Aromatherapy is derived from the word aroma, which means fragrance or smell and therapy which means treatment. This therapy is a natural method of healing a person's mind, body and soul. It can be described as a comprehensive treatment system that aims to improve one’s health and general well-being. The aromas we breathe have a significant impact on our body, emotions and mind. Aromatic oils strengthen the immune system. They cleanse and open the energy channels, stimulating the circulation of energy in the nervous system.

Ancient Egyptians were the first in the world to invent the extraction of flower essences and were credited as some of the first perfumers in history. They were the first civilization to incorporate perfume into their culture. The roots of Aromatherapy lie in ancient civilizations, particularly Egypt. The goal of Aromatherapy is to provide holistic therapy in such a wholesome manner that the body cannot be separated from the mind, soul or spirit. Ancient Egyptians were masters at it, they believed that beauty, magic, and medicine were inseparable.

However, the practice of using infused aromatic oils as a mood enhancer is thought to have come from China. The actual term “Aromatherapy” was first coined in 1937 by a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, after a burn incident spurred his curiosity about the healing power of essential oils.

Essential oils (also known as volatile oils) appear widely in the plant kingdom – from flowers, herbs, leaves and fruits to stems and other parts of a plant. Generally, the more oil glands present in the plant, higher the yield of the essential oil. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of these oils for the improvement of one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Essential oils are concentrated plant oils, and must be blended in carrier oils before direct skin application.

• Essential oils should never be applied without mixing it with a carrier oil.
  
• Essential oils should never be consumed internally.
  
• Essential oils should never be applied in and around the eyes.
  
• Essential oils should not be used in pregnancy, children below 12 years and in epilepsy, without proper supervision.

Carrier oil, also known as base or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Diluting essential oils is of critical safety and must be practiced when using essential oils.

Aromatherapy is generally used through inhalation or for topical application.

Inhalation: The oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, oil droplets or breathed in e.g. steam bath. Apart from providing a pleasant smell, aromatherapy oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant and psychological benefits. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory organs i.e. the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. Molecules that enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body. As the molecules reach the brain, they affect the limbic system, which is linked to our emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory and hormonal balance. In this way, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.

Topical applications: Topical applications: Massage oils and bath and skin care products are absorbed through the skin. Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied, can boost circulation and increase absorption. Some suggest that areas that are richer in sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head or the palms of the hand, may absorb the oils more effectively.

Essential oils are best kept in dark glass bottles with screw tops. They should be kept in cool, dry spaces, preferably out of the direct sunlight. More exposure to the atmosphere would mean more evaporation of the essential oil, hence reducing its potency.

Essential oils should not be confused with perfumes or other fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural to the plant, whereas fragrance oils are chemically produced to mimic certain aromatic scents for perfumes, colognes, candles, etc. Essential oils primary purpose is not to provide a pleasant smell but to have a therapeutic effect.

There is an oil for nearly any ailment! Whether you’re seeking peace and calmness, energy to be more alert, improved immunity, sinus decongestion, improved sleep or improved mood and focus, there is an oil blend for you.

Please do not use these blends for children below 12 years of age. The percentage of dilution of these essential oils are far higher for children as compared to adults. For adults we use a maximum of 30 drops whereas for children:-

• 12yrs to 16yrs — 10–15 drops.
  
• 07yrs to 12yrs — 05–08 drops.
  
• 03yrs to 07yrs — 02–03 drops.
  
• 01yrs to 03yrs — 01–02 drops.

In general, we would advise customers to not use our blends for pregnant or nursing women. Most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, however, there are a few that we do not recommend during pregnancy including the ones that have hormonal effects or can stimulate smooth muscle contractions. Please consult with your physician before using any essential oils.

An 'aromatherapy oil' is usually a 2% dilution of an essential oil in 98% carrier oil. On the other hand, essential oils are undiluted products that have been extracted from flowers, herbs, leaves, grass, roots, wood, barks, spices, fruits or gum.

We do not recommend using aromatherapy blends for animals. Caution should always be taken when using oils around pets, and should never be applied on animals.

No, because they interfere with the working of one another. Need to have a minimum gap of at least 4 hours.