healing essences from nature.

Aromatherapy is slowly being accepted into Western medical centers, as research has shown its ability to improve the recovery rate in patients, as well as ease their pain, and much of this research is ongoing, especially with cancer patients.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapy. They are removed from plant material through either distillation or chemical solvents. True aromatherapy uses only pure essential oils, not ones made by chemical means, although one must take note that some oils DO have to be extracted with the use of solvents - this, however, is not the same as chemically engineered fragrances, which have no place in therapeutic settings.

In the West, aromatherapy and oils are not regulated by the medical community, however, in some countries, like France for instance, some are regulated as prescription drugs. Many countries list essential oils in their national pharmacopoeias as well, although the United States, Russia, Germany, and Japan are not among them; they have never been recognized within the term of 'valid medicine'.

Whether you believe in the medical qualities of aromatherapy and essential oils or not, you cannot deny that these oils can enhance your life. After all, most do smell extremely good! There are hundreds of different types of oils, ranging from the sweetly scented rose to the pungent oregano, so there is bound to be a scent for everyone.

And, if you believe in your body's ability to heal itself with the help of nature, then arometherapy is a wonderful complementary medicine to add to your arsenal...

About the Author

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