Essential Oils: The Power of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy teaches us that essential oils have therapeutic properties.  Essential oils are extracted from plants.  Depending on the oil, different parts of the plant are used.   Essential oils are most commonly inhaled or applied topically to the skin diluted in a carrier or base oil.  When inhaled, they enter the circulatory system via the lungs and the limbic system via the nose.  Due to their molecular weight (essential oils are very volatile and evaporate easily), they can penetrate the skin and enter the circulatory system.  Essential oils are very powerful and if not used properly, can have a toxic effect.  Each essential oil has certain properties that can be used for a variety of conditions.  For example, the essential oil of peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat various skin conditions including acne.  Most essential oils require dilution in carrier or base oil before applying to the skin.  The most commonly used carrier oil is sweet almond oil, a light oil that is used for its nourishing properties; it is ideal for dehydrated, chapped skin.  Apricot kernel oil is also very light and is easily absorbed into the skin.  It is excellent for treating inflammation, mature, dry, and sensitive skins.  More than one essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil.  This blending of essential oils is both a science and an art, a science because knowledge of the chemical composition is required before combining oils and an art because the effect of the blend must not only be therapeutic but pleasant.   Aromatherapy is not for the unitiated or the untrained.  To locate a qualified aromatherapist, check out the following website: www.aromatherapycouncil.org