FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS


Who Uses Essential Oils?

Massage therapists, reflexologists, accupressurists, nail salons, skin specialists, homeopathic practitioners, hospitals in India. England and France. The United States utilizes Essential Oils less than most other countries for therapeutic assistance.

How Do I Test Before Using ?

We recommend testing essential oils by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to a small skin area. If irritation or burning occurs, dilute the area with Massage Oil and discontinue use.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, barks, and peels to promote health and well being and improve quality of life. The body becomes more balanced through the use of essential oils. Aromatherapy is a natural part of life, though you may not have attached a name to the experience. Everyone has emotional and psychological responses to scent.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the life force of plants. When you crush the petal of a rose or tear the leaf from a peppermint plant, a liquid substance emerges. These tiny drops of liquid are called essential oils. Citrus oils are pressed from the peels or rinds of fruit. Ancient civilizations understood many of the aromatic and therapeutic uses of oils and resins. The modern world is barely beginning to comprehend the value of these hidden treasures.

What is the History of Aromatherapy?

Egypt was the birth place of medicine, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals more than six thousand years ago. The ancient Egyptians practiced the art of massage and were famous for their skin care formulas and cosmetics. Fragrances, herb oils, balsams, and resins were used in embalming techniques and religious ceremonies.

The use of aromatics spread from Egypt to Israel, Greece, Rome, and the entire Mediterranean world. Every culture developed practices of perfumery using oils, but with the Dark Ages, much of this knowledge w
as lost. India is the only place in the world where this tradition was never lost. Ayurvedic (life-knowledge) medicine is the oldest form of medical practice using oils and has been in continuous use since the inception thousands of years ago.

The advent of modern science in the 17th and 18th centuries marked the decline of most forms of herbal therapy. However, in 1928, a French cosmetic chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse (Ga-fo-say) made a remarkable discovery. While working in his laboratory, he severely burned his arm and thrust it into the nearest vat of cold liquid. The liquid happened to be lavender oil. Gattefosse was surprised to find that his pain lessened and there was no redness, inflammation, or blistering. It was he who coined the term "aromatherapy". Others followed Gattefosse on the path of rediscovery with essential oils.

In 1964, Dr. Jean Valent published The Art of Aromatherapy and the movement in Europe had rebirth. Madame Marguerite Maury established the first aromatherapy clinics in Paris, Great Britain, and Switzerland, and studied the rejuvenating properties of essential oils. Her research was published in English as The Secret of Life and Youth (1964). Today, thousands practice aromatherapy in France, Russia, England, the Ukraine, and many other countries.

What is the Real Value of Essential Oils?

We like to think of essential oils as nature's pharmacy. Essential oils may be used as mood creators, perfumes, and fragrances. Natural scents keep you connected to the world around you by rekindling emotions and feelings. Essential oils may also have therapeutic value.

What are the Physical Properties of Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile (evaporate quickly) plant extracts that contain hundreds of organic constituents and other natural elements. Essential oils carry the beneficial properties of the plants they were derived from and provide a natural form of herbal energy. Most essential oils are lighter than water and yet are not water soluble, and they are able to dissolve in body fats.


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