Aromatherapy is a complementary medicine using essential oils along with a carrier oil inhaled or applied externally. It is both an art and science that has been practiced for centuries. There are many references in the Bible to essential oils, most notably the three wise men having brought Frankincense and Myrrh to baby Jesus upon his arrival.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils with mutiple chemical constituents, some being very complex containing several hundred constituents. Essential oils are acquired from the distillation of plant material including leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, flowers etc. These oils have many properties including anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal to name a few. Essential oils also work on an emotional level via the limbic system which enacts the flight or fight response. This is also the area of the brain which recalls nostalgia. Everyone has smelled a scent which has evoked a memory or emotion, that is the limbic system working.
The art of aromatherapy is in blending several essential oils together with a combination of carriers. There are countless combinations that can be made based on specific needs and desires. Aromatherapy blends can be made for just about any ailment or simply for your own pleasure.
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