Sandra Robertson’s Registered & Protected Web Page

  
 

                

 

Aromatherapy...    

History...              Essential
oils extraction...        Essential
oil properties...        Essential
oil uses...        Essential
oils in massage...  

 

History..  

The use of aromatic oils date back
thousands of years to many of the ancient civilizations. The Egyptians burned
plant material and oils as fumigants and to alter their mood state. They were
blended into perfumes, incorporated into skin care preparations, and compounded
into medicinal brews. Frankincense, Myrrh and Cedarwood were used for the embalmment
and preservation of the Mummy. 

The Greeks were seen to decorate
their heads with fragrant flowers, chosen for their mood changing qualities.
Some were known to invigorate and sharpen the mind, whilst others would calm and
soothe. 

The Romans, noted for their fondness
of bathing, would be massaged with blends of aromatic oils. 

Following the recommendations of     
Hippocrates,    the Arab physicians used aromatic oils and floral waters to purify
the air and protect themselves from disease. 

The Persian physician
'Avicenna' perfected the art of distillation in the 11th Century. The
apparatus that he constructed was so advanced, that it has barely altered since.. 

The perfumes of Arabia were brought
to Europe by the Crusaders, along with the art of distillation. People soaked
their bodies and clothes with 'perfume' and carried bouquets of herbs to prevent
themselves catching infectious diseases and to mask the smell of the filthy
streets. 

In Medieval Europe, the floors were
strewn with sweet smelling plants, such as Lavender, Thyme and Chamomile. Along
with the pleasant smell that exuded when crushed underfoot, they helped to deter
lice and fleas. 

During the period of the Bubonic
plague, perfumers, who were in constant contact with essential oils, appeared immune to this fatal illness. This discovery led on to the 'Four thieves
vinegar', a mixture of Garlic, Rosemary, Camphor, Lavender, Nutmeg, Sage and
Cinnamon, suspended in vinegar. The 'robbers' doused themselves with this
concoction, before     plundering the bodies of their victims. Other thieves wore an
aromatic pomander in an attempt to quell the stench as they approached the
bodies, this too however seemed to give some protection from the plague.  

The word 'Aromatherapy' was first
used in 1937 by a French cosmetic scientist 'Rene - Maurice Gattefosse', who
discovered that the volatile extracts from particular plants had quite a
profound effect on the skin. Although at this time his research was confined to
the beauty industry, he soon realised these extracts contained therapeutic
values too.  It is reported that during a
laboratory accident, Gattefosse burned his hand and plunged it into a vat of
Lavender. It immediately eased the pain, and the wound healed quickly without
infection or scarring.  Gattefosse discovered that essential
oils applied to the skin were absorbed into the blood stream, whereupon they
interacted with the body's chemistry.  

Inspired by Gattefosse's work, an
army surgeon 'Dr Jean Valnet' used essential oils to treat battle wounds of
soldiers during the Second World War. He later used the oils for their emotional
effects to alleviate psychological conditions, such as depression. 

It was in the 1950's that
'Marguerite Maury' an Austrian cosmetologist introduced the practice of applying
essential oils through massage. She used what she called the 'Individual
prescription' choosing and blending oils to aid both the physical and emotional
requirements of the recipient. 

Back to
top  

 

Essential Oils..  

Essential oils are highly
concentrated, odiferous, volatile plant extracts. They are found as tiny
droplets in many different areas of the plant, the leaves, twigs, flowers,
seeds, peel, root, heartwood, bark and resin may be used. The most common
methods of releasing the essential oils are distillation, expression and solvent
extraction. 

Distillation 

With steam distillation,
the cell walls of the plant material are broken down and the essential oil is
discharged into the steam. The steam and essential oil are then condensed and
the water and oil separated. During the distillation process the essential oil
releases some of its fragrance into the water. These waters are then reserved
and used as 'floral waters' or 'hydrolats'. 

