What are essential oils?
Essential oils are basically plant extracts. They are obtained by steam distillation, extraction, or pressing from various parts of plants (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruits). Essential oils have a particularly strong effect through their scent. The positive effects of essential oils on humans are undisputed among both natural scientists and naturopaths. Unlike fatty oils, essential oils evaporate without leaving any residue.
What is aromatherapy?
In short, aromatherapy is a form of holistic healing that uses essential oils and natural plant extracts to create emotional, mental, psychological, and physical balance, to relieve discomfort, or to enhance our well-being. Aromatherapy is a form of phytotherapy (herbal medicine) and belongs to complementary medical methods. The use of aromas in care has a long tradition; even the ancient high cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt used fragrances for therapeutic or ritual purposes.
How does aromatherapy work?
When inhaling essential oils, the scent is sent via receptors in the nose to the limbic system in our brain. The limbic system is the home of emotions and emotional behaviors such as calmness, intimacy, passion, or joy.
Depending on the oil, you will feel either more awake or more relaxed immediately. You might also feel excited or stimulated. Mood enhancers like serotonin and endorphins are released, and you feel negative emotions dissolve and tensions ease. Scents are powerful; they can evoke memories, trigger associations, or simply make you feel very comfortable!