The Subtle Art of Aromatherapy

We’ve all heard of the magical benefits of Aromatherapy. But what exactly is aromatherapy, how did it come about, and how does it work?

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils are distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of plants, and technically aren’t oils as they lack fatty acids. They are, however, highly concentrated plant components. Possessing a complex nature that is difficult to reproduce, some oils contain substances that don’t occur anywhere else naturally. But what’s the difference between an ‘aromatherapy oil’ and an ‘essential oil’? Aromatherapy oils are essential oils blended with true oils, like almond or grapeseed, since 100% essential oil is often too concentrated to use directly. Aromatherapy oils are formulated to work in harmony with the body and affect a person’s well-being. Moreover, aromatherapy is a holistic practice that utilises other natural ingredients such as vegetable oils like jojoba, herbs, and minerals.

History

Aromatherapy practices have been around for centuries, but little is known about its history and origin. Egyptians are credited with developing one of the first distillation machines to extract oils, but for the use of embalming. The practice of using infused aromatic oils as a mood enhancer is thought to have roots in China. The Greeks also played a role in the history, with Hippocrates supposedly practicing a form of aromatherapy for healing. The term “aromatherapy” was coined in the 1930s, when French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, accidentally discovered the healing power of lavender oil. After Gattefosse’s “discovery”, French surgeon Jean Valnet used essential and aromatherapy oils to help heal soldiers’ wounds in World War II. But it was Madame Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist, who introduced aromatherapy into the world of cosmetics and massage.

Benefits

The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. Some of these include:

• Relaxation and stress relief
• Insomnia reduction
• Balance and well being
• Support of immune, respiratory and circulatory health
• Alleviation of cold and flu symptoms
• Soothing sore muscles
• Healing skin conditions
• Balancing hormones
• Improving digestion
• Cellulite and wrinkle reduction

Aromatherapy oils as treatments

Aromatherapy can treat a variety of conditions, help manage symptoms and act as a complementary therapy to modern medicine. Essential oils can be used to treat:

• mood disorders
• bronchitis and respiratory conditions
• autoimmune diseases
• digestive disorders
• aches and pains including arthritis
• skin conditions

Aromatherapy oils as skin care

One of the most effective ways of taking essential oils into the body is by absorption through the skin. Unlike many ingredients in cosmetic creams, essential oils penetrate all the way through the layers of your skin. They don’t just ‘sit’ on top. Not only do they penetrate the skin, but essential oils applied topically enter deep into the body fairly quickly. As the essential oil travels through the body systems, tissues and organs benefit from its healing action. Additionally, skin care products made with essential oils boost the sensorial experience of a product. When the right smell is absorbed, it alters your mood and further helps to heal any skin issues you might have. Probioskin.com products contain pure aromatherapy essential oils blended with active botanicals and native Australian extracts. The concentrated formulas are not just skin care products; they are skin food.
Each essential oil comes with its own therapeutic benefits. For example, lavender assists with relaxation, while peppermint is a natural energy booster.

Mayella 5-Step Skincare Regime

Nowadays, you can enjoy ready-made aromatherapy products and blends, taking the guesswork out of aromatherapy. Utilising pure essential oils in blends that apply the holistic ethos of aromatherapy, Probioskin.com’s Mayella range is perfect to address your aromatherapy skincare needs.

Cleansing

The Mayella Cleansing Lotion utilises pure sandalwood for its anti-inflammatory properties. As a mild astringent, sandalwood is great for acne or irritations. In addition, the Cleansing Lotion incorporates pure rosewood for calming, balancing and grounding. Pure ginger is then merged in to dry and expel dampness and congestion in the tissues. Furthermore, pure jasmine is blended in for its uplifting, hydrating, and antiseptic properties. Jasmine also has a soothing effect on sensitive or irritated skin.

Exfoliating

Probioskin.com’s AHA Exfoliating Whip also incorporates pure jasmine, this time it is used for cellular hydration, balancing and energising as well. Pure bergamot is then integrated for its antiseptic and antiviral action, and to clear congestion while calming inflammation.

Vitamimise

Mayella Vitamin A Night Serum also uses pure jasmine for cellular hydration and its uplifting, balancing and energising results. In addition, pure lavender provides healing power, with a natural antibiotic effect, anti-inflammatory and calming influence. Pure bergamot then comes to the rescue once again, to clear congestion and calm inflammation.

Nourish

Probioskin.com’s patented Olivane Repair Serum utilises pure bergamot again, along with pure Mandarin for calming and soothing result, while decongesting. Mandarin also balances oily and acne prone skin. Pure essential oil of neroli provides a clarifying, naturally antiseptic and calmative quality too. Self-regulating for moisture and oil balance of epidermis, neroli assists in the maintenance of a healthy acid mantle and protection from oxidative stresses.

Protect

The Mayella Multivitamin Enriched Whip is packed with concentrated botanical extracts and healthy pure plant oils. Rich in essential fatty acids, they deeply nourish and nurture skin cells. This whip has a multitude of pure oils blended in to give you healthy, supple and beautiful skin.