Aromatherapy
What exactly is Aromatherapy?
It is the art and science of using essentials oils - which are the aromatic extracts of plants and flowers - to positively influence mind, body and spirit.
The highly concentrated oil extracts from flowers, leaves, seeds, resins and roots of plants are considered the ‘life force’ of plants - the part with the power to heal and sooth the mind, body and spirit.
Believed to have its roots in Egypt, aromatherapy has been in use for more than 6000 years. And researchers have now scientifically verified what the ancient Egyptians and Greeks already knew - - that one of the fastest ways to influence mood is through our sense of smell.
Essential Oils - Worth every scent.
It takes a lot of extracting to produce a small amount of essential oil - - as many as sixty thousand petals to produce one ounce of rose oil, for example! Some essential oils involve complicated modes of extracting, with large volumes of plants producing small quantities of essential oil - like the rose - therefore they can be quite expensive.
Often more than one essential oil can be extracted from the same plant. From the bitter orange tree for example, we get “neroli” from the blossoms; “petitgrain” from the leaves; and “orange” from the peel of the orange fruit.
Essentials oils can be used to beautify the skin and body when used in your bath water, massage oil, soap and body lotion. Most are too concentrated to be applied directly to the skin, and should be mixed with another medium such as olive, grapeseed, jojoba or castor oil. Better yet…leave the delicate mixing and balancing work to the experts who have created the brands you’ll find here at eBubbles.
Essential oils work their magic through inhalation as well - in diffusers, in atomizer sprays or in scented candles. And believe it or not, you may sometimes be enjoying their healing benefits without even realizing it… for example, the aroma of fresh basil in a salad.
How do you want to feel today?
It’s up to you… with a little aromatherapy know-how! Here’s what you can expect from some of the most popular and effective essential oils:
BASIL -Calming, balancing, restorative
Use in times of stress, anxiety and tension.
Derived from the Latin word bascilisca meaning “royal”, basil’s essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the basil plant. In India, it is said to protect the spirit of the family in Hindu houses. And basil has been used in Chinese medicine for many centuries. A spicy scent that can be both relaxing and stimulating, it strengthens concentration and clears the mind. As an herbal medicine, basil can also be an aid to digestion…so throw some in your salad!
BERGAMOT - Calming, uplifting, refreshing
Great for anxiety and nervousness.
A citrus-like oil expressed from the peel of the bergamot fruit first cultivated in Bergamo, Italy, you might recognize this scent in Earl Grey tea! Bergamot oil has been praised since the 16th century for its ability to calm and lift the spirit, working as a powerful anti-depressant and nerve sedative. It also has excellent antiseptic qualities, making it wonderful for deodorizing and freshening your home.
CHAMOMILE - Relaxing, soothing, calming
Softens the skin and encourages a good night’s sleep.
One of the gentlest essential oils is steam-distilled from the freshly dried flowers of the Chamomile plant. The name is derived form the Greek word “Kami melon” which means “ground apple”, because the plant grows low on the ground and has an apple-like fragrance. It’s been used for over 2,000 years and is especially useful for times of irritability, sleeplessness and to help balance emotions. Great for dry and sensitive skin, it also works wonders in shampoo for highlighting and conditioning blonde hair. In tea, chamomile is an aid to digestion and sleep. And because it is mild, it’s good for overactive children, too!
CINNAMON - Stimulating, sensual and warm
Use when feeling chilled or stressed.
One of the most valuable spices during the spice trade - - the essential oil of cinnamon is steam-distilled from the leaves and young twigs of the cinnamon trees of East India, Ceylon, Jamaica, Brazil, the Seychelles and other tropical countries. It’s warming and stimulating effects are useful in restoring physiological systems… it soothes nausea, stimulates circulation and digestion. Cinnamon helps to lift the spirit and remove the discomfort of cold, damp weather. Great as a room scent and deodorizer… and of course, a welcome tradition during the holidays!
EUCALYPTUS - Stimulating, refreshing, cooling
Good for sore muscles, clearing your head, purifying the air.
Originally from Australia, the fresh essence of eucalyptus is steam-distilled from the twigs and leaves of the tree. A very versatile oil, it refreshes you in the summer, warms you in the winter. Its healing properties help relieve tired, stiff, and sore muscles and joints. Stimulating as an air freshener and very effective on clearing congestion….that’s why you’re so happy to find it in steam baths and saunas!
