Tag: Science

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Aromatherapy and Science: A Perfect Blend

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, has been around for centuries. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the science behind this ancient practice. At Aromatherapy Clinic, we create effective natural remedies and skincare products that combine the wisdom of aromatherapy with modern science.

How Does It Work?

The science of aromatherapy is complex and fascinating. Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds that interact with our bodies in several ways:

  • Olfactory System: When we inhale essential oils, the scent molecules travel through the nasal passages to the olfactory bulb in the brain. This area is closely connected to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory.
  • Skin Absorption: Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and other receptors.
  • Physiological Effects: Once in the body, essential oils can influence various physiological processes, such as immune system regulation, heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

Our Scientific Approach

Aromatherapy Clinic, we take a scientific approach to aromatherapy by:

Selecting high-quality essential oils: We source our oils from reputable suppliers and conduct rigorous quality control tests.

Conducting research: We stay up-to-date on the latest scientific research on aromatherapy and incorporate findings into our treatments.

The Benefits of Combining Science and Aromatherapy

By combining science and aromatherapy, we can offer the following benefits:

Enhanced efficacy: Scientific research helps us to identify the most effective essential oils for specific conditions.

Increased safety: We can minimize the risk of adverse reactions by understanding the chemical composition of essential oils.

At Aromatherapy Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality aromatherapy products. By combining the ancient wisdom of aromatherapy with modern science we are able to help you achieve optimal well-being.

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6 Tips For Better Quality Sleep

How To Sleep Better

Have you heard of sleep hygiene? It’s basically a healthy routine that you perform before bed to ensure you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. A good night’s sleep is achievable with just a few simple tweaks to your nightly routine.

The Power of Routine:

Our bodies crave consistency. Set a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, even on weekends. This regulates your internal clock, making it easier to drift off and wake up feeling refreshed.

Craft a Sleep Sanctuary:

Your bedroom should be a haven for slumber. Invest in blackout curtains or an eye mask to block light, which disrupts melatonin production. Keep the temperature cool and ensure the room is quiet and clutter-free.

Ditch the Tech:

The blue light emitted from electronic devices suppresses melatonin and tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime. Power down phones, laptops, and TVs at least an hour before bed. Instead, opt for a relaxing bath, gentle stretches, or reading a book.

Befriend Exercise, but Not at Bedtime:

Regular physical activity promotes better sleep, but avoid strenuous workouts close to bedtime as they can be energizing. Aim for moderate exercise earlier in the day for optimal sleep benefits.

Fuel Your Sleep:

What you eat and drink affects your sleep quality. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. Opt for calming foods like chamomile tea, bananas, or almonds, and keep hydrated throughout the day.

The Magic of Aromatherapy:

Snorers often prevent themselves from having quality sleep because they wake themselves up during the night. Aromatherapy Clinic created the Anti Snoring Blend to reduce or eliminate snoring and provide you with the best quality sleep.

For insomnia and restlessness, Aromatherapy Clinic’s Relaxing Blend is the perfect natural remedy. Diffuse these pure essential oil blends in an oil burner or electric diffuser, apply directly to a small area of skin behind your ears or drip a few drops into your bath or shower before bed and you’ll notice the difference after a few consecutive nights of use.

By implementing these tips and prioritizing sleep hygiene, you can kiss those sleepless nights goodbye and wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to conquer your day. Sweet dreams!

Note: If sleep problems persist, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

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The Difference Between Fragrance and Essential Oils

Comparing fragrance oils with essential oils

Fragrance oils and essential oils serve different functions and have distinct characteristics. In the table below we explore the differences between the two types of scented oils.

Fragrance OilsEssential Oils
PurposeTo provide aroma and scentTo promote health and well-being
PropertiesTypically used for their pleasant fragrance and aroma. Often used in perfumes, candles, and home fragrances.Used for their therapeutic properties, such as relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction, and more.
Extraction ProcessObtained through various methods, including steam distillation, cold-press extraction, and solvent extraction.Extracted using methods that preserve the therapeutic compounds, such as steam distillation or cold-press extraction.
Chemical CompositionCan be a combination of natural compounds and synthetic fragrance chemicals. May not always have consistent therapeutic benefits.Composed primarily of natural compounds and chemicals found in plants, with specific therapeutic properties.
Safety and DilutionGenerally safe for external use but may need dilution before applying to the skin. Some may cause skin sensitization or irritation.Must be used with caution, properly diluted, or under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. Can be potent and may have contraindications.
Therapeutic BenefitsLimited therapeutic benefits, mainly related to mood and emotions (e.g., relaxation, uplifting).Designed and used specifically for their therapeutic properties, such as pain relief, immune support, stress reduction, and more.
ExamplesLavender, rose, vanilla, jasmine.Lavender (for relaxation), tea tree (for skin issues), eucalyptus (for respiratory relief), peppermint (for headaches).
ApplicationOften used in cosmetic and fragrance products like perfumes, soaps, and candles.Applied in aromatherapy, massage therapy, diffusers, topical applications, and more, for specific health and wellness purposes.
RegulationRegulated primarily as fragrance ingredients and may not have strict quality standards for therapeutic use.Subject to regulations that ensure the purity, quality, and labeling accuracy for therapeutic purposes, depending on the region.
PricePrices can vary widely based on the source and quality but may be more affordable than therapeutic oils.Typically higher in price due to their purity and specific therapeutic benefits.

When to choose fragrance oils over essential oils

Fragrance oils are primarily used for their pleasant scent and are found in cosmetic and fragrance products, while therapeutic oils are specifically chosen and used for their health and well-being benefits under proper guidance. The choice between them depends on the intended purpose and desired outcomes.

At Aromatherapy Clinic we use only the highest quality, pure and natural essential oils and skincare ingredients. Our suppliers have tested and guarantee the efficiency of each ingredient.

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How Are Essential Oils Made?

What Are Essential Oils Made Of?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the essence of a plant’s aroma and therapeutic properties. These complex mixtures of chemical compounds are extracted from various parts of the plant, including:

Roots: Ginger, vetiver, valerian

Seeds: Fennel, cumin, coriander

Fruit: Orange, lemon, grapefruit

Stems: Geranium, rose, peppermint

Petals: Rose, jasmine, lavender

Bark: Cinnamon, clove

Leaves: Eucalyptus, rosemary, mint

Essential Oil Extraction Methods

There are various methods to extract essential oils from plants. The method of extraction depends on the type of plant material and desired chemical compounds to be extracted. Some extraction methods used today include steam distillation, solvent extraction and cold pressed extraction.

The active ingredients and the properties of an essential oil are related to the extraction process.

Here are some common essential oil extraction techniques:

Steam Distillation:

  • Most common method to extract essential oils
  • Plant material is exposed to steam, which carries the volatile oils
  • The resulting mixture is cooled, and the oil separates from the water

Solvent Extraction:

  • Used for delicate flowers like jasmine and rose
  • Plant material is soaked in a solvent like hexane to extract the oils
  • The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the essential oil

Cold Pressing:

  • The plant material is crushed to extract the essential oils
  • No heat is used in this method

    Plant Extract vs Essential Oil

    While both essential oils and plant extracts are derived from plants, they differ in their concentration and method of processing:

    Plant Extracts: Diluted forms of essential oils mixed with a carrier oil or solvent. They are generally milder and safer for topical use.

    Essential Oils: Highly concentrated, undiluted extracts of plant compounds. They are potent and should be used with care.

    Quality Matters When Choosing Essential oils

    Not all essential oils are created equal. It’s important to choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources. Look for oils that are labeled as 100% pure and have undergone rigorous testing for quality and authenticity. Aromatherapy Clinic sources only the highest quality essential oils from reputable suppliers. We have an extensive list of individual oils available on our website. If you require a specific essential oil that is not on the list, please contact us to request your required oil.

    Featured photo by MART PRODUCTION

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    The History of Essential Oils

    Where did aromatherapy begin?

    Throughout history there has been evidence of humans trading and using essential oils, not only for their aroma but also for their health benefits and healing properties. The knowledge of distillation techniques to extract essential oils from plants has been passed from ancient Egypt, the Middle East and ancient Greece, through to the middle ages. These civilisations used essential oils in religious ceremonies, for cosmetic purposes and to protect against illnesses such as the black plague.

