aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy – something that’s used alongside medical treatment. Plant oils have been used as therapy for thousands of years. Essential oils are made from essences found in the flowers, leaves, roots, peel, resin, seeds and bark of some plants. Examples of aromatherapy oils include:
- citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit
- frankincense
- lavender
- rosemary
- chamomile
- tea tree
You can absorb some essential oils through your skin. Some have an effect on you through your sense of smell and through breathing them in. Here are just some of the ways essential oils are used.
- Oils can be diluted with a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, evening primrose, or black seed oil) and massaged into your skin.
- You can add a few drops of oil to warm bath water.
- You can add oils to unperfumed creams, such as moisturiser.
- You can breathe in (inhale) vapour from some oils.
- You can add oils to an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser.
- You can add oils to an oil burner.
Certain essential oils aren’t appropriate for everyone, especially if you have:
- epilepsy
- diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- asthma
- sensitive skin
- allergies
- some types of cancer
Let your aromatherapist know if you have any of these health conditions. If you’re pregnant, ask your aromatherapist if it’s safe for you to have aromatherapy because some essential oils might be harmful to your baby.
Before you decide to have aromatherapy for a health problem, it’s important to visit your GP. They can ensure your condition is accurately diagnosed and that you receive any conventional treatments you may need.
