Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from bark, flowers, fruits, gerbs, plants, seeds and trees, in perfumery and the treatment of different diseases. One can add essential oils to the bath or massage them into the skin, inhale directly or diffuse to scent a whole room. While using aromatherapy one can get relaxation and the relief of pain, care for the skin, lessen tension, anxiety and fatigue, cheer up the entire body. When essential oils are inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation. There are about 150 essential oils which have such properties as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidepressant, pain-relieving, expectorant, stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, diuretic, therapeutic, psychological and physiological properties. These ones improve, prevent illnesses and are used in perfumery. Essential oils can be inhaled, used in massage and absorbed through the skin. They penetrate the tissues, get into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body. Essential oils are absorbed from 20 minutes to 2 hours, it is better not to bathe and shower directly but to massage for a maximum effect.
 Aromatherapy is used in alternative medicine at home, clinics and hospitals for pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. In Japan, engineers incorporated aroma systems into new buildings. The scent of lavender and rosemary is used to calm down the waiting customers, while the perfumes from lemon and eucalyptus keep the staff alert.
The most effective essential oils are made from natural, pure raw materials. Natural essential oils are expensive. Synthetically made oils, available at a lesser price, do not have the healing effect of the natural oils. The price depends on the amount of the harvest, the country of origin, the type of extraction used, and how desirable the oil is. To produce only 4 or 5 teaspoonful of rose oil one should take excess of 220 pounds of rose petals. Pure essential oils are expensive and very effective – for the achievement of the desired effect one requires only a few drops at a time. For example, Indian Sandalwood is more desirable than Australian Sandalwood, based upon the aroma. Organic and wild harvested essential oils are also more expensive.
The main branches of aromatherapy are:
* Home aromatherapy (self treatment, perfume & cosmetic use)
* Clinical aromatherapy (as part of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy)
* Aromachology (the psychology of odors and their effects on the mind) Essential oils are often described by their "note". The three categories of classification are top note, middle note and base note, which depend on the rate at which they evaporate - or how long the scent will last.
Top Notes are the most stimulating and uplifting oils which are strongly scented with the duration of the perfume for approximately 3 - 24 hours. There are such top note oils as basil, bergamot, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, lemongrass, neroli, peppermint, sage and thyme.
Middle Notes have the duration of the perfume, which affect the metabolic and body functions, for about 2 - 3 days. The perfume is not so powerful as top note oils. There are such middle note oils as balm, chamomile, fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender and rosemary.
Base Notes evaporate with the slowest speed which lasts up to one week. Their scent is sweet, soothing and relaxing, it has a comforting effect on the body. There are such base note oils as cedarwood, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, rose and sandalwood.
For the creation of a balanced perfume one should combine all three notes.
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