Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy approach using aromatic materials which produce aroma or odors that stimulate our olfactory senses triggering therapeutic responses of our physical, mental and emotional bodies. It has been around for thousands of years and recorded in many ancient scripts including the Bible. The aromatic materials are taken from plants using steam distillation for which will produce materials known as essential oils. Essential oil taken from a specific plants provides a unique set of properties. Some essential oils might have similar therapeutic effects, however the scent and total effects of each essential oil is unique.
The most common methods used in aromatherapy are through inhalation and applied directly to the skin. There are many applications for each method. Popular applications are by using aromatherapy diffuser, aromatic candles, aromatic incenses, aromatic baths, directly dropped to pillow, bed or handkerchief, applied directly to skin or diluted as massage oils.
The therapeutic effects of aromatherapy have been extensively researched. Below is the list of therapeutic effects of aromatherapy:
- Antiseptic and antibacterial
- Analgesic
- Antifungal
- Anti inflammatory
- Antitoxic
- Antiviral
- Balancing
- Deodorant
- Digestive
- Diuretic
- Energizing
- Granulation-promoting
- Hormonal
- Hyperaemic
- Immunostimulant
- Insecicidal and repellent
- Mucolytic and expectorant
- Sedative
- Spasmolytic
- Stimulating and aphrodisiac
