There are scents all around us from bouquets of flowers and pine forest to those we try to blame on the dog. However, those aromas we blame on the dog have absolutely no therapeutic benefit so we will concentrate on those scents we obtain from plant life called essential oils.
There are many fragrances that affect our lives on a daily basis wether we are aware of it or not. The smell of flowers on a warm spring day will make us feel great. Especially after a long cold winter. The smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven for desert on Thanksgiving day. This causes us to anticipate desert over the main meal.
We smell so many different things through out the day that we take many of them for granted
We could just memorize a list of scents for treating certain ailments. However, aren't you the least bit curious as to why they work. I know I am!
Discovery: Discovering what creates a plants aroma is the best place to start when learning about aromatherapy. When we learn more about scents we can begin to understand why they are so useful in therapy.
Essential oils are what create a plants scent. These special oils are produced naturally in the plant and are held in special glands. Any plant that has a scent contains essential oils. These plants all have their own distinctive aromas due to their essential oils.
Consistency: The molecules in an essential oil are extremely tiny. Essential oils are much thinner than vegetable oil or motor oil. This is why they are so useful in therapy. The thin molecular structure of essential oil is why they can penetrate the skin. They then go right to work on the area being treated.
We often refer to them as volatile oils. This means they are vaporous or like gas. A 15ml. bottle of essential oil will evaporate in a short amount of time if left open setting on your kitchen counter. A pure essential oil will not leave an oily stain on cloth because it dissipates quickly.
Production: Essential oils are produced in special scent glands within the plant. These glands are predominantly in the leaves and flowers. However, They can be found most anywhere in the plant.
Botanist did not know why plants contained essential oils for a long time. They now understand these oils have an important role in the plants development. These essential oils attract bees and other pollinators, seal a plants wounds, repel harmful insects, kill bacterial, viral and fungal infections, make a plant waterproof, repel other plants to avoid overcrowding of space, increase immunity to disease and possibly influence reproduction as plant hormones.
Uses: People and plants alike can utilize the value of essential oils for more than just scent. We have the ability to treat all manner of physical and emotional issues with essential oils. Some of the most important medicinal benefits we obtain using these oils are. Kill bacterial, viral and fungal infections, heal wounds, reduce inflammation, aid in blood circulation and digestion, decrease sinus and lung congestion, repel insects, tone and moisturize skin, regulate hormones, stimulate immune system, attract a mate and possibly influence reproduction.
End Result: Ironically enough essential oils function about the same in people as they do in plants. Many essential oils are highly antiseptic and have the ability to kill harmful micro organisms such as bacterial and viral infections. Essential oils also have the ability to reduce inflamation, which in turn can reduce or eliminate pain. Some essential oils stimulate cell regeneration, which encourages wounds to heal at a much faster rate.
With all the benefits essential oils have it makes them an excellent choice for treating minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, sprains, tight or cramped muscles, arthritis, headaches, inflamation and infections.
Remember, always use pure therapeutic grade essential oils for optimum results!
Sallie A. Peterson
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