Aromatherapy Foundations

In Lesson 01, Topic A (Defining Aromatherapy), we discussed the use of aromatherapy to promote psychological wellness. We know that volatile plant oils produce psychological effects. Psychological effects are changes in people’s minds, emotions, and behaviors in response to the natural chemicals found in volatile plant oils. We’ve learned that when people inhale volatile plant […]

In Lesson 01, Topic A (Defining Aromatherapy), we discussed the use of aromatherapy to promote physiological wellness. We know that volatile plant oils produce physiological effects in humans. Physiological effects are changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function due to exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Topic Terminology Absorption (Skin): A route by which substances enter the body through the skin. Adipose Tissue: A connective tissue consisting mainly of fat cells (adipocytes). Carrier Products (Aromatherapy): Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels are used to dilute volatile plant oils and “carry” them to the body. Endothelium: A tissue that

Topic Terminology Adrenaline (Epinephrine): a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion. Amygdala: An almond-shaped set of neurons located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system and associated with

Test your knowledge of this lesson by practicing with the activities below.  Activity 1: Sources of Information Activity 2: Plant Profile – Botany From what part of the plant do we obtain the volatile oils from these plants? Drag the word to the relevant plant. Click the “Check” button after you’ve filled all boxes to

Topic Terminology Adverse Effects: An undesired harmful effect resulting from exposure to chemicals in natural essential oils or synthetic products. Dermal Sensitivity: An allergic reaction to an essential oil or component of one or more essential oils in a formulation.  Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sunlight leading to a higher chance of sunburn with sun exposure. 

Topic Terminology Adverse Effects: An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from exposure to chemicals in natural essential oils or synthetic products.  Amygdala: An almond-shaped set of neurons located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system and associated with fear responses and pleasure. Analgesic: An agent that reduces

Topic Terminology Base Notes: Volatile plant oils with heavy-weight molecules that evaporate slowly.  Chemical Features: The primary chemical constituents common in the volatile plant oil from a defined species through a particular extraction method.  Fixed Oil: A fixed oil is a nonvolatile oil of animal or plant origin.  Middle Notes: Volatile plant oils with medium-weight

Topic Terminology Botanical Family: Family is a taxonomic rank below an order and above a genus, indicating plants with an established relationship. Botanical Name: A plant’s formal scientific name (also Latin name and binominal). Botany: The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance. Country of Origin: The