Essential oils are an important constituent of aromatherapy. This ancient medicinal technique, which deploys concentrated plant extracts to relieve various diseases and afflictions, is also becoming increasingly popular in this modern age. Essential oils are highly volatile and concentrated oily derivations from plant tissues, which may be extracted by process like steam distillation.
Essential oils can be used to treat a variety of problems, some of which include:
- Essential oils can be used to alleviate various afflictions including almost all problems of the physiological systems of the body.
- Essential oils can also be used to prevent and cure microbial infections.
- Essential oils can also be deployed to relieve psychological afflictions like depression, tension and stress.
- Essential oils are also used in making perfumes and candles on account of their strong and pleasant aroma.
As you can see, essential oils can be used for numerous purposes. However, on account of the large variety of different variants of essential oils, the mode of application and usage also varies.
The various ways in which you can apply and use essential oils are as follows:
- Topical applications: In this method of usage, the essential oils are applied directly on the body, particularly for massage purposes. However, while using the essential oils directly on the body, you must keep in mind to dilute the oil before using it. Essential oils are highly concentrated and their direct usage can cause inflammation, rashes and skin damage.
- Direct inhalation: You can also inhale essential oils directly form the container or as infusions. Direct inhalation of essential oils is usually recommended for various physiological disorders including congestion of the respiratory tract and indigestion or for purposes like expectoration. Direct inhalation is also instrumental in delivering the desired psychological effects.
- Aerial diffusion: Arial diffusion is a method for aerial disinfection or for purposes like refreshing the physical environment.
You need to be cautious while selecting essential oils to treat various disorders and afflictions. Here are a few precautions which must be followed while choosing essential oils for aroma therapeutic treatments:
- You must not use essential oils on your skin for topical application without first testing it for sensitivity on a small patch of your skin.
- You should not use essential oils in excess. You must have the knowledge of the desired quantity of essential oils to be used.
- If you are new to aromatherapy, do consult an aromatherapy specialist to know about the different essential oils which can be used to cure various disorders.