1. Aromatherapy By: Caitlin Smith

2. Can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils A medicinal practice with much history Smell is only one part of its benefits The alternative therapy can boost our immune, respiratory, and circulatory systems It can enhance our mood and alleviate stress and anxiety Aromatherapy can also help treat discomforts in the body Aromatherapy Defined

3. What are essential oils? How can they be extracted? Why does aromatherapy work? How does it provide benefits? Methods for application.

4. Essential Oils Essential refers to the distinctive scent, or essence, of a plant. Contained in concentrated oil sacs. Found in the roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, stem, bark, and seeds of aromatic plants

5. In plants – provide flavor, fragrance, a toxic element Purpose in nature often corresponds to its use therapeutically. Wormwood is a great example. The herb has traditionally been used as a vermifuge in humans. The essential oil serves the same purpose in the plant, protecting it from parasites. Purpose of Essential Oils

6. The aromatic molecules comprising essential oils are volatile. The best time to collect the oils would be at night when they are concentrated. Steam distillation is the most popular method for extracting. Produces the extracted essential oil as well as hydrosol. Hydrosol has a gentle therapeutic value that works well when treating kids. Lavender and rose water for example. Extraction Methods

7. A note on purity – Easy way to test the pureness of an essential oil would be to pick up on any adulterants through smell, also if an extract is pure, it will evaporate completely on paper

8. Through our sense of smell. Olfactory nerves carry the odor messages directly to the limbic system. Particular scents can bring forth powerful memories which tells us that aromas can increase our memory retention (For retention and concentration: basil, rosemary, peppermint, and lemon) Also reach the hypothalamus leading to the release of neurotransmitters. Can diminish pain, induce euphoria, promote relaxation, stimulate sexual feelings, and keep us alert and awake. How Aromatherapy Benefits

9. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin and from there they can enter the bloodstream. Low MW and oil soluble Mix with sebaceous glands and travel to circulatory system

10. Used to dilute the concentrated essential oil. Essential oils are often too strong to use alone Most common carriers are vegetable or seed oil. Carriers are natural and they are not volatile. Examples of good carriers: Apricot kernel, grapeseed, hazelnut, rosehip seed, macadamia nut, wheat germ, and sesame oil Carriers

11. Herbal oils are extracts of medicinal plants (extracted by steeping in a vegetable oil base). Fatty and nonvolatile substances Examples: St. Johns Wort – excellent wound healer Reduces inflammation, an antiviral, soothes nerves, and treats nervous disorders Calendula Speeds wound closing, stimulates new tissue formation, mildly stimulates circulation, quickly reduces inflammation Herbal Oils as Carriers

13. Inhalation Aroma lamps – another way to achieve same effect is to put 1-3 drops of oil on light bulb Diffuser – used during resp. illness or to disinfect a room Humidifier – helps to disinfect the room while loosening mucus deposits in resp. tract Facial/Respiratory steam Portable inhalation – no equipment needed, apply 6-10 drops of oil onto handkerchief and store in plastic bag; disinfects, relieves stress, anxiety, motion sickness Sauna – to detoxify the system and cleanse bronchial tubes Methods of Application

14. Topical Compress – acute inflammations that are red should be treated with a cold compress; for chronic aches and pains use a hot compress. Fill a bowl, add 4-6 drops essential oil. Massage Baths – Good for aches and pains, muscle tension, skin disorders, stress, emotional well-being Never add essential oil while bath water is still running or it will evaporate. Add 5-12 drops, soak for 20 min. Internal – seek guidance from qualified aromatherapist Base substances – sugar cube, spoonful of honey, tea bag, tbsp. wine, cup of tea Methods of Application

15. Ericksen, Marlene., Healing with Aromatherapy. Los Angeles: Keats Publishing, 2000. Print. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue53/article2207.html?ts=1377021818&s ignature=f463a98121ecbe7764d2e17d70555738&ts=1397425223&signature=d848 5d4adf45bdb22201724f947f2eb8&ts=1397577688&signature=23980b239f888055 1bbb8a5d5176c1f0&ts=1398909525&signature=6de1277bd742f17bbd818fdd7c5c4 900 http://annadannfelt.com/tag/essential-oils/ Resources