This document provides an introduction to aromatherapy, including definitions, types of oils used, methods of extraction, historical uses, applications for common ailments, and examples of essential oils. Aromatherapy is defined as the holistic treatment of diseases or disorders using aromatic essential oils from plants. The document outlines the healing properties of essential oils, their effects on the body and mind, and how they are derived from plants through various extraction methods like distillation. A brief history of aromatherapy in ancient cultures is also presented, along with common applications and essential oil examples.
4. Purpose for the plant
Immune system
Anti-bacterial
Insect:
Attraction for fertilization
Prevention of attack
Protection from dehydration
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5. Key medicinal characteristics
All are anti-bacterial
Lipophilic: fat soluble, not water
Chemically complex
Volatile
Most are lighter than water
Powerful
Not oily
Whole oil is more active than principal
constituent
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7. Healing process
Small molecules penetrate the skin and
olfactory system
Travel in the bloodstream
Leave the body in 4-20 hours through the
kidneys
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8. Effects of essential oils
Catalyst to regenerate systems and
organs
Anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory
Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal
Non-allergenic
Olfactory system stimulation
Limbic brain
Endocrine system
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12. Steam Distillation Process
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Hot water
Cold water
Water and
essential oils
Floral
waters
Essential oils
Vaporized
water and
essential
oils
Plant
material
Water
Steam
Heat
13. History
Ancient
Fragrances associated with gods
Sumeria: botanical healers
Egypt: massage, reflexology
Spiritual use of oils was transformative
Cedarwood: sacred oil
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14. History
Greece: oils as aphrodisiacs
800-400 BC: Aesclepius health temples
300 BC: Theophrastus wrote Odoribus
1 AD: Dioscorides wrote Matera Medica
Rome: oils to help recover from excess
Baths
Society
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15. History
China
Greatest herbalists
2700 BC: Shen Nung wrote Herbal
India
3000 BC: Ayurvedic medicine
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Applications of oils
Colds, flu, respiratory
irritations
Lemon, Chamomile,
Lavender, Peppermint,
Eucalyptus
Steams, massage
over lung area,
drop on pillow
Acne Cedarwood, Lavender,
Patchouli, Tea Tree,
Rosemary, Bergamot
Oils in lotion or
massage oil or
added to soap.
Osteoarthritis Black pepper, Ginger,
Lavender, Marjoram,
Rosemary, Thyme
Massage over joints
Muscular cramping Clary Sage, Black
Pepper, Chamomile,
Cypress, Camphor,
Peppermint
Massage over
muscle
Disease/Illness Oils Methods
Note: Additional consultation of Aromatherapy reference material is needed to understand safe usage of these oils.