by Jon Fiume
October 6, 2006

Many of us are familiar with the word aromatherapy, but do we truly understand it beyond the fact that it smells good? When thinking of aromatherapy, our mind might drift off to lavender, or if we are a little bit of a hippy, we may think patchouli. However, aromatherapy, in the strictest sense, is recognizing the odors from essential oils to aid the body in maintaining wellness. These essential oils can help you relax, relieve pain, help diminish congestion, and even lift you spirits. They are simple to use, affordable, and offer another option in your wellness program.

Essential oils are derived from highly concentrated natural plant substances. These oils can be found in very small amounts from the different parts of a plant such as the petal, leaves, resins, and rinds. It is this essence of the plant that gives it its odor. The pure essential oil is then sold in concentrated forms. Depending on the essential oil, it may require hundreds of plants to yield a small amount of product.

Pure essential oils are not actually oily. They are more similar in substance to water, but do not dissolve in water. In addition, they are not to be consumed internally or applied near the eyes. Essential oils evaporate easily when exposed to the air. For this reason, they are sold and maintained in sealed, dark-colored glass bottles to protect them from the air and light.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways through smelling, inhaling, and applying directly to the skin. Smell is the most acute of all the senses. It is the first sense that develops in a newborn baby. There are at least five million cells in the nasal passages linked to smell. Each cell contains receptors that catch the molecules that come in through inhalation. When an aroma is inhaled, the scent goes to the olfactory receptors. The olfactory nerves go directly to the limbic system portion of the brain allowing the individual to smell the aroma, thus affecting how we feel. Consider how you feel when you smell freshly baked cookies for example. Inhaling essential oils allows the aromas to enter the lungs through the respiratory system. Oil molecules attach to oxygen molecules that circulate throughout the body and aid the body to heal, relax and maintain health. Some essential oils can also be applied directly to the skin. The oils are easily absorbed through the skin and can help to strengthen the body. For example, the most popular is menthol from eucalyptus to relieve joint pain. Essential oils may also be used in baths, mouthwashes, or mixed with your favorite massage oil.

Some of the most popular essential oils and their uses include:
- Lavender - to help relax and relieve insomnia
- Eucalyptus - to help open up nasal passages and aid in muscle pain
- Orange - to uplift mood
- Lemon - to cleanse the mind and improve concentration
- Tea Tree - to fight nail fungus, athlete's foot and to prevent lice when added to shampoo
- Rosemary - for jet lag, energizes
- Ylang ylang - to reduce anxiety and calm
- Peppermint - to improve digestion, improve thinking, reduce nausea

Try adding a little aroma to your wellness program and see if you sense the difference!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.