Aromatherapy Products from G. Baldwin & Co.
Aromatherapy is widely practised throughout the world and is recognised as having beneficial effects on the sufferers of many health related conditions, particularly those aggravated by stress.
(PRWEB) November 12, 2006
Aromatherapy is widely practised throughout the world and is recognised as having beneficial effects on the sufferers of many health related conditions, particularly those aggravated by stress.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to help the body restore its natural balance and heal itself. Those in good health can benefit from its wonderfully relaxing effect, whilst sufferers from disease or illness frequently turn to aromatherapy as a primary or complementary treatment. A qualified aromatherapy practitioner will examine the patient's physical and mental health and take account of a wide variety of factors before treatment begins.
How did Aromatherapy Begin?
Pictures on the walls of caves in Lascaux, France, are believed to indicate that aromatherapy was in use as early as 18,000 BC, but more substantial evidence dates the practice to around 6,000 BC, when it was used by ancient civilisations in the Far East and South America.
The distillation techniques that produce the oils required by aromatherapy date from around 1,000 AD, but it wasn't until the middle ages when explorers discovered plants and herbs with beautiful scents that oils began to be used as luxury items.
Aromatherapy as we know it today is largely the result of work done in the 1930s by French chemist Réné Gattefosse – who incidentally gave 'aromatherapy' its name whilst studying the healing properties of essential oils. His work was continued by fellow Frenchman, Dr Jean Valnet. Ten years later Margaret Maury developed forms of massage using oils and these are still taught today.
Does Aromatherapy Work?
There is a continuing debate in the western world as to whether aromatherapy has proven medical benefits. Various trials have been carried out and many of these show improvements in groups receiving aromatherapy treatments against control groups and untreated patients. Although results vary according to the conditions being treated and the oils used, many people experience a reduction in levels of stress, whilst others gain relief from conditions such as bronchitis or acne. What is undeniable, however, is that whilst the debate rages the technique's popularity grows steadily.
What is it used for?
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to treat a wide variety of conditions, including muscular pain, headaches, acne, eczema, hormonal problems, digestive disorders, stress related illnesses and insomnia. Aromatherapy is often sought as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medical techniques and has been shown to be of benefit to people suffering from all types of illnesses by lowering their anxiety levels.
How are Aromatherapy Oils Made?
There are three main methods of extraction used to create essential (or concentrated) oils:
Steam Distillation Steam is passed through the material from which the oil is to be collected, for example, rose petals. The resulting oil and water is allowed to separate before the oil is removed.
Expression This method is used for materials that can be pressed such as orange peel.
Absolute Some plants, herbs and flowers are sensitive to, and damaged by, the steam distillation process; one such example is jasmine. In these cases solvents are used to extract the oil.
How can the oils be used?
Essential oils can be applied to the skin in dilute form, for example during massage, or can be inhaled. The aroma of the oil has been shown to stimulate olfactory centres in the nose and parts of the brain. Both massage and inhalation allow oils to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
A few drops of essential oil in your bath will disperse easily and fragrance the water and the room. Baldwins sell a Dispersable Bath Base that can be added to your bathwater to make beautiful bath milk.
For a room fragrance, sprinkle a few drops of essential oils on to dried flowers, or add to an oil burner.
Use a massage base oil with 5 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil and shake thoroughly to blend. Always test a tiny area of the skin for sensitivity before use.
Essential oils can also be used in cooking. A word of warning though – they are very strong so should be used sparingly. Just one drop will be enough to fragrance your salad oil or vinegar.
Many people have experienced the benefits of inhaling essential oils. Cover your head with a towel and place over a bowl of very hot water to which a few drops of the oil have been added.
Cosmetics can be used as a base for essential oils. Add a few drops to your cleanser or lotion and blend thoroughly. Always test a small area of skin for sensitivity.
When mixed with a base oil, essential oils can become a beautiful perfume of your own making.
Never use an essential oil on your skin without diluting it first and never take essential oils internally. Avoid contact with your eyes and other sensitive areas. If you suffer from a medical condition or are taking medication you should check with your GP before undergoing any aromatherapy treatments. Certain oils should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and Baldwins offers a clearly labelled guide as to which these are. Oils should not be used on babies or young children, except under professional guidance. If any sensitivity or reaction occurs, stop use immediately and consult your GP. G. Baldwin & Co do not recommend the use of Essential Oils internally.
View Baldwins range of Aromatherapy Products here: http://www. baldwins. co. uk/Aromatherapy/572 (http://www. baldwins. co. uk/Aromatherapy/572)
Essential Oils from Baldwins
Baldwins essential oils are bought in large quantities direct from the producers. The oil is packed in-house and sold directly to the public. This means that prices are low but quality is high. Baldwins has access to a huge network of producers from around the world, sourcing one of the largest ranges of oils on the market today. As well as essential oils, you can buy candles, incense sticks, lotions, floral waters and gift sets.
View our range of Essential Oils here: http://www. baldwins. co. uk/Essential-Oils/571 (http://www. baldwins. co. uk/Essential-Oils/571)
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