Expression 

The essential oil of
citrus fruits are found in the peel of the fruit and by applying pressure the
oil is  released. For many years this simple method was performed by hand,
compressing the fruit until the oil glands burst. The liquid was collected in a
sponge and squeezed into a container when saturated. Nowadays this process is
carried out by machinery. 

Solvent extraction 

Here the plant material
is placed in a container and covered with a volatile solvent to extract the
aromatic parts of the plant. After gently heating, the solution is filtered and
the now semi-solid substance, is called a 'concrete'. The concrete is then
agitated with alcohol to separate the aromatic liquid and wax. Finally the
alcohol is evaporated to leave a high quality oil or 'absolute'. This method is
used for the more delicate plant materials with a low oil yield, such as Rose,
Jasmine and Neroli. 

Back to
top  

Properties
of essential oils..  

Each essential oil has
it's own individual therapeutic qualities. Whilst all essential oils are
considered to be antiseptic, some possess anti-viral, anti-bacterial or
anti-fungal elements. Essential oils can be relaxing or stimulating, helping to
reduce anxiety and stress levels or refresh and enliven a tired mind. Certain
oils will help alleviate respiratory congestion, others may help settle
digestive disturbances (Do not  take internally) They can have a warming
or cooling effect and may help relieve rheumatic conditions or aid in
inflammatory problems. 

While the use of
essential oils are both safe and pleasurable for the majority of people, there
are some conditions where caution may have to be observed. Certain oils used
during pregnancy would be unsuitable for this period. There are a few oils that
are best avoided by those who suffer from epilepsy, high or low blood pressure.
Please check that your chosen oils are considered safe for your current state of
health. 

Ways
to use essential oils..  

There are many ways that
you can use essential oils at home. Probably the most well known uses are in
massage or in an 'oil burner'. 

With the exception of
Lavender and Tea Tree, all oils must be diluted first before applying to the
skin. For massage, a maximum of 5 drops per 10ml of carrier oil may be used.
This would be greatly reduced to 2 drops or less for pregnant women, children,
some skin conditions, the chronically sick or frail. If in any doubt, please
consult a qualified Aromatherapist or a good Aromatherapy book. 

In an oil burner, fill
the bowl with water and add 2 - 4 drops of essential oil. This will not only
fragrance the room, but fill the air with the therapeutic properties of the oil.
A few drops of oil in a radiator humidifier or on a special light bulb ring will
warm and diffuse the oil. 

Oils may be used in baths
or footbaths, diluting first in either a carrier oil (Almond, Grapeseed etc)
some dispersing bath oil or even some milk. 

For chest or sinus
congestion, add a few drops of oil to a bowl of steaming water. Lean over the
bowl with a towel covering the back of the head and the bowl. Inhale the vapour
for 5 - 10 minutes to loosen and ease blocked passageways. A few drops of a
decongestant oil on a handkerchief or tissue can also ease stuffy noses. Whereas
a relaxing oil such as Lavender or Marjoram on a pillow at night can help induce
sleep. 

A few drops of oil can
even be added to base creams to use as skin preparations or moisturisers, adding
oils particular to your skin type. 

These are just a few ways
you can bring essential oils into your life and home - Enjoy! 

Essential
oils in massage..  

  Aromatherapy
massage combines  
 the
healing power of touch with  
 the
therapeutic properties of essential oils.  
 As
the oils penetrate the skin, they  
 have a balancing effect on the  
underlying tissues and organs.     At
the same time the aroma very  
 quickly
reaches the ‘Limbic system’   the
emotional area of the brain. The Limbic system is also closely linked to memory.
We've probably all experienced a time when a particular smell will suddenly
transport us back to childhood or a particular place. A fragrance can evoke a
pleasant (or equally unpleasant!) memory. Maybe one will remind you of a time
when you felt happy and relaxed. In times of stress, introducing this fragrance
again can rekindle that feeling of tranquillity.  

Back
to top