Essential Oils are scented oils extracted from plants. Historically, they’ve been used in medicine, cosmetics, perfumes, food and more recently, aromatherapy. Essential Oils are ‘essential’ because they contain the ‘essence’ of the plant. The particles in essential oils come from distilling or extracting the different parts of the plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels. In fact, just one drop of essential oil can have powerful health benefits.
Not only are essential oils popular, they have legitimate thera- peutic use. Although the exact benefit depends on the oil in question, some have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ef- fects. Others can affect cognitive function, mood and memory. Some can even help alleviate stiff, sore muscles and joints, headaches and feelings of nausea.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve quality of life and when used properly, they offer many benefits and have few, if any, side effects. Diffusion through the air using an oil burner or ultrasonic diffuser is an effective way to scent the home or workplace.
Essential Oils are fat soluble, which means they are immedi- ately absorbed by the skin. A popular way to enjoy your essen- tial oils is to simply apply them to your skin for absorption – though never directly on the skin, but always mixed and di- luted with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut oil.
Essential Oils may also be used to create an aromatherapy bath by dispersing 3 – 6 drops of oil directly into the bath water.
Here at Whittlesea Physiotherapy we stock an extensive range of Buckley & Phillips Pure Essential Oils and Pure Essential Oil Blends, as well as beautifully stylish Kuri Diffusers. Our range of oils are of the finest quality made from select plants to bal- ance, harmonise and promote health of body and mind.