Aromatherapy is the art, science and practice of using essential oils. Essential oils are the volatile substance that is derived from plants, flowers, seeds, woods and peels. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) defines essential oils as "being made by distillation with either water or steam or by mechanical processing of citrus rinds or by dry distillation of natural materials."

The use of essential oils has a deep history of therapeutic function. A French chemist, Rene´-Maurice Gattefosse´, coined the name aromatherapy in 1930. He became interested in the healing properties of essential oils after burning his hand in a lab accident and successfully treating it with lavender oil. The use of essential oils has been studied, researched and scientifically documented for the past 70 years. It has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for many illnesses and imbalances in the body. Aromatherapy is also a beneficial treatment for emotional and spiritual imbalances. Many essential oil treatments are equal to or surpass the efficacy of pharmaceuticals with little to no toxicity or negative side effects.

Self-treatment using essential oils can be simple and relatively safe with just a basic understanding of the practice of aromatherapy. The most important considerations in the use of essential oils are; knowing the precautions, knowledge of quality and authenticity of the oils used and some understanding of therapeutic function and use. Self-treatment with essential oils can be very effective though you should not self diagnose unless you are trained to do so.

Start simply. Choose three oils that have therapeutic diversity. For example, lavender, peppermint and tea tree create a fairly complete and diverse first aid kit. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a baby safe essential oil that covers a wide range of essential oil uses. It is wound healing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal and antiseptic. It is a beneficial oil for many emotional issues. Lavender is emotionally balancing, calming, and good for anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) covers the energetic use of essential oils. It is physically energizing, good for digestive upset and imbalance, supports the liver, is an acne treatment, an anti-septic, a decongestant and is cooling. Peppermint is emotionally uplifting and a mental stimulant. You can see how, with just lavender and peppermint, many imbalances of the body and mind can be treated. Peppermint is generally not recommended for babies under 30 months old. Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) or geranium (Pelargonium odorantissimum) make good digestive balancing replacements for babies.

Tea tree adds a more powerful, yet safe, anti-infectious function to this trio of oils. Tea tree has strong antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and is very useful in the treatment of colds and flu due to its anti-viral and respiratory decongestant properties. It is a good antiseptic for use on cuts, burns and insect bites. The oil has limited use emotionally and is not the most pleasing fragrance.

Essential oils are relatively easy to use by diluting them in a vegetable oil. Only use diluted essential oils until you have the experience and knowledge to do otherwise. The most common vegetable oils used are olive, sunflower, hazelnut and jojoba. Some common vegetable oils, like almond and grapeseed, were left off this list due to issues surrounding quality and impurities.

You can create a therapeutic blend by adding 6 - 7 drops total of essential oils to a half-ounce of vegetable oil. For infants and babies under 18 months this dilution can be cut to 2 - 4 drops of essential oil. In most cases, rubbing a small amount of a blend on the area of focus several times a day is a safe and effective treatment. 6 - 20 drops of essential oil can be added to a bath by first diluting them in a capful of an unscented shampoo or soap base (avoid sodium laurel[th] sulfate), whole milk or vodka.

A drop or two of straight (neat) lavender on a pillow is helpful to combat insomnia or anxiety. Smelling lavender from the bottle or placed on a cloth or tissue nearby is calming and soothing during times of stress. This same method used with peppermint stimulates mental exhaustion and supports memory. Tea tree diffused in a bowl of steaming water (not boiling) will fill the air to prevent or help heal from cold and flu virus.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy are a beneficial and fragrant way to overall health and healing. Use them often and for everything.

About the Author
Jimm Harrison is an innovative educator and consultant in the natural health and beauty industry. He founded the Phytotherapy Institute for Healthy Aging and Holistic Beauty to advance increased education in essential oil and plant therapy. He is renowned for his work on Global Healthy Aging, a unique beauty program that blends physiological, biological, emotional and sociological principles. He has written numerous articles on the subject of health, beauty and nutrition and is the author of The Essentials for Beauty and Skin: A Practice and Philosophy in Pursuit of Inner and Outer Beauty. Jimm@nutritionskincare.com www.nutritionskincare.com