Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Guido Parente
Psychosomatic naturopath
Since ancient times, in the papyri and the inscriptions found, it says, the ritualization of the olfactory
character of the day, the use of aromatic blends ancient Egypt.
For example, in the writings of Pliny the Elder, it is said that to promote the health of the slaves
involved in the construction of various architectural works to remove fatigue was used to burn
wood in huge braziers near the Pyramids.
Also in Egypt, the people of the upper classes, they used cones compounds with fats / wood / fragrances,
which were put on the hair or beard, and then, thanks to the great heat of those places, melted during
the day, cheering the olfactory people's lives.
Fine fragrances have been taken from various woods such as sandalwood, camphor, myrrh, benzoin,
jasmine, coriander, and used for centuries both by the Arabs, who by the Greeks and Romans.
Always historical, are found in Sumerian texts hints on the use of resins, herbs, spices, incense
and oils and fats of infusions of herbs.
For the high cost of extraction process of essential oils, in ancient times they were reserved for
pharaohs, kings, nobles and priests.
In the Middle Ages, alchemists remarked on the relationship between the essential oils and
the purified psyche.
In the Renaissance it has use news of aromatic essences, such as medicinal plants with
curative and preventive purposes during the various epidemics that struck the peoples of
Europe, for example the plague, it was generating very unpleasant scents, so in the pyres
were used for the destruction used scented herbs.
With the advent of the scientific revolution alchemy he left the stage for the Chemistry,
setting the stage for the extraction and production of perfumes.
Recently, thanks to neurophysiology studies and PNEI (Psiconeuroendocrinoimmunology)
is now more clear that the essences can interact at the level of affecting the nervous system
is on 'mood, which on emotions, that on the nervous system.
Moreover, we know that a good fragrance makes us feel good.
Through the perception of smells, aromatherapy involves the sphere of emotions, memory,
sensitivity and all related cognitive areas, in addition to the endocrine and immune systems.
Essential Oils, also called essences, are mixtures of aromatic substances produced from
aromatic plants present, in the form of small drops, in the leaves, in the peel of the fruit,
in the wood, in the resin, in the branches.
They are soluble in oil and alcohol and insoluble in water and are flammable.
Just because they represent a very small amount compared to the plant mass, they
represent the smallest component and purified.
In essence is collecting the genetic information from symbological character, they
contain the soul of the plant, for this action can exert subtle but deep on the psyche
and the human soul.
The essences come into relationship with man in a relationship marked by the heat,
causing in this way, a reactivation process of the organic and vital functions,
reactivating the vis naturae medicatrix.
Base oils, Heart oils and oils of head
The base oils are produced primarily from the bark and roots, so we shall, dense oils which
will facilitate breathing as spruce, pine, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli.
The heart oils are extracted from the petals of the flowers, they favor the opening of the heart.
The head of oils, finally, are produced by the mint or citrus peels.
This type of oil, revitalizes, it takes away the gray, gives euphoria. of essential oils Properties
We know that the essences are always exploited for their antiseptic and antimicrobial.
antitoxic and healing properties: prevent decomposition processes, stimulate cell regeneration.
Lavender, benzoin, cypress, frankincense
anti-rheumatic and anti-neuralgic properties: in the treatment of joint and muscle pain disorders
Rosemary, juniper, Verbena, Chamomile
insect-repellent, and antiparasitic properties: away insects and mites Lemongrass,
laurel, cinnamon, camphor, tea tree oil
catarrh and expectorant properties: seasonal problems such as cough and bronchitis
Eucalyptus, myrtle, cypress, rosemary, lavender
antispasmodic properties: for disorders such as dysmenorrhea, hiccups, muscle tension
Melissa, Chamomile, Fennel, Geranium and Basil, Clary Sage
digestive properties: to relieve meterorismo, nausea, slow digestion Mint, Fennel,
Verbena, Cardamom, Cumin
Toning properties: to resist stress Rosemary, rose, pine, sage, cajeput, bergamot,
The routes of absorption Essential oils can get in touch and act on humans by three ways:
• Smell
• The breath
• Skin
v A olfactory you can spread in the air through the speaker, in this way you can make
the atmosphere more pleasant, it can stimulate (during a lecture) or calm.
v On the skin through massage. precautions You need to take some sensible
precautions for both adults and children.
• Never apply pure essential oils on the skin, but dilute them with carrier oils such
as: or almond oil, or grapeseed oil, or Evening Primrose Oil.
• Use quality essential oils, products with strict criteria,
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Take care to individuals suffering from allergies (respiratory and skin)
• Keep essential oils away from heat sources and in dark glass bottles children
Tending to children under three years of age, it is best to avoid essential oils
Because the mint and camphor may trigger episodes of laryngospasm.
Over three years, you may be used by diffusion in the environment oils:
1. Eucalyptus
2. Cembro
3. lemon
4. Sweet orange
5. Chamomile
6. Mandarin,
7. myrtle,
8. Lavender
Aromatherapy , discipline studied in naturopathy courses , is part of the fully - natural holistic vibrational disciplines .
Often in my treatment pathways , the use in synergy with other holistic arts in order to convey the right health for people .
© 2014 Guido Parente . All rights reserved