FRANKINCENSE - Relaxing, calming, restorative
For medicating anxiety and tension, and an excellent skincare ingredient for mature and dry skin.
The gum resin of the Frankincense tree is steam-distilled to produce this essential oil. It’s earthy aroma is familiar to many because of its use in religious ceremonies of the church…remember the three wise men brought some (and Myrrh) to baby Jesus in Bethlehem! It’s spiritual and physical uses were prized by the ancient Egyptians…and today we use it to calm and uplift our mental and physical states of being.
GERANIUM - Refreshing, calming, cleansing
For melancholy, mood balancing, beautifying.
This essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowers and leaves of the geranium shrub. It’s rose-like floral scent is feminine and fresh, and is often used in soaps and perfumes. It’s mild cleansing and beautifying properties are good for “tired” skin, and great for baths and massages to alleviate mood swings and irritability.
JASMINE - Sensual, euphoric, balancing
For optimism and inspiration.
It takes 8,000 hand picked delicate white flowers of the jasmine plant - - harvested at night when the fragrance is strongest - - to make a single gram of this potent essential oil. It has been revered as the “perfume of love” and the “king of oils” and is prized to sooth away tension and relax the mind. Promotes self confidence and washes away negative feelings when used in the bath or a massage oil. Excellent anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sensual stimulant.
LAVENDER -cleansing, relaxing, stimulating
Very healing, soothing and sedating.
Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender is cultivated primarily in France, Italy and England. The word Lavandula is derived from the Latin “lavare” which means “to wash” - - as it was widely used for bathing. One of the most popular and versatile of all essential oils, it is distilled from both the flowers and stalks of the lavender plant. A very effective essential oil, lavender oil was used during WWII as an antiseptic for swabbing wounds. Word about its incredible natural healing properties for the treatment of burns was instrumental in introducing the art of aromatherapy to Western cultures in the 1930’s. Lavender does it all; heals irritated skin; relaxes the body and lifts the spirits. Wonderful for cleansing the air around you, and dispeling bad moods. Sleep with some lavender around you….ahhhh. Sweet dreams….
LEMON - stimulating and cleansing
An excellent skin freshener and waker-upper.
Originally from Persia, the lemon tree has spread widely throughout the Mediterranean and the rest of the world. The essential oil of lemon comes directly from the peel of the fruit…and is a favorite waker-upper for everyone. It’s zingy aroma cleanses and cuts through the “heaviness” of any day. Cools and refreshes when used in the shower or bath, and energizes the body when used in massage. In the air, it’s pure heaven…take a deeeep breath!
LEMONGRASS - stimulating and warming
Good for a foot soak and as a natural insect repellent.
Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, this oil is distilled from chopped lemongrass. Its fresh scent is similar to lemon, but is more widely used in Asian cooking as an aid to digestion. Lemongrass is great for stimulating your environment and can keep bugs away when used in a lotion.
MARJORAM - gentle relaxor and sedative
Good for enhancing sleep and relieving aches and pains.
Majorana in Latin means “major” and the herb was thought to convey long life. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of the Marjoram plant. This herb scent is wonderful for deeper breathing and relaxing the body and mind.
MYRRH - regenerative and healing
Very effective in renewing skin tissue.
The name ‘myrrh’ is believed to be derived from the old Hebrew and Arabic word “mur” which means “bitter.” Resin secreted the bark of the Myrrh tree produces an oil rich in amber color with strong healing, antiseptic and rejuvenating properties. It was used extensively in the embalming process by the ancient Egyptians because of its effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth. Three wise men even had it wrapped as a gift…and delivered it with it’s close relative, Frankincense.
NEROLI- sedative, euphoric, sensual
A natural anti-depressant, creates calm and great for dry skin.
It takes one ton (2,000 pounds!) of white blossoms from the Seville orange tree to produce one pound of Neroli oil - making it one of the most precious oils available. It’s exquisite, intoxicating scent works wonders on the nervous system…and is a favored oil for bath and massage. Rejuvenating to dry, mature and irritated skin, the name is said to have orginated with the Italian Princess Neroli, who used it to scent her bath water and her gloves.
SWEET ORANGE - energizing, uplifting, cleansing
Revives dull skin and spirits.
