INTRODUCTION TO AROMA

INTRODUCTION TO AROMA

Aromatic compounds are fragrant. They are used as scents in the manufacture of fragrances, perfumes, cosmetics, and other products.

Aromatherapy is not about fragrance. It is the biotechnology concerning the extraction and distillation of essential oils from plants, leaves and flowers in highly concentrated and pure form for use in therapies. These are organic compounds.

These organic compounds have tremendous potential in the food and pharmaceutical industry and in the manufacture of soaps, shampoos, hair tonics, cosmetics, etc., because:

1. They get into the nervous system and blood stream fairly rapidly and in some cases very rapidly. They can pass through the dermal layers quite easily.
2. Most of them are anti-oxidants with refreshing and invigorating aromas.
3. Some of them have antibiotic and anti-viral properties.
4. Some oils intervene in the hormonal system and act in hormone regulation.
5. Some act as appetite depressants or as mild and soothing sedatives.
6. Some are anti-depressants and produce relaxation.
7. Some have insect-repellant properties.
8. Some have anti-inflammatory properties or soothe irritations.
9. Some, like lavender is used as a remedy against bruises, insect bites, muscle aches and is very effective in killing lice.
10. Oils like, clove oil acts as a local anesthetic for tooth-ache. It is anti-microbial and a good germicide that can be used both externally and internally. It is already in use in European hospitals for mouth infections.