About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy or Essential Oil therapy is the use of essential oils to help enhance physical and emotional well-being. It is believed that we all know on an instinctive, perhaps even cellular level just what it is that we need for our physical and emotional.

The right side of the brain is connected to the left nostril and is responsible for "feel" and more emotional responses while the left side of the brain is connected to the right nostril and deals with "rational thought" and all things "cerebral". The sense of smell is linked directly to the Limbic system, which acts as a message relay to many of the body’s vital systems, and so any information carried from the nose is passed on, processed and acted upon.

Smell is a very powerful sense and a single scent may instantly re-kindle memories of a particular event, place or person whether pleasant or otherwise and this ability too may be harnessed for our emotional well-being. For instance, when I look at a picture of bluebells, I can immediately smell the heady scent of bluebells and am transported to a sunny afternoon in May 2002 when I took my dogs out for a walk in the woods beyond my home when i saw the most prolific show of Bluebells I have ever seen…or smelled!

Due to the volatile nature of essential oils, a small amount of vapour will be inhaled and in the ideal conditions of the warm and moist nasal cavity, some of the active components of the oils will have a direct route into the bloodstream via capillaries very close to the surface.
Oils also have purely physical properties. Many stimulate the immune system and can also be used to treat a variety of conditions such as mud fever, sweet itch, cuts, bruises, skin irritation etc but it should be emphasised that although careful use of oils is fine for minor first aid or treatment of previously diagnosed conditions, you must always get a veterinary diagnosis and permission to use oils if you feel your horse has a physical problem or that a behavioural one has a physical cause. It must also be remembered that although many oils are totally mild and safe in use, some have to be used with care as some, such as Nutmeg can build up to toxic levels in the body with prolonged use.

With careful, informed and responsible use, essential oils are a wonderful tool to enhance the well-being and health and brings yet another dimension into holistic care.