Aromatherapy basics: fundamentals & quality
How do scents work, how do you spot real quality, and what is behind the terms? Here are the honest fundamentals.
Spot qualityHow aromatherapy works
Scents act through the sense of smell directly on brain regions linked to emotions and memories. That explains why certain scents calm or invigorate. Essential oils are mostly obtained by steam distillation from flowers, leaves, peels or resins.
Aromatherapy is a complementary method for well-being. It does not replace medical treatment, and serious providers promise no miracles.
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Spot quality, said honestly
Quality decides at purchase, and this is exactly where a lot of cheating happens. What you can look for:
- Pure rather than synthetic: cheap „fragrance oils“ or products labelled „nature-identical“ are often synthetic and not comparable to real essential oil.
- Botanical name: a good label states the exact plant (e.g. Lavandula angustifolia), origin and extraction method.
- Realistic price: real rose or melissa oil is expensive. If it is dirt cheap, scepticism is warranted.
- Dark glass: essential oils belong in dark bottles, stored cool and dark.
The most important safety rules
- Never neat on the skin, always dilute in a carrier oil.
- Do not ingest without expert guidance.
- With pregnancy, infants and small children only after advice.
- Citrus oils can be phototoxic, so avoid the sun afterwards.
- Pets, especially cats, are sensitive, and many oils are toxic to them.
We give you the facts, the decision stays with you.
More aromatherapy
Single oils, by use, blends and accessories , all in the overview.