The scent of health

Henriette Lamprecht – It’s as simple as using essential oils in various ways to improve a specific condition or general wellbeing. The sacred ceremonial art of aromatherapy emphasises scents as the main catalyst.

Certain scents have positive connotations and others negative. The journey with scents and smells is different for everyone.

Aromatherapy focuses on the scents of different plant families. Just like humans belong to families with specific character traits, plants belonging to the same family have similar properties. For example, the herbs and spices used to enhance food all have properties which aid digestion. Its essential oils will therefore be used to treat digestive issues.

Similarly, some plant families have analgesic (pain relieving) properties, while others are uplifting.

The most commonly used application of aromatherapy is massage. The skin is the body’s largest organ and the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Another application of aromatherapy oils is compresses, for example on a sprain.

One will always use only a few drops of essential oil blended with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are vegetable oils, like grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil or marula oil. For treatment to be effective, carrier oils should be top quality.

Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants. The most common method is through steam distillation (for example rose petals, lavender or rosemary). During distillation, only very small molecules can evaporate, and the essential oil consists of these molecules. Other methods include extraction, which is mostly used for citrus oils.

Crushing an orange peel is a simple example of the extraction method. A general rule for buying essential oils is considering the price: If all oils from a specific brand cost more or less the same, the quality is questionable. Tons of rose petals are needed to make a very small quantity of essential rose oil, but an orange peel produces a lot more oil, which makes it cheaper.

Aromatherapy is no magic bullet. If you want quick results without addressing underlying issues, taking a tablet would do, but would mean symptoms are not treated holistically.

The body responds quickly, so one may feel wonderful after a massage or a compress has been applied, but regular treatment and adapting one’s lifestyle would be the deciding factor.

Because of the gentle nature of aromatherapy, the idea is that if the body relaxes it can heal itself with the help of the oils. For more serious conditions the body needs medical help.

Aromatherapy is safe to use under controlled circumstances for basically any condition. However, it is always better to ask a qualified aromatherapist.

One of the most important aspects to consider is whether it will be a pleasant experience for the individual or animal. Cats in general don’t respond as well as dogs to aromatherapy. As far as babies, the sick and the elderly are concerned, mostly gentle oils are recommended, like lavender, orange and chamomile. These oils, if they are from a reputable supplier, can be used on anybody.

A starter kit will include lavender, orange and chamomile. Lavender is usually the go-to oil as it soothes itches and burns, assists with headaches and helps relieve general aches and pains. Citrus oils are known as “happy oils”, is uplifting and don’t have many side effects.

The general rule is to never apply essential oils directly onto the skin, but to first dilute it in a carrier oil. In severe cases, after verifying the quality of the oil, your skin’s allergic response and confirming with a qualified aromatherapist, one or two drops of the essential oil can be applied to the affected area. Never use undiluted oils on babies, the sick, the elderly or animals.