|
Aromatherapy is the use of volatile oils
obtained from various plants, including essential
oils, for psychological well-being. there is dispute as to whether they can have
any 'physical effects! Many of the oils are obtained from herbs
Essential oils of the plant, have been found to
provide both psychological and physical (?) benefits when used in a correct
manner.
|
 |
| Aromatherapy - a term created by
a French chemist - M. Gattefosse. It is the science - though not a medically
proven one - of using aromatic substances, usually essential oils, to cure
common ailments. Aromatherapy is also popular as a stress relief.
Aromatherapy - a system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon,
lavender and peppermint. These
oils are normally added to the bath, massaged through the skin, or simply used
to 'scent' a room. Aromatherapy is said to
relieve pain, care for the skin, and soothe away tension and fatigue.
|
 |
There can be little doubt that 'smell' plays a very important
part in our lives. Together with taste, it is one of the chemical senses.
That is to say, they sense chemicals. We continually test the quality of the
air that we breathe - alerting ourselves to dangers - such as those
associated with the smell of smoke. Pleasant smells will lead us to items
such as favourite foods! It is little wonder then, that Aromatherapy can lay
claim to imparting certain qualities to our lives. we are born with a sense
of 'smell'.
Day-old babies can
soon give a facial expression that signifies rejection of certain 'bad' odours -
such as rotten eggs. Strangely, they pull the same facial expression when
confronted with fish! Bearing all of this in mind, the positive effects of
aromatherapy does indeed seem to have some credibility
Some research has suggested that women are more attuned to smells
than their male counterparts. Perhaps this is why aromatherapy seems to be more
acceptable to the female sex - in humans at least. In one experiment, a panel of
women were given armpit swabs from happy and sad people - dependant upon the
film being shown - and were generally able to tell them apart. The men in the
same trial, failed!
Smell is quite unique amongst all of the senses. It has
privileged access to the subconscious!
So, Aromatherapy does have credibility as a genuine mood swinger!
Back to A-Z of Herbs |
