Essential oils are composed of tiny molecules which are easily dissolved in alcohol, emulsifiers and fats. This allows them to penetrate the skin easily and work into the body by mixing with the fatty tissue. As these highly volatile essences evaporate they are also inhaled, thus entering the body via the millions of sensitive cells that line the nasal passages. These send messages straight to the brain and affect the emotions by working on the limbic system, which also controls the major functions of the body. Thus in an aromatherapy treatment the essential oils are able to enhance both your physical and psychological well-being at the same time.
Each oil has a distinct chemical composition which determines its fragrance, color, volatility and the ways in which it affects the system, giving each oil its unique set of beneficial properties.
There are just so many essential oils available in the market that making a purchase seems a hard thing to do. Of course, all of them are extracted from plants, so in choosing the aromatic oils you need for aromatherapy, you must base your choice on the therapeutic grade of each. Therapeutic grade is the term used to determine the amount of undiluted oils appropriate for aromatherapy or the essential oils. Some plants are just more fragrant than others. And each bears different effects to the body. Therefore, knowledge on the botanical family, history, and origin of the plant from which the oils is derived can be very useful in making a choice.
To help you with your choice of aromatherapy oils, here is a brief list of popular essential oils and their most common uses:
~Basil Essential Oil – for depression, headache and migraine
~Bergamot Essential Oil – as insect repellant and also improves urinary and digestion.
~Clove Essential Oil – used as antiseptic
~Eucalyptus Essential Oil – helps relieve colds and flu
~Lemon Essential Oil – improves mood