Family Encyclopedia >> Health

Laromatherapy:definition, benefits and precautions

Laromatherapy:definition, benefits and precautions

Herbal medicine has always existed. Ancient civilizations already practiced it through extraction and distillation. The first traces of aromatherapy were discovered around 1910 by the chemist René-Maurice Gattefoss. This scientist had used lavender oil to dress his burns.

In those days, a significant gap had already been noted between the power of this natural ointment and that of chemical drugs. Gattefoss then decided to devote himself entirely to this new branch of medicine to lead to aromatherapy as we know it today.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that consists of healing with plants and more particularly with essential oils. Essential oil is an extract taken from a plant through an elaborate process. The uses vary according to the problem to be treated and the type of essential oil. Some are diffused to be inhaled, others applied in massage. You can also add a few drops to your bath water, tea or herbal tea.

Precautions to take

Given their extraction and processing process, oils can be quite expensive. The essential oils market has been invaded by counterfeits and it is therefore vital to distinguish the real from the fake, as this could make the patient's condition worse. Some tests have shown the presence of synthetic products in certain oils, hence the interest in buying them 100% organic. On the side of the distributor or the buyer, it is important to store the essential oil well so as not to alter its quality:like any medicine, it must be kept in a cool place away from light, with the lid tightly closed. .

Buying oil on the internet presents certain risks. The storage conditions of the oil will not be guaranteed. Nevertheless, authorized and reliable distributors are available online. It is therefore possible to contact these trusted brands to obtain the oils you need, but pharmacies and organic stores near you will also be able to sell you the essential oils you want.

Like any therapeutic product, most leaflets advise pregnant women and young children not to use it or otherwise in very moderate doses. The same is true for cases of respiratory or skin allergies. In any case, it is always best to refer to a specialist.

Essential oils:benefits and virtues

Laromatherapy:definition, benefits and precautions

It is not necessary to seek the advice of the medical profession, especially when essential oils are incorporated into cosmetic products such as shampoos, balms and masks, for example, for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. Many people also use essential oils to relax and relieve stress on a daily basis. These substances are also known to treat various ailments such as insomnia or muscle tension.

Some doctors prescribe essential oils for their healing and anti-inflammatory benefits. They are perfect antioxidants that strengthen the natural defenses of the body, and in particular of the skin. Essential oils thus have a thousand and one unsuspected virtues, but the use of which must be done in a controlled and informed setting:seeking advice from your pharmacist or a practitioner specializing in aromatherapy is really recommended.