« HEALING BEGINS WITH AN AROMATIC BATH AND A DAILY MASSAGE »
Hippocrates – 460 BC – 370 BC
ruby maalouf, nd
AROMATHERAPY
The use of aromatic plants for medicinal, culinary, and personal wellness purposes dates back centuries. However, the term aromatherapy was first introduced in 1928 by French chemical engineer René-Maurice Gattefossé, who is widely regarded as the father of modern aromatherapy. His work helped establish a scientific approach to studying the properties and applications of essential oils.
Today, aromatherapy plays an important role in holistic wellness. Essential oils are valued for their diverse properties and their ability to support both physical and emotional well-being, partly through their influence on the sense of smell.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are natural, highly concentrated, volatile aromatic compounds extracted from plants.
They are most commonly obtained through steam distillation, although some oils—particularly citrus oils—are produced through cold pressing. Essential oils can be extracted from flowers (rose), fruits (lemon), leaves (peppermint), bark (cinnamon), roots (horseradish), herbs (rosemary), spices (clove), blossoms (Ylang Ylang). resins (frankincense), and other plant materials.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
A typical essential oil is a complex mixture that may contain more than one hundred naturally occurring compounds. Their high concentration contributes to their potency and underscores the importance of proper use.
Because many of their constituents are lipid-soluble, essential oils can be readily absorbed through the skin when used appropriately.
Most essential oils are clear liquids ranging from colorless to pale yellow, although some have unique characteristics. For example, German chamomile essential oil is known for its deep blue color.
STORAGE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
To maintain their quality and stability, essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, tightly sealed, and protected from light, heat, and moisture.
Several factors can affect their integrity:
-
Oxygen: can cause oxidation of certain constituents.
-
Heat: may accelerate degradation processes.
-
Light: can alter the chemical stability of some essential oils.
QUALITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Quality is one of the most important considerations when selecting essential oils. Therapeutic-grade products should be free from contaminants such as pesticides, solvents, and other unwanted substances.
IEssential oils should also be pure, undiluted, and free from synthetic additives or lower-quality substitutes that may compromise their integrity.
For this reason, it is advisable to purchase essential oils from reputable suppliers that maintain rigorous standards for quality control, purity, and traceability.