Extracted from the peel of the sweet orange fruit, sweet orange oil is an all-time favorite with everyone. Like liquid sunshine, it can be used to cleanse your mind, body and soul - - onto your skin and into the air with the happy scent of orange. Children love it, too!
PATCHOULI - sensual, exotic, earthy
Very romantic, alluring and moisturizing.
From the Indonesian patchouli plant, this essential oil is steam-extracted from the dried leaves. Its exotic, strong, earthy aroma has been used for years to encourage romance and relaxation. Remember those love-ins of the ‘60’s? Patchouli was everywhere…and we’re loving it now. Helps with stress and sadness and reduces anxiety. A potent perfume - - to use on your body or in your home.
PEPPERMINT - cooling and refreshing
Relieves fatigue while relaxing and great for a foot bath.
Peppermint oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowers of the peppermint herb plant. It is very stimulates to the atmosphere of your home or office when used in a diffuser, and also can relax the body externally and internally. Have a nice cup of peppermint tea after a peppermint stress-relieving massage and you’ll be just right.
PETITGRAIN - relaxing, calming, cleansing
For softer, smoother skin.
Petitgrain - “small grain” - is distilled from the leaves, twigs and unripe fruit of the Seville orange tree. With a scent that’s sharp and herbaceous, it actually calms the air when used as a room fragrance. It’s scent is different , but it’s properties for beautifying the skin are similar to the “neroli” oil which comes from the same tree.
ROSE - Balancing, sensual and relaxing
Great for dry skin and calm inspiration.
Rose oil is mainly obtained from Bulgaria, France, Morocco and Turkey, and is considered the “Queen of essential oils”. The delicate sweet essence of rose encourages contentment. This essential oil is what you need when you’re feeling depressed, irritable or sad. Use it and you’ll feel soft as a rose petal. Let rose come in to your life and those angry or uncomfortable feelings will slip away. Lotions, bath oils, shampoos, hand creams, candles, sachets…a rose is a rose is a rose…take it anyway you can!
ROSEMARY - Renewing, stimulating, invigorating
Awaken your senses!
The essential oil of rosemary comes from the tops and leaves of the rosemary herb plant. The scent is strong and effusive…perfect for clearing up a cloudy mood. Used in a diffuser it’s a wonder in alleviating mental and physical fatigue. Great in shampoos for reviving lifeless hair…and in your morning shower, you’ll wake up the world! A bath and body favorite!!
SANDALWOOD - Sensual, calming and cooling
Great for meditation, massage, and general skin care.
From the heartwood of mature trees in southern India, sandalwood has been used for thousands of years-particularly as a sensual oil. Its sweet, woody aroma is said to quiet the mind and help one to focus on the present in meditation. It is said that massage with this oil greatly enhances feelings of physical pleasure. Also useful in softening dry and irritated skin.
SPEARMINT - Refreshing, energizing and cooling
Great for a foot soak and clearing the air.
Steam-distilled from the leaves of the spearmint plant, this essential oil has been a favorite with Americans since it’s introduction from Europe. It relieves and deodorizes tired, swollen feet. Also great when used as a refreshing air or body spritzer in the heat of summer. In bath and shower products, spearmint energizes and awakens the mind and body.
TEA TREE - Cleansing and healing
Great for irritated skin, breakouts, scalp and hair.
Tea tree oil is fast becoming a popular and useful oil in the United States, but for years has been the wonder-oil of Australia, where it comes from the leaves of the Australian Tea tree. This oil as been used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal people of Australia to treat cuts and wounds. In fact, the Australian government provided Australian soldiers withTea Tree oil as part of their survival kits during WWII because of its extraordinary healing properties. A gentle, but very powerful antiseptic oil, this essential oil cleans cuts and heals bruises., and helps relieve the pain of arthritis and muscular aches, sore throats, cold sores and respiratory complaints. Tea tree will also cleanse the air of molds and bacteria!
YLANG YLANG - Sensual, calming, uplifting
For massage, bath, and scenting linens.
This essential oil is steam-distilled from the freshly picked Ylang Ylang flowers. The name means “flower of flowers”. From Indonesia, the flowers are used to wish good luck and fertility to newlyweds. It was used as an ingredient of Macassar hair oil, which was used on the scalp to encourage hair growth in the 1800’s. With a very sweet, exotic scent, Ylang Ylang calms the spirit and enhances a sense of well being. It is said to relax the mind and body while heightening the senses. Great in skincare products or alone as a perfume.