Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils for psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are many essential oils. The essential oil profiles area details over 90 essential oils absolutes, water and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. Click on the links to learn more about them. The term "essential oil" is often used as a blanket term to also include CO2s and absolutes.

The Benefit of an "Aroma"
Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) of the essential oil are drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefit. If not done correctly and safely however, the use of essential oils can also have severe consequences.

The Benefit of Physical Application
Oils that are applied to the skin are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, "carrier oils" which are pure vegetable oils are used to dilute the essential oils and "carry" them to the skin. Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil.