Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine and treatment based on external use of essential oils that are extracted from plants and flowers to benefit human body along with mind and spirit. Aromatherapists maintain the essential oils and treat people to relax from stress, rejuvenates, balances and restores the mind and body with massage, warm water and pleasant smells.
There are various types of aromatherapy oils and different oils fulfill some requirements.
Essential Oils:
This is one of the most popular and frequently used aromatherapy oil which is being extracted from plants by steam distillation, water distillation and hydro diffusion. Different varieties of essential oils have their own use and benefits. Some oils have therapeutic effect, while some have a good scent. All essential oils are not used because some are harmful and unsafe. Some of the harmful and unsafe essential oils are mug wort, garlic, bitter almond, mustard onion, horseradish and wormwood oil.
Absolutes:
The concentrated form of aromatherapy oil are known as absolutes. They are extracted from plants by chemical expression which contain traces of solvent and makes them thick and highly concentrated. They are not natural as essential oils and may cause an allergic reaction in people.
CO2:
This type of aromatherapy oil is extracted by putting pressure on the carbon dioxide in a plant until it becomes a liquid. When the liquid is brought back to normal pressure the carbon dioxide converts into a gas form and evaporates by leaving the essential oil.
Hydrosols:
This oil is extracted from plants through steam or water distillation and usually in a liquid form. They generally have the aroma of plant extract and have most of the essential oil attributes. They are milder than essential oils and often used as skin toners or perfume mists.
Carrier Oils:
The essential oils are added to carrier oils and this combination can be used on skin without causing irritation. Carrier oils sometimes serve as base for aromatherapy treatment, face oils, massage oils or aromatherapy perfume oils. .
Infused Oils:
Infused Oils are obtained by heating herbs with carrier oils in a pot for 2 hours so that the smell and flavor of the herb remains.
Knowing different types of oils increases the convenience in gaining the effects of the fragrance for body and mind and make sure that you chose best type of oil according to your needs.