What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy (also known as essential oil therapy) is the practice of using essential oils (natural plant extracts), to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. The aromas of essential oils have been known to have a positive impact on our mood by reducing stress, easing anxiety and promoting better sleep.

Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in Egypt, China, India and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms and oils.

These natural substances were known to have both physical and psychological benefits.

A range of essential oils have been found to have various degrees of antimicrobial activity and are believed to have antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical application, and inhalation.

When the aromas from essential oils are inhaled, olfactory nerves (our sense of smell) send messages to a section of the brain known as the olfactory cortex. This section in the brain is a part of a system known as the limbic system, which has sections for processing emotions, survival instincts and memory formation (amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus).

The olfactory cortex (where aromas are received in the brain) being linked into system means that the sense of smell is connected to our memories and emotions, and survival instincts such as fear and the fight or flight response to trauma. When we study the connected nerves (neurones) within the brain, what they do and how to activate them, we can begin to see why essential oils can have such a powerful and profound effect on our mental state and wellbeing.

Not all products made with plant essence are essential oils. True essential oils aren't blended with other chemicals or fragrances.

They're extracted using a specific process that doesn't change the chemistry of the plant (distillation or cold press).

They will state on the packaging that they are - 100% pure, the botanical name and the place of origin.

The information I (Enchanted Wicks) share is for the purpose of general interest, and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical practitioner.

While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up to date information, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the suggestion can be given, either now or in the future.