Aromatherapy: All in the Head or Truly Your Nose?

Scents and aromas have historically always been an integral part of our lives. Most people have there own favorite scents still nowadays. It may be a particular perfume, an after shave moisturizer, a flowering plant, or an herb. Frequently, an aroma may bring to the surface certain memories. Some of these memories may be good and some not so good. These many aromatic smells are without a doubt, an important part of our daily lives.

For many years, aromatic oils and incense have been used by man. Perfumes are normally thought of first but these oils and incense have also been used for religious services, embalming, and to mask other nasty odors. Some groups of people such as the Arabs, Indians, and Chinese have used the beneficial oils from plants for health treatments. Even today, many home owners use aromas from different plants to help keep their organic gardens insect and disease free.

Aromatherapy didn't become accepted by the health care industry until the 1920's. A French chemist discovered the potential healing benefits of lavender oil after he received a burn and used the oil on the injury. He noticed a rather quick healing and eventually went on to experiment with additional oils encouraging other French physicians to follow. The trend grew and France, still even now, remains a significant producer in the industry of fragrances and oils. Many of these oils are obtained from leaves, barks, roots, flowers, and even wood resins. They can be sprayed in the air and enjoyed that way or rubbed and then massaged into the skin. They are used in hot tubs and cold compresses. Some oils are toxic if eaten so great care and caution should be taken if used orally. The most significant and well known oils are known as oxygenated compounds and hydrocarbons. They are commonly produced in a concentrate and frequently mixed with vegetable oils to make more available to the public. More commonly known products are primrose oil and almond oils which are also diluted but with alcohol which can also be of a concern to some.

Therapists that use oils and aromas realize that these desired fragrances are most popular within the already greatly developed cosmetic and perfume industries. However, they have a continued faith that these oils and fragrances serve additional roles. They improve moods and help encourage positive mental and physical health. These oils both soothe and stimulate the senses. They can have an effect on our hormones or they may have a psychological effect based on memories. They can stimulate memories, alter moods, and promote sexual activity. Certain oils and fragrances may very well have an impact on our heart rate and blood pressure. Some may even affect our breathing capabilities. An added fact is that our sense of smell is one of our most acute senses.

Oils do vary in quality and they're not always regulated so what you think you are getting may not actually be accurate. Make sure you're using a reliable supplier. You want to look for a standardized and pure product and remember, some oils are dangerous if taken orally. When using any oils for that matter, be sure to reference a good resource. There are many good books one can purchase. It is well worth the small amount of money. Foe example, some oils are not to be used in a concentrated form and some should. Without a good quality resource to reference, you could cause more damage to yourself than good. When used appropriately, oils and aromas may very well be a positive contributor to our moods and general well being.