19 Essential Oils for Beginners

Reader Contribution by Marlene Adelmann
article image

Is Aromatherapy Herbalism?

No and yes. No, because they’re different disciplines using botanical materials in different ways. Yes, because aromatherapy is used by many herbalists to complement an herbal treatment, or, in many cases, to complete it. Both disciplines use plants to support healing. Herbalists use a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a person’s dis-ease. In using both herbal preparations(infusions, decoctions, tinctures, etc.) and essential oils (water-insoluble components of the plant), an herbalist can create a broader holistic approach to address imbalance.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to support healing. Essential oils are volatile substances extracted from plants, typically by a distillation process. Their properties aren’t released in any significant amount in typical herbal preparations. Essential oils are comprised of numerous chemical constituents, with each chemical having a particular signature and mode of action. The majority of the constituents in essential oils are produced by the plants, either for their own protection, to attract pollinators, or to heal wounds. Their modes of action and therapeutic properties are also effective on humans, and we can use essential oils to affect our physical and emotional health.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368