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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used since ancient days. Egyptians used a method called infusion to take oil from plants. Cosmetics and medicines used by Greeks contained the aromatic oil. It is said that the Greeks provided medical knowledge, but Romans worked on it and made improvements to aromatherapy. The ancient Chinese civilization has also used aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which provide a calming sensation to soothe your body and mind. Essential oils can be extracted from plants by using the following processes:
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation uses dry steam to vaporize and extract oil. Distillation is considered to be a straightforward process for extracting large quantities of essential oils. The disadvantage of steam distillation is that the heating process could impact the chemical constituents of the plant material.
Hydro Distillation
Hydro distillation involves the use of a common tub to boil water and plant material. It is not only the most ancient method of distillation but also the most versatile. Hydro distillation is the best method for tough materials like nuts, wood or root. The disadvantage of this method is that the still could get overheated, thus |
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burning the aromatics and resulting in a burnt smell.
Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction makes use of organic solvents in order to extract essential oils and oleoresins. This method is generally used for plant materials that do not respond to the distillation process.
Supercritical Carbon dioxide Method
Supercritical Carbon dioxide Method is the latest technological process used in essential oil extraction where carbon dioxide is used under high pressure to derive essential oils and oleoresins. It has high diffusion rates and it could penetrate a solid sample faster than liquid solvents. Supercritical Carbon dioxide Method has been used for the extraction of natural products, hops and also for the decaffeination of coffee and tea.
Applications of Aromatherapy Oils
Check out the following points to get an idea on the application of aromatherapy oils.
Bath
Aromatherapy oils can be used for a fresh bath at the end of a tiring day. All you have to do is to add 4-6 drops of essential oil to your warm bath tub and soak for 15 minutes. Then agitate the water well before getting into the bath tub. The following essential oil could be added to your bathing tub: rosemary, lavender, tea-tree and thyme.
Compresses
Compresses are considered to be an effective method for relieving your pain. The hot compress is helpful in relieving chronic pain whereas the cold compress relieves pain, swellings and headaches. The process involves adding 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or cold water and mixing the two together. Place the cloth in the water and let it soak up some of the water. Wring out the cloth and place it on the affected area.
Massage
Massage is considered to be the best method of enjoying aromatherapy, as the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream. You could combine 4 essential oils for your massage, depending on your requirements. If you possess normal skin, you could add 5 drops of essential oil to your carrier oil. Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin.
Inhalation
Inhalation is also an effective method to incorporate essential oils into your system. The inhalation method helps you reduce respiratory tract problems. Add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Lean over the bowl and breathe deeply till you feel relieved.
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