Aromatherapy -- The Fact & The Fiction

You've seen those mysterious little brown bottles in the health food store. But do you really know what "essential oils" are? Have you seen outrageous claims about lavender instantly curing wounds and found yourself thinking "Whoa!"? Let's take a look at one of the biggest fads to hit North America in years and try to separate some of the fact from the fiction.

AROMATHERAPY--WHAT IS IT?

Though the use of aromatic plant materials dates back millennia, aromatherapy is a relatively new idea. In fact, the term "aromatherapy" wasn't even coined until the 1920s. Though you'll find people who claim aromatherapy can cure everything from AIDS to dandruff let's first look at aromatherapy in its purest form--the use of fragrant plant materials to alter mood, create an atmosphere, and personalize a room.

Ask an aromatherapy aficionado and he'll tell you that "true" aromatherapy uses only pure, natural plant materials. But the truth is, mood can be influenced by any scent--natural or not. Ask any realtor about the use of scents and he might just suggest baking a batch of cinnamon rolls or an apple pie while showing your home to prospective buyers. An old wives tale? Some people think so but others swear by it.

IF IT QUACKS LIKE A DUCK . . .

Let's face it--there are folks out there hawking aromatherapy as a cure for cancer, a treatment for depression, and even as an aphrodisiac. But good scientific studies on aromatherapy are rare. Even among natural health experts aromatherapy isn't taken all that seriously. At best it's a complimentary therapy.

And while we're on the subject of quackery, let's also clarify another common misconception. There is currently no standardized certification aromatherapy program in the US. When you hire an aroma expert you've no way to be sure the person knows what he or she is doing.

OK. IT'S NOT A MIRACLE CURE. SO . . . WHAT'S IT GOOD FOR?

Aromatherapy may not cure terminal illness or heal burns in the blink of an eye but it's a wonderful way to bring natural scents into your home. Essential oils don't have the sickeningly sweet scent of artificial air fresheners or the solvent scent of room sprays. Whether you use them to freshen potpourri, diffuse them into the air, or use them to scent your linens, essential oils are a quick, easy way to inject a bit of your own personality into your private space. Let's look at some of the most popular uses of some of the more common oils:

The medicinal scent of Eucalyptus or Tea Tree will make your bathroom or kitchen feel cleaner, instantly. Rose in the bathroom, however, harkens back to Victorian times, when rose was the scent of choice in perfumes, face creams, and soaps.

Lavender is the classic "linen closet" scent. Try lightly spraying your sheets and pillowcases about half an hour before you retire in the evening.

Citrus oils like Orange or Lemon make a room feel happy and alive while warm, woody oils like Patchouli or Sandalwood impart a mysterious, moody feeling.

In your bedroom, the deep, exotic scent of Ylang-Ylang urgently whispers "This is a romantic space".

About The Author

As the owner of NaturopathicBath.com, Lisa Barger is one of the few internet-based experts focusing on truly therapeutic personal care products. Her cruelty-free products are made without petroleum, dye, alcohol, or perfumes.

---

Warning! It Is Possible That You May Die Before Your Time!

Do you ever think about just how important good health... Read More

Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology

Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago,... Read More

Home Saunas and Kits: Benefits, Pre-Planning, and Purchasing Tips

For quite some time now home saunas have gained massive... Read More

Buyer Beware: Is That Ergonomic Chair Really Ergonomic?

Not everybody knows exactly what ergonomic means, but it's getting... Read More

Manipulate The Body And Mind With A Portable Massage Table

A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage... Read More

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils for Physical and Psychological Well-being

What is Aromatherapy?It is the practice of using volatile plant... Read More

Health Benefits of Green Tea

For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More

ADHD The Easier Solution

ADHD is a very rapidly growing part of the health... Read More

Aphrodisiacs: Increasing Sexual Desire and Capacity

Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are... Read More

Herbal Medicine: An Ounce Of Prevention

In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken... Read More

Too Clean?A Critical Look At The Alleged Link Between Asthma and Cleanliness

Americans are ridiculed around the world for our attention to... Read More

Using Pain To Institute Change In Your Life!

Why do you do something that harms you? Why do... Read More

Herbs For Protection

If you have never used plant matter in magic before,... Read More

The Many Uses of Mint

There are many varieties of mint plants. If you want... Read More

How to Use Herbal Salves & Ointments to Shrink Your Hemorrhoids

Comfrey Herbal SalveHere is an herbal combination that contains herbs... Read More

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental and emotional condition that... Read More

New Foot in the Sand Technology can Solve Many Health Problems

A vast array of after-market insoles has been merchandised through... Read More

Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy

If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not... Read More

Alternative Medicine & Herbal Preparations

Alternative medicine is gaining more attention every day. The idea... Read More

Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies... Read More

Beating Your Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain

Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are,... Read More

Using Carrot Juice for Relieving Constipation

Carrot JuiceCarrot juices contain certain oils that work on the... Read More

What Does The Label Vegan Mean in Bedding Products?

Vegan, or vegetarian, organic fills and batting, are natural materials... Read More

You Cant Fool Mother Nature

In the 1970's, there was a margarine commercial with the... Read More

Understanding Holistic Living

Holistic living is simply living your life with all aspects... Read More

Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda

It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that... Read More

Prevent Disease By Thinking Differently Than Experts

Did you know that all physicians and medical researchers have... Read More

Migraine and Feverfew

Many people today will tell you that they suffer from... Read More

Home Remedies, Treatment To All Ailments By Herbal Homemade Remedies

Given below the list of Best Home Remedies for all... Read More

Essential Oils Blends and Uses

Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in... Read More

Rose Rouge: Beyond the Healing Powers of Love

"The rose distils a healing balm The beating pulse of... Read More

Could You Have Lyme and Not Know It?

If you have ever been bitten by a tick, flea,... Read More

How to Use the Subconscious to Cope with Lifestyle Triggers of Your Pain

Emotions, food and lack of sleep can all be potent... Read More