Plants, including their leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots, produce strong and concentrated liquid substances called essential oils that emit a pleasant aroma. These aromatic substances are named as such for they are believed to contain the very essence of the plants from which they are taken. Since the earliest times, essential oils are extracted from plants and are used as perfumes, incense, medicine, and flavorings. They were used in healing certain diseases, in embalming, in massaging, and in several spiritual and religious rituals. The aromatherapy benefits of essential oils are still widely known today. Both the physical and metal health of persons who are suffering from emotional distress and physical pain are believed, and even scientifically proven, to be enhanced through the use of these fragrant plant extracts. The aroma of the essential oils helps relax the persons mind and body and, consequently, enhance mood and revive energy. Even cosmetics that make use of essential oils are scientifically proven to be more beneficial. They have antiseptic, detoxifying, and antimicrobial properties that help heal skin diseases. They also provide relieving effects to the skin and facilitate fast regeneration of skin tissues. Those products that contain additives (known as synthetic essential oils) may not have the same therapeutic benefits of purely natural essential oil extracts. Similarly, organic essential oils that are extracted from plants that were grown without the use of fertilizers and other chemicals have better healing benefits and a more fragrant and lasting aroma. Among the most common therapeutic essential oils used today are essential oils extracted from basil, jasmine, carnation, lavender, and eucalyptus. These can be used to treat depression, alleviate muscular pains, uplift the mood, disinfect, and treat skin diseases. However, since essential oils are potent substances, they need to be diluted with carrier oils so as not to irritate the skin. Oils like olive oil and sweet almond oil are among the commonly used carrier oils. There are also some essential oils that need not be diluted. They are called therapeutic grade oils. In the United States, only two percent of the oils available on the market are real therapeutic grade while others are mostly used as perfumes. |
