Frequently Asked Questions About Aromatherapy
| What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils, under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist, to effect a physical, mental, emotional and or spiritual change in a person who desires to make that change. Pure essential oils are distilled or cold pressed from aromatic plants, trees, and shrubs and posses therapeutic chemical properties to restore and maintain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Aromatherapy is not the use of petroleum products-such as candles-incense and fragrance oils to make everything smell “good” yet pure essential oils smell so delightful many people use them for that purpose. Back to Top Are Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils the Same? Fragrance oils are created in a laboratory from petroleum based products and were introduced after World War II to replace essential oils which were difficult to obtain. Although they mimic the scent of the essential oils the similarity stops there. Fragrance oils last forever, have a high allergy profile for skin or mucous membranes and may stimulate aggression. Their smell may induce relaxation due to triggering a pleasant memory response but they do not have the ability to balance the endocrine system or prevent or fight infection. My advice, go scent free if you have any allergies or hormone problems. Back to Top Essential oils are delightful, efficient and non-invasive ways to help your body maintain or attain health. You put nothing artificial into your body and you utilize your sense of smell to create an almost immediate reaction to the oil. Treatments with essential oils create far fewer side-effects than synthetic chemicals . Essential oils do not “take over” your body-they encourage your body to improve and regain its natural efficiency. Effect on mood is often felt within minutes after inhalation of essential oils. Back to Top Essential oils are absorbed through the mucous membranes, skin and olfactory nerve. Primal Hints provides detailed written instructions with each order, including a variety of simple ways to use the oils. Back to Top Where Do You Purchase Essential Oils? For the safest and most effective use, purchase your oils from an aromatherapist. Most of the oils & products sold in retail stores contain fragrance oils-not essential oils. Back to Top How do I know if oil is an Essential Oil or fragrance oil? Essential oils should have the botanical name and county of origin listed on the bottle. (See essential oil order form). Essential oils are in amber or cobalt blue bottles as they are destroyed by ultraviolet light. Essential oils will vary in price, depending on the oil, and usually start around $6 for 1/3 of an ounce. Back to Top Are there side effects to using Essential Oils? The most common side effect to an essential oil is a skin reaction caused by applying oils directly and undiluted to the skin. Headaches may occur if essential oils are too strong or multiple oils are inhaled in a short period of time. Back to Top Who is most likely to experience side-effects? Those who:
Are Essential Oils safe during Pregnancy? There are several essential oils that research has shown to be safe during pregnancy. See your aromatherapist for advice. Back to Top Do Essential Oils work as quickly as pills? In many cases, essential oils work faster than a pill. Essential oils usually take time to balance our systems for a lasting effect. When we take a pill, we may get a response within an hour. However, when we quit taking that pill, the body reverts back to it’s previous condition, unless we have done something in conjunction with that pill to effect a change. For instance, some people can wean from medications for hypertension when they have implemented successful diet, exercise and stress reduction strategies. If they have not,once off the pill, the blood pressure will increase. Back to Top Are Essential Oils the answer to all of My Problems? There is no magic cure for any condition. Whether we take pharmaceuticals or inhale essential oils, for true improvement in health, we will need to manage our diet, exercise, stress and environment for best results. Essential oils can help greatly as they lift our spirits, improve concentration and energy, enhance spiritual connections, decrease pain and improve sleep, just to name some of their benefits. Cheryl provides guidance from a holistic perspective-mind, body, spirit for all conditions. Back to Top Do I need to tell my Physician I am using Essential Oils? Yes! Your are in charge of your body and your health and you need to make sure everyone involved in your treatment knows what oils, herbs and pharmaceutical medications you are using so that you receive comprehensive, safe care. Remember to tell your pharmacist as well. Back to Top Where can I learn more about Aromatherapy and Essential Oils? Primal Hints provides Introductory Classes as well as follow up classes on a wide variety of subjects such as ‘Managing Allergies’ and ‘Eating for Permanent Weight Loss’. For more information on classes please see Upcoming Shows and Classes. Or travel Back to Top No. Aromatherapy is not for those who dislike scents of any kind and those who will not routinely use the oils. Back to Top What attracted you to Aromatherapy and the work you do? My own chronic illnesses were unmanageable as I took more drugs with less results. I felt my health declining-physically, mentally and emotionally. I was led to study Holistic Nursing and Aromatherapy and read many additional books and articles onholistic health and realized I needed to decrease my stress, change my diet and rid my environment of fragrance oils and other chemicals. Back to Top It took me almost 2 years to completely change my lifestyle. For me, no longer taking medications and feeling energized and vital is the life I choose. Do I have bad days and difficult situations? You bet!! There is never a life that is easier in spite of what we are led to believe. However, there is a life that is meaningful and joyous along with the thunder storms! It is my desire to share information on regaining health with those who are interested in hearing it. Back to Top Additional questions? |
