Aroma means ‘scented smell’, ‘fragrance’. Aromatherapy makes use of volatile scents derived from essential oils contained in various parts of the plant such as flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, stems etc. They are known to imbue a feeling of physical, physiological and psychological goodness when applied on to the human body.

A few drops of the concentrated and standardized ranges of essential oils are picked from varied plant types depending upon the mood and need. These oils are very potent and there is a compulsory need to their being added to vegetable oils such as the coconut oil, sweet almond oil, groundnut oil, hazelnut oil, rosehip seed oil or olive oil serving as the carrier oils and are massaged over the body in regulated steps. In the absence of carrier oils, the undiluted applications of essential oils have known to cause much damage.

The essence emanating from the blend soothes the soul as it enlivens and energizes the fatigued cells. They are known to uplift the mood and induce naturally occurring ‘feel good factors’ to release from the body. In fact so much is the impact of scents emitted from essential aroma oils on the healing process that aromatherapy is accorded a respectable position in the list of classified alternative medical treatments.

The essential oils are extracted from flowers such as lavender, rose, orange, eucalyptus, sandal wood, chamomile, grapefruit, lemon grass and many others using the process of distillation and condensation of the plant volatiles. The extraction of fragrant oil from the plant material is also undertaken by way of any of the solvent or supercritical fluid extraction method. The most commonly used supercritical fluids are water and carbon dioxide. The use of these essential fragrant oils makes its use for not just a soothing body massages and enthralling baths. It also finds its extensive therapeutic use as an effective expectorant, decongestant, anti-septic and in general perfumery.

Aromatherapy works on the basis that volatile scented compounds from fragrant oils are capable of triggering the emotional centers of the brain collectively forming the limbic system. It does so by way of inciting the olfactory receptors such as the nose which in turn transmits the stimulus to the limbic system of the brain. When these oils are massaged over the skin in well regulated movements they inflame the thermal receptors placed in the dermis of the skin, and kill the microbes over the surface of the skin. Besides this aroma oils have significant role in provoking the immune system of the body. Many specific therapeutic uses are associated with essential oils extracted from various plant sources.

• Basil oil helps to enhance concentration and provides relief from migraines, headaches and depression.

• Black pepper oil helps to stimulate local circulation of blood and provides respite from pains and muscular aches.

• Essential oils of citronella, tea tree oil, eucalyptus contain insect repelling properties and can be used as disinfectants.

• Clove oil is used to relieve tooth pain.

• Yarrow oil lessens joint inflammation and is of much help in easing influenza and symptoms of cold.

• Lavender oil and lemon oil have relaxing and calming effect. It soothes the body from fatigue build up of the every day life. When massaged over the body it serves as an effective antiseptic and an anti-depressant.

• Rose, jasmine and sandal wood oil help to cure insomnia and have aphrodisiac properties.

Due to the many benefits of aromatherapy, essential oils find much use in cosmetics, toiletries, and perfumery and also as an integral part of many in medicated oils.