By Judith Fitzsimmons

Aromatherapy is simply the use of essential oils extracted from plants. While our sense of smell is the most enduring of our senses, with the power to transform our emotions and heal our bodies, we have learned that the powerful and positive impact of essential oils extends far beyond our noses. Essential oils contain natural chemicals, hormones, nutrients, oxygen-producing properties, negative ions, frequency levels and more which can provide relief and healing for a wide variety of ailments.

How It Works

Aromatherapy Is Everywhere
If you've ever used Vicks VapoRub™ for congestion, liniment for muscle strains, Halls Mentho-lyptus™ for a sore throat or Noxema™ to cleanse your skin, you've already been using aromatherapy and didn't even know it!

Despite its ancient roots, aromatherapy is being re-discovered in our modern world as we seek to return to a more natural, holistic lifestyle. Modern scientific research continues to verify not only the emotional but the physical benefits of aromatherapy, causing this field to gain new respect and attention.

About Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is the use of the chemical components of essential oils extracted from plants to treat physical, mental and emotional concerns. Most prescribed medications (which are synthetic) have their origin from plants. That's why it only makes sense that using the raw plant materials can be just as effective -- without the side effects of many prescription medications.

Essential oils are frequently referred to as the "bloodstream" of a plant and are typically extracted at the location where the plant is protected. For example, citrus essential oils, such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, are extracted from the peel, as it is the peel that protects the plant. It's a misconception that the oils always come from the flower of the plant. This is true for some essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, but essential oil can be extracted from many parts of the plant, including the berries or the bark.

Effectiveness of Essential Oils
Essential oils are typically either applied directly to the skin, or inhaled through the mucous membranes which allow the natural chemicals to be directly available to the bloodstream. Because the oils are not ingested, their potency is not reduced by the digestive enzymes, thus enabling the healing process to start right away. In skin care, essential oils can act as natural rejuvenating agents, which facilitate the elimination of waste matter and dead cells and promote the regeneration of new and healthy cells.

About The Author
A certified aroma therapist, Judith Fitzsimmons has been working in the aromatherapy field for more than 15 years. She has conducted educational programs about essential oils and aromatherapy at the local, regional, and national levels and is the co-author of the internationally-acclaimed book "Seasons of Aromatherapy" its paperback counterpart, "Aromatherapy Through the Seasons" as well as the recently published "Aromatherapy Answers."