AromatherapyWell-being scents have an effect on soul and health. Aromatherapy takes advantage of this and is used to generally increase mood, well-being and quality of life.
Our nose has phenomenal abilities and can detect and distinguish a lot of smells. Fragrances often arouse the most beautiful feelings, influence our emotions and our well-being. A scented candle or a fragrant bath additive brightens the mood on gray days. For those who need help falling asleep, use lemon balm or lavender flowers. Camomile is used for toothache. For headaches peppermint oil drops given on the forehead. Aromatic oils are increasingly used for therapeutic purposes.
Aromatherapy refers to the controlled use of essential oils to influence the body, mind and spirit in a positive way. Essential oils are obtained by distillation from fruits, flowers, barks, roots, woods or resins. Since essential oils can have undesirable side effects and allergic reactions are possible, aromatherapy in Germany may only be carried out by doctors and non-medical practitioners with an additional qualification.
History of fragrances for therapeutic purposes
For thousands of years, different cultures have used fragrant substances, especially essential oils, for therapeutic and ritual purposes. The French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse is considered the founder of aromatherapy today. He accidentally became aware of essential oils through a laboratory accident in 1910. In an explosion he burned his hands and scalp. He treated his burns with lavender oil. In the next few days he noticed that the burns healed surprisingly quickly and left no scars. Gattefosse continued his research and published a standard work on aromatherapy in 1937, which influenced the further developments of essential oils in the years that followed.
Application
In aromatherapy, essential oils are either inhaled with steam, used as an aromatic bath additive or massaged directly into the skin. Some substances are said to invigorate, others to calm or promote sleep. Self-users usually let the essential oils evaporate from a fragrance lamp. The aromas have a general effect on the autonomic nervous system. Can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the olfactory organ.
Aromatherapists use essential oils specifically for certain symptoms. However, only in a few cases a clear therapeutic effect could be proven. For example, peppermint oil helps many people with headaches, spruce needle and rosemary oil have a stimulating effect as a bath additive. Lavender flower oil has a relaxing and sleep-inducing effect. It calms the nerves and thus acts against stress, anger and irritability. In addition, the scent has a stimulating effect. Heightens the senses.
What you should pay attention to
But be careful when using them, as essential oils can irritate the skin or cause allergies. Those with sensitive skin should therefore make a contact test in the crook of the elbow before use. Some oils are even toxic in highly concentrated form. Above all with children, pregnant women and weakened persons one should be very careful with the application of ethereal oils and rather do without it.
Essential oils are available in pharmacies, health food stores, health food stores and drugstores to buy. When buying, always make sure that the aromatic oils are of pure plant origin and not synthetically produced. It should not contain any solvents except alcohol. Do not put the essential oils undiluted on the skin. Do not apply the aromatic oils daily for a long period of time. Intense fragrances should be kept away from children as they are much more sensitive to them than adults. In general, it is better to ask the doctor or pharmacist before use.