Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. Essential oils are the fragrant (aromatic) oils of plants. The term "essential" is used because the oil contains the plant's "essence," or the smell and the taste that are characteristic of the plant.

Rene Gattefosse, a French chemist, was the first to use the term "aromatherapy" when he published a book on the subject in 1937. He is often referred to as the "grandfather" of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy vapor is inhaled for insomnia, stress, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Aromatherapy essential oils are applied to the skin for hair loss (alopecia), itchy and inflamed skin (eczema), anxiety, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Smelling the fragrant chemicals in plant essential oils is thought to affect the brain. Depending on the essential oil used, these effects may include feelings of relaxation, stress relief, calming, pain reduction, and other effects. But there isn't enough scientific information to know how essential oils might work for specific medical conditions.

Inhaled aromas are thought to act more quickly than applying essential oils to the skin or taking them by mouth.

When taken by mouth: Aromatherapy oils are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Although the safety depends on the specific oil, swallowing too much of any oil can be unsafe. Taking essential oils by mouth can sometimes cause severe side effects including seizures and life-threatening kidney problems.

When applied to the skin: Safety concerns vary depending on the type and amount of aromatherapy oil used. See individual oils to learn about their safety when applied to the skin. It is POSSILY UNSAFE to apply any type of aromatherapy oil to the skin in excessive amounts or to broken skin. In some cases, this can result in severe side effects such as seizures and kidney problems.

When inhaled: Safety concerns vary depending on the type and amount of aromatherapy oil used. See individual oils to learn about their safety when inhaled.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Aromatherapy uses diluted essential oils, which are usually inhaled after applying them to a nearby surface or to the skin. Diffusers, which disperse the essential oil into the air, are also commonly utilized. Essential oils can also be vaporized for inhalation by heating the oil or by applying the oil in a hot bath.

Aroma, Aroma Therapy, Aroma Treatment, Aromaterapia, Aromathérapie, Aromatic Oils, Aromatic Therapy, Essential Oils, Huiles Aromatiques, Huiles Essentielles, Scent Therapy, Traitement par les Essences de Plantes.

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