Aromatherapy is believed by many to be an effective way of treating many different health problems. Basically, it is achieved by ingesting the essence of certain plants through breathing or through direct contact.
What are Aromatherapy oils? They are the distilled product of flowers and stems of certain types of plants. Just like people take herbs in pill or capsule form made from Kava Kava to calm down or St Johns Wart to help with depression, these oils are made from other specific plants.
Roses are not only beautiful in color, but people usually feel happy when smelling them, some people even say that this works like an aphrodisiac! Well we sell oils that have been made by distilling Rose petals. Because of the price of roses and the number of them required and the special process that is involved, this is one of the most expensive and potent oils available. Most rose oil has been diluted with neutral but natural carrier oil such as Jojoba. Other products are made with synthesized oils which have absolutely no aromatherapy benefit. Sometimes people sell only synthesized oils. ALL of my aromatherapy oils are natural. (Oils sold as "perfume" may be synthesized.) Sometimes there are mixtures of scents which are either very pleasing to the sense of smell or have a synergistic effect by mixing the two. Many of the mixtures are distilled in a special process and these oils are called Attars. Many Indian Attars are made with Sandalwood as the base.
I recommend: AROMATHERAPY: Revitalizing mind & body with natural fragrances, Edited by Jo Richardson, published in the US by THUNDER BAY PRESS.
But there are many others available at Amazon.com
Here is some of the history of Aroma Therapy
Through out the ages people have believed that our most basic sense, smell has had an influence on their well being. Ancient Egyptians believed that cedar wood was imperishable and could preserve anyone enclosed in it. (remember cedar chests?) They rubbed oil of cedarwood onto their bodies and burned cedar wood as incense to make offering to their Gods. They also used essential oils to for dry skin. The Queen of Sheba is said to have used Myrh to attract King Solomon!
The Bible speaks of anointing with oils. In fact, the hands of Roman Catholic Priests are anointed with oils even today.
The Koran describes paradise as being filled with nymphs created out of musk. The followers of the Prophet Mohammed frequently mixed musk into the mortar when building mosques.
In China (circa 500 B.C.)the philosopher Confucius wrote that temples were hung with magnolia, peach, jasmine and jonquil. Incense is frequently burned in temples of various faiths, Christian Churches, and Mosques.
All over the world, essential oils have been used throughout history to treat most ailments.
Here I will list some scents with some of their potential benefits. A word of caution about pure essential oils. Never apply undiluted to your skin. Carrier oils and massage oils can be scented with a few drops of essential oil.
Eucalyptus: colds- also known to have a calming effect- Works well with Lavender
Madagascar Geranium: calming, PMS, mentrual pains- mixes well with lavender & clary sage
Jasmine: 1/2 strength o assist in childbirth, cramps & PMS- can help overcome negative feelings- mixes well with cedarwood, lemon patchouli, rose & sandalwood
Rose: relaxing, antidepressant, aphrodisiac- mixes well with geranium, jasmine, lemon, neroli, patchouli, sandawood & ylang ylang
Frankincense: 3 drops with 2 drops of chaomile- depression