    What modern science tells us today

    All around the world scientific studies have investigated the purported properties of different essential oils. With the increase in antimicrobial resistance, researchers have been looking for solutions to treat diseases that are becoming resistant to antibiotics, antifungals and also pesticides. There are many scientific studies testing how effective essential oils are against viruses, bacteria and fungi and other studies that aim to test the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils.

    Tips to incorporate Aromatherapy into your life

    Aromatherapy can be incorporated into your daily life in many simple ways.

    You can diffuse essential oils in a diffuser or oil burner which will fill a room with the aroma of the oils.

    Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to your shower or bath to boost your mood in the morning or help you wind down after a long day.

    Open a bottle of essential oil and inhale the aroma directly from the bottle.

    Our in-house aromatherapist, John, has designed all of our therapeutic blends so that they are ready for application. Some essential oils are more gentle and can be applied directly to the skin but most essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba, olive or coconut oil before application. It is important to test the oil first on a small patch of skin. If you have sensitive skin or a reaction to an essential oil, dilute further in the carrier oil or discontinue use on the skin.

    For aromatherapy massage on a large area of skin, ensure the essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil before application.

    Please feel free to contact us if you have any aromatherapy questions or enquiries regarding or our all natural range of therapeutic products.

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    Don’t Kill, Repel

    Spray bottle of natural mosquito repellent by Aromatherapy Clinic

    Have you been searching for a natural and effective way to prevent biting insects from landing on you?

    Essential oils are the found inside the cells of plants and are used by the plant for protection against pests and also to attract pollinators. You can consider essential oils to be part of the immune system of plants.

    Aromatherapy Clinic has designed our Mosquito Repellent to prevent most blood-sucking insects from landing on you. We aim to deter the pests rather than disrupt the natural ecosystem.

    Our Aromatharapy Clinic Mosquito Repellent has a subtle woody and earthy scent which quickly disperses, leaving you with an invisible shield of protection against biting insects.

    The natural essential oils in our Mosquito Repellent protects against mosquitoes, sand flies and other biting insects. We have tested it during the Australian Summer and found that it does prevent blood-sucking insects from biting by stopping them from landing on you altogether.

    To use: Shake the bottle well to disperse the essential oils then spray our Mosquito Repellent into the air above your head, creating a mist that lands on your exposed skin and clothing. This creates a shield, stopping the insects from landing onto you or your clothes.

    Harmful toxic pesticides can not only affect our human health, but they can also kill pollinating insects that are crucial for the health of the plants in our environment. It’s important to be aware of the environmental impact of the products we use as they can have long-term negative effects on the world around us.

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    The Difference Between Your Upper & Lower Respiratory Tracts

    The respiratory tract of humans, and other animals, is separated into two sections based on the position and function of the organs involved.

    The main difference between your upper and lower respiratory tract is that your upper respiratory tract mainly controls the transfer of air to the lower respiratory tract while the lower respiratory tract is mainly involved in controlling the movement of gasses into and out of the body.

    You will notice that mucus is produced in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts as it is an important part of our immune system. Mucus captures foreign materials; such as dust, bacteria and viruses so that they are easily expelled from the body without causing an infection.

    Your body may sometimes produce excess mucus which can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing.

    Additional fun fact: The immune system has multiple barriers in place to prevent potential infections; especially at the sites of entry such as your nose, mouth, respiratory tract including the lungs, skin, eyes, etc. In addition to mucus, these barriers include enzymes, hairs, cilia, symbiotic microorganisms and much more.

    For a natural way to clear and soothe your upper respiratory tract use Sinus Clearing Blend by Aromatherapy Clinic on your chest like a vapour rub, inhale directly from the bottle or add to a steaming bowl of water and allow the vapours to soothe your blocked and irritated airways.

    For lower respiratory tract congestion and a chesty cough I recommend Respiratory Blend by Aromatherapy Clinic.

    For aromatherapy-related questions please send us an email info@aromatherapyclinic.com or use the handy form on our website.

    Thank you for reading. We are here to help you on your journey to better health.