On the external basis, essential oils are similar to fatty oils, but do not belong to the class of lipids, they are fatty to the touch, lighter than water and do not mix with it. In chemical composition, essential oils do not have a chemical formula and are a complex mixture of organic compounds.
The history of essential oils is lost in the depths of millennia. Nobody knows who the ancient man was, trying to save their smell. Women, collecting flowers for bouquets, were looking for ways to preserve the flavors of plants. Ancestors considered flowers to be gifts of higher powers. A huge number of legends associated with flowers, which were valued not only for beauty, but also for the spread of smells, which were also considered the gift of the gods. The incense was considered a reward, and unpleasant odors were retribution and punishment.
In an effort to appease the higher powers, a man glorified his gods, lit flavors. There were special ministers who made fragrant compositions and fragrant oils for carrying out the rituals.
The ancient Egyptians brought this ritual to perfection. For 5000 years BC. the civilization of the Middle East has already used methods of pressing, boiling and soaking to obtain fragrant essences. Fine Egyptians did not know how to do without fragrant creams and ointments, which they used to preserve beauty or as a means of rejuvenation. Cleopatra had a predilection for odorous oils and remedies with the smell of roses and jasmine. She loved to take aromatic baths.
And, of course, the Egyptians should be given credit for the fact that they began to use essential oils for medicinal purposes. Ancient physicians noticed that the smell of roses and lavender contributes to the restoration of strength, helps with overfatigue and reduces the increased excitability. The priests of Ancient Greece enriched the range of flavored products using local plants. The greatest glory among the Roman researchers was earned by Claudius Gehlen, who suggested making extracts from medicinal plants, insisting on water, vinegar, oils and other liquids. He had his own pharmacy, in which he prepared medicinal and cosmetic products, including aromatic oils and fragrant waters. Gehlen created a classification of fragrances, which in Europe are still used today.
When the Roman Empire was paved with trade routes connecting the Mediterranean countries, the Romans received in large quantities Asian spices, incense and perfume. Vegetable incenses based on cinnamon and cloves began to be used as refreshing and stimulant.
Avicenna in his practice used more than 900 species of fragrant plants. Created by him tinctures and essential oils on their basis helped to cope with a variety of diseases. Aromatic remedies to a certain extent saved Europe from the most terrible epidemics.
Today aromatherapy is interested in biochemists, cosmetologists, nutritionists, masseurs, psychotherapists, sexologists, physicians. One of the main advantages of essential oils is that they have a regulating effect, i.e. they treat not the individual organ, but the whole organism as a whole. A positive effect in both treatment and prevention can be achieved in small doses. It is important that the aromatherapy is safe and accessible to everyone.
With systematic use in the body, a mechanism of self-regulation is activated, which will help prevent the disease, and if the disease is chronic, achieve a lasting improvement in well-being.
All the flavors are divided into three groups: citrus, coniferous and exotic. To the citrus group include aromas of orange, mandarin, lemon, neroli, grapefruit, etc.
To the coniferous group belong the oils of fir, pine, cedar. Fir oil contains turpentine, so it is not recommended to use it without first consulting a doctor.
To the exotic group of oils are oils of ylang-ylang, jasmine, sandal.
Aromatic oils can be used to aromatize rooms, as massage aids, for direct care of the body, dissolving them in the cream; for the adoption of therapeutic and prophylactic baths. It is strictly forbidden to apply any aromatic oil to the skin, if it is not diluted, a severe burn is possible.
To stimulate breathing, use 2 drops of lemon and eucalyptus, 6 drops of pine oil. The components are mixed and put on the aroma lamp. The duration of the session is from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
For a cold, mix 1 drop of sage oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of mandarin oil, 4 drops of bergamot oil. The duration of the session is from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Intimate aromatherapy. Mix 1 drop of ylang ylang oil, 1 drop of Tuberose oil, 1 drop of bergamot oil, 1 drop of lemon oil, 4 drops of patchouli oil, 20 grams of base cream. After taking the shower, the resulting product is evenly applied to the skin of the body, rubbing lightly with movements.
To neutralize harmful bacteria requires 1 drop of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lavender oil, 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Apply in the aromalamp from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.
For a good mood, mix 5 drops of lemon oil, 5 drops of rosemary oil, 1 drop of coniferous oil, 20 g of base cream. Apply on the body, rubbing lightly after bathing or showering.
To disinfect the room mix 10 drops of fir oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus oil, 1 drop of pine oil, 1 liter of water. The resulting lotion is sprayed from the spray gun around the room throughout the day. Shake before sprinkling.