Purpose: Aromatherapy is used to counter oxygen deficiency in the body usually caused by a nutrient deficiency. It also supplies an electrical frequency that is several times greater than food or herbs. Essential oils can also have subtle effects on the mind and emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and used in aromatherapy have been described as their "life force" - they are essential to the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance that gives them their scent. Synthetic oils, even if chemically similar, will lack all the natural elements, and that vital life force, that make essential oils so valuable therapeutically. Also, minor constituents in synthetic oils are never identical. The addition of synthetic chemicals is not normally disclosed in the essential oil business, so unless there is a declaration that the oils are natural, pure and unadulterated, assume otherwise. History: According to translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before the time of Christ and were known as man’s first medicines. Treatment: There are many ways in which the extracts are used in aromatherapy. These include: Massage - This is the most effective method of using the oils, by combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should not be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odourless carrier oil such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel oil. A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended starting point. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two millilitres of carrier oil. (6 drops in two teaspoonfuls). Contrary to popular belief, essential oils are not absorbed through the skin. There is no scientific evidence that oils are absorbed through the skin and then into the bloodstream. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants and not let them in. Medical patches use specially designed synthetic compounds to go through the skin. It has been shown that those oils that do have penetrative affects are also those that are likely to be sensitizers or irritants thereby showing that the skin is working in stopping contaminants getting through the skin. · Baths - Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant way to relax and receive the therapeutic effects. Water itself has therapeutic value that enhances the powers of the oils. To use, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil(s), to the surface of the water that has already been run, add no other substances, then immerse yourself for about 20 minutes, while inhaling the vapour. · Compresses - Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part. · Inhalations - Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water, then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapour for a few minutes. · Vaporization- All essential oils are antiseptic and evaporate easily, so they make very good air fresheners. There are many vaporizers on the market, including a simple bowl of water on the radiator with a few drops of oil on the surface and vaporizer light bulb rings. · Perfumes - Distinctive perfumes can be made by blending different oils. Essential oils are often described by their "note". The three categories of classification are top note, middle note and base note, and these terms relate to the rate at which they evaporate - or how long the fragrance will last · Top Notes are the most stimulating and uplifting oils. They are strongly scented, but the perfume lasts only for approximately 3 - 24 hours. Examples include: basil, bergamot, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, lemongrass, neroli, peppermint, sage and thyme. · Middle Notes are the next longest lasting, at about 2 - 3 days, and affect the metabolic and body functions. The perfume is less potent than that of top note oils. Examples include: balm, chamomile, fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender and rosemary. · Base Notes are the slowest oils to evaporate, lasting up to one week. They have a sweet, soothing scent and a relaxing, comforting effect on the body. Examples include: cedarwood, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, rose and sandalwood. Some of the most popular essential oils used for aromatherapy are listed below with their characteristics and most popular health uses. · Chamomile – calming – Useful for premenstrual pain and tension, indigestion, allergies, rhinitis, acne, eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. · Eucalyptus – antiseptic – Useful for coughs and colds, bronchitis, viral infections, muscular aches and rheumatic conditions. · Geranium – mild astringent – Useful for cuts, sores, fungal infections, skin problems, eczema, bruises and depression. · Lavender – mild analgesic – Useful for headaches, wounds, bruises, insect bites, oily skin, acne, swelling, insomnia and mild depression. · Rose – antiseptic – Useful for sore throats and sinus congestion, puffiness, insomnia, premenstrual tension and pain, menopause and reduced libido. · Rosemary – mild stimulant – Useful for physical and mental fatigue, forgetfulness, respiratory problems, asthma, rheumatic aches and pains. · Sandalwood – mild analgesic- Useful for dry, cracked or chapped skin, acne, for relaxation during meditation and as an aphrodisiac. · Marjoram – antiseptic – Useful for menstrual pain, headache, sore throat, insomnia, bad circulation and acne. · Jasmine – mild stimulant – useful for depression (postnatal), strengthening contractions during labor and as an aphrodisiac. · Neroli – antiseptic – Useful for insomnia, anxiety and nervous depression.