Probably one of the most neglected senses of the body is the sense of smell. Despite the fact that we take our sense of smell for granted, it still exerts an influence on our moods, psychology and well-being in general. The sense of smell and resultant emotional changes can be manipulated via the use of certain essential oils.
Plants carry their own smell, and if this is extracted, that is the essence of the plant is removed, then the resultant product is an essential oil. If the oil contains any traces of musk then it is not an essential oil, because essential oils are made of botanical matter only. Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, pure essential oils are not chemical recreations.
Essential oils can be used in perfumes as well as cookery. However, by far the best application of the natural qualities of essential oils is aromatherapy. The core thinking behind aromatherapy is that these essential oils can be useful in treating medical conditions.
In a very simple process, essential oils are removed from plants via steam distillation. In the extraction process, the plant is steamed and cooked to the point where essential oils can be extracted. Steam containing the plant essence is cooled, and at the same time the oil released is separated from the water that is released during the cooking of the plant, and then everything is filtered to create essential oil.
Once extracted, the resulting oil is a well-concentrated liquid that contains the strong aroma and therapeutic properties of the source. The oils used in aromatherapy are completely pure and natural so that they will successfully aid in aromatherapy treatments. It is important to note that these oils are too strong to apply to the skin, and so you merely have to smell them to get the health benefits.
Many essential oils provide therapeutic cures, and there is a lot of science behind their use as a treatment option. For example, eucalyptus, cinnamon and oregano have been shown to fight infections, while peppermint and eucalyptus can help to clear the respiratory system. The strong vapor produced by both peppermint and eucalyptus is so effective that these two scents are often used together to produce cold spell remedies.
These oils are most commonly used in spas and for massages, as they promote feelings of calm and peace. If you suffer from migraines, excessive stress, and pains or anxiety, then you may benefit from an essential oil treatment. For its calming properties, lavender is the most popular essential oil.
Whether you want to boost your immune system or simply unwind, essential oils are a useful treatment for a variety of ailments. This improved immune capability is due to the fact that essential oils can increase your white blood cell count. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger, chamomile and lavender have also been investigated and found to be useful.
Treatment with essential oils can help to address the emotional and mental distress that often accompanies physical problems. Being in a good mood has been shown to improve your immune system’s ability to confront illness. When you consider that the mind and the body are linked, it makes sense that the emotional environment around us can impact on our health.
Because of the growing popularity of treatment using essential oils, the sense of smell is getting new-found recognition for its role in well-being. Simply place a few drops of essential oil in a small diffuser to infuse your surroundings with a pleasant, healthy scent. Feeling great has never smelt so good!