THERAPEUTAE 

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. The oils can be diluted in a carrier oil and used to massage a client. Alternative uses include bath treatments, inhalation, vaporisation and compresses.

Essential oils are complex chemical compounds obtained from aromatic plants, there are four different parts of the plants that can be used, flowers, leaves, bark and roots.

Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, away sunlight and strong smells. In a cool but not cold temperature with the caps on firmly and way from children.

If properly stored essential oils can be kept for up to two years, although citrus oils have a shorter shelf life of up to one year. Some base oils improve with age.

Toxicity is dose dependent and means poisoning. It varies with the size of an individual. Babies and children would need a lot less exposure to an oil for it to be toxic to them.

Sensitisation is an allergic reaction to an oil and only a small amount could trigger a reaction – it is not dose dependant.

Photosensitisation happens when a substance contacts and binds to the skin, or form systematic absorption followed by reaction of the skin cells. If the skin is then exposed to UV light, such as sunbeds or sunlight, an adverse reaction can occur. This could range from colour change through to deep weeping burns.

If neat essential oils are accidentally splashed in the eyes, the eyes should be rinsed immediately with full fat milk or carrier oild and then rinsed with water after which medical advice should be sought. If neat essential oil is swallowed, the mouth should be rinsed with full fat milk or other fat based substances followed by rinsing with water after which medical advice should be sought.

The reason for the full fat milk and the other fat substances being used is that the oils will bind to the fat thus aiding removal and contact from the eye or mouth. The oils are not soluble in water.