About Aromatherapy
“Aromatherapy? A therapy or cure using aromas, aromatics, scents? Yes! They can all be therapeutic if used, dosed and administered correctly and at the right time....Fragrances, and thus essential oils, play an important role in our lives.”
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to calm, balance and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
Essential oils result from extraction from the plant’s leaves, flowers, seeds, resins, fruits, rinds, bark and roots through steam distillation or expression. It is the chemical constituents that make up the essential oil and provide its therapeutic properties. There are very few clinical studies on essential oils. By definition, we know what their chemical constituents can do, but we do not clinically understand how they work in the essential oil.
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical care. FrogWorks employs a collaborative approach, working together with your medical practitioner. We prefer to work with the diagnosis and treatment plan that your doctor or veterinarian has prescribed.
Things my peers and I have noticed essential oils can help with, in varying degrees:
Skin problems
Arthritis/joint pain
Hormonal imbalance
Stomach ailments
Respiratory problems
Post-Operative issues
Muscular aches
Low energy
Mood disturbance
A few historical fun facts: Recipes working with aromatic plants were found in Egyptian Tombs. Aromatic plants were used in Persia, Greece, Rome, China, India and throughout Europe. Synthetics were being produced in the 1600s and began to replace herbals; in the 19th century, the medical community embraces synthetics. In the 20th century, the re-awakening to the benefits of herbal medicines and essential oils, especially in France and England. The term Aromatherapy was coined during the 20th century by French cosmetic chemist Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé.
Essential Oils: A natural substance derived from the leaves, flowers, seeds, resins, fruits, rinds, bark and roots. Possibly 75 to 100 times more concentrated than dried herbs.
I have read that all essential oils, to varying degrees, exhibit the following characteristics:
Antiseptic (prevents or combats infection locally)
Bactericide (kills bacteria)
Bacteriostatic (inhibits the growth of bacteria)
Cytophylactic (promotes cell rejuvenation)
Lipophilic (ability to absorb into the skin and internal organs - depending on the size of the molecule)
Adaptogens (flexible in response to specific needs)
How many pounds of plant parts does it take to make one pound of essential oil?
The estimates are:
50 pounds of Eucalyptus leaves and twigs
250 pounds of Lavender fresh flowering tops
500 pounds of Rosemary fresh flowering tops
8,000-10,000 pounds of Rose fresh petals.
Adulteration of essential oils has been around for centuries. With the growing demand for essential oils and the development of new technologies, contamination is becoming more sophisticated and prevalent.
Please educate yourself about essential oils and be safe when working with them on you and your animals.
“Besides their antiseptic and bactericidal properties widely used today, essential oils possess anti-toxic and antiviral properties, a powerful vitalizing action, and an undeniable healing power...”
FrogWorks' coursebook, "Working With Plants and Essential Oils for You and Your Animals," gives you the knowledge and guidance to make the right decisions when working with plants and essential oils.
