This was first published in print for Dermascope Magazine, April 2016 (© 2016)
Written and designed by Rachelle Dupree, Marketing and Communications Director for Vivoderm Natural Skincare
- Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being through topical application or inhalation. New studies show that humans can distinguish at least 1 trillion scents.
- The 5 most popular oils currently in use are lavender, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
- The human body contains far more receptors for smell (at least 1,000) than it does for other senses, such as sight (four) and touch (at least four).
- Essential oils are extremely concentrated. More than 5 undiluted drops should never be applied directly on the skin unless directed.
- Aromatherapists do not advise mixing more than 5 scents at a time.
- The shelf life for most essential oils is about 12 months.
- The highest-quality essential oils come from steam distillation or cold pressing plant and flower parts.
- Hydrosols are the aqueous byproducts of the distillation process (like rosewater) and have culinary, medicinal, and skin care uses.
- Essential oils should never be ingested.
- Essential oils can be extracted from the bark, stems, leaves, roots, and petals of herbs or flowers.
- Fragrance oils are chemical mixtures that mimic natural plant aromas and are not appropriate for aromatherapy.
- Aromatherapy works by stimulating the nervous and limbic system, the parts of the brain that affect emotion and memory.
- Aromatherapy scents can be applied through topical skin care, massage, baths, air diffusers, or direct inhalation.
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