Aromatherapy is the fastest growing complementary medicine in the world. Researchers and medical people increasingly recognise its therapeutic value. There are two kinds of oils we can use, (1) a diluted kind and (2) a pure undiluted kind. The diluted kind is usually diluted with different kinds of oil, eg base oils.

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils which are extracted from a variety of plants. These oils can be found in medicines, perfumes, and beauty products and in some commercially prepared foods and drinks. Aroma refers to 'essential' having a characteristic smell while 'therapy' refers to healing.

Essential oils enter the body through the skin. They can do this because their molecules are extremely small. It works similar to perspiration coming out through the skin, so the oils can penetrate the skin. This is why massage oils carry essential oils. Whether it is through the skin, or breathed through the nostrils from the air, when these molecules hit the nerve receptors they set off a reaction which results in brain activity. This can be observed through brain scans and other imaging techniques.

Some facts on essential oils:

The Japanese company Takasago has found that when lemon is diffused into the air in its offices, computer operators make 54% less mistakes.

Researchers in the US have found that slot machines in Las Vegas attract 45% more custom when a pleasant aroma is diffused into the air.

Sometimes the aroma of black pepper is effective in helping to break the smoking habit. It can reduce a smokers craving for cigarettes and help reduce anxiety too.

Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits: for beauty, general well being, emotional help and certain illnesses. It can be used as a natural method as an aid in relieving stress. It can help anyone who has a pressurized lifestyle. It can also be helpful in the application with massage oil. In all occasions the aromas can influence the brains activity giving either relaxing or stimulating powers.

Essential oils are extracted from petals, leaves, roots, buds, twigs, wood, bark, resin, or fruit. In a few occasions every part of the plant growing above the ground is used. There are several ways the oils are made, the most common way being steam distillation. This involves putting the plant material in a large closed container, known as a vat, and forcing steam through it. The heat and the pressure release they tiny droplets of essential oil from the plant which then rise with steam, out through a spiral tube. This cools the steam, turning it to liquid.

These essential oils can then be used for beauty and body care treatments. Some oils quicken the production of body cells and are used in beauty care revitalization and rejuvenation treatment.

Most oils have qualities as an antiseptic, some are affective in fighting viral and fungal infections, some are anti-inflammatory or analgesic (pain killing), and some affect the hormonal system.

Increased circulation and oxygenation of the blood can be brought about by certain essential oils. This in turn assists in cellular regeneration. In general essential oils make use feel good and when we are feeling good, the immune system is likely to be at its most effective, making it less probably that we become ill.

Most of us go through our day devoid of the natural goodness provided by nature. Yet we yearn for it, and we need it, as the flower needs the sun. When we use essential oils, however, this yearning can be satisfied. Nature can be brought indoors, where we live and breathe, in the pure concentration form of essential oils, it can be made a part of our daily lives. Using essential oils in the various mediums are, beneficial and delightfully pampering.

Essential oils are extremely potent and it is adviseable to be aware of general safety precautions when using oils and their suitability to the particular application you are planning to undertake.

Some of the most common situations are listed below.

During pregnancy it is recommended that the following essential oils should be avoided - basil, cedarwood, chamomile (early months), clary sage, geranium, jasmine, juniper, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme. Many other oils are safe to use in low dosages. There are very few of these oils in our products. Those oils that are in our products are in very small amounts, but it is good to be aware of these facts.

For those with sensitive skin, please take care when using essential oils on the skin (i.e. in massage or in creams) as skin irritaions may occur. If you look through our range you will find we provide products for sensitive skin.

For those with epilepsy, be aware that several essential oils may trigger an epileptic seizure. However these oils are not contained in our range.

Several oils (particularly citrus oil) can cause a photosensitive skin reaction (darkening of pgmentation) if applied to the skin prior to exposure to sunlight.

Certain essential oils should be avoided if yiou suffer from high or low blood pressure. These oils are in very insignificant amounts in our products, but it is good to be aware of this fact.

Essential oils are not recommended for ingestion.