A single essential oil is usually made up of hundreds of different chemical components in major, minor and trace constituents. Each individual component brings its own set of properties to the oil. It's the combination of these constituents, which gives each essential oil its characteristic smell.

Aromatherapy works by synergistically using the properties of all the chemicals in the essential oil for their correct application. Infact the side effects of any one particular harsh chemical is balanced by the other chemicals, even though they might be trace chemicals.

Aromatherapy works through

A) Inhalation - the molecular structure of an essential oil is very minute lungs through the olfactory nerve, from where they diffuse across tiny air sacs (alveoli) into the surrounding blood capillaries and eventually find their way into the systemic circulation from where they exert their therapeutic effect.

B) Skin absorption - the skin is a two way street capable of both absorption and excretion for e.g. rub a small piece of cut garlic on the soles of your feet…. within 5 minutes you will have garlic breath.

The tiny molecules of essential oils pass through the hair follicles, which contain sebum, an oily liquid to which essential oils have an affinity. From where the oils diffuse into the blood stream or are taken up by the lymph or interstitial fluid (a liquid surrounding all body cells) to other parts of the body.

Aromatherapy works on the simple basic principle of enjoying the fragrance. If the fragrance is disliked the treatment will not be beneficial. It combines the feel good aspect along with the therapeutic aspect.

The essential oils along with having a therapeutic effect on the physical body, also have different effects on the psychological and spiritual self. They help in curing the mind, body soul thus making it a holistic form of healing.

A single essential oil is usually made up of hundreds of different chemical components in major, minor & trace constituents. Each individual component brings its own sets of properties to the oil. It is the presence of these components which gives each essential oil its characteristic smell these components which gives each essential oil its characteristic smell.

METHOD OF USE

MASSAGE: with an aromatherapy massage you get the benefit of the essential oil as well as that of the massage. It is found that the effect of touch can be very valuable to calm the person and soothe the nerves.
To make therapeutic massage oil you need to blend up to 31% of essential oil into a base/carrier oil

BATH: the warmth of a bath not only relaxes a person, it also enables the skin to absorb the essential oil better. The blended oil should be added once the bath has been run as the heat will encourage evaporation. Only the non irritant essential oils like lavender & german chamomile can be added directly to a bath, all other oils need to be first blended either in the required base oil or in a cupful of full fat milk.

BURNERS AND VAPORISERS: these can be used to deodorize, fumigate or simply create a special atmosphere. Inhaling the vapours can also be therapeutically beneficial. Put a little water in the top part of the burner and add 7-10 drops of essential oil to it before lighting the candle below.

INHALATION: a stream inhalation is an excellent way of treating coughs, colds, sore throats and for cleansing the skin. Put very hot water in a bowl and add 3-4 drops of essential oil. Then lean over the bowl, place a large towel over your head and inhale the vapours.

SPITZ BATH: a spitz bath is an excellent way of treating haemorrhoids thrush pruritus etc. Half fill a flat bucket of a small bath with warm water add 4-6 drops of blended essential oils. Swirl the water and sit in it for 10 minutes. Similar treatment can be used as hand baths & foot baths.

COMPRESSES: depending on the ailment a hot or cold compress is an effective way of treating many local complaints. To make a hot compress pour hot water into a bowl & then add the essential oil. Place a cotton towel in the water and squeeze out the excess water and place immediately on the infected/painful area. A hot compress is very effective in problems such as skin infections, abcesses & boils, muscular or joint problems, arthritis, rheumatism, strains, sprains, backache etc. To make a cold compress add a few ice cubes to cold water in a bowl (& continue like a hot compress). A cold compress is very effective for certain types of headache and also if the area feels hot & inflamed.