Aromatherapy is all
about using the sense of smell to improve the body, mind and soul. It
makes sense then that when practicing aromatherapy, nothing is more
important than how a substance smells. Absolutes are only recently
becoming part of aromatherapy. The highly-concentrated scent of
absolutes can waken powerful feelings and emotions even in the busiest
of lives. So what exactly are absolutes?
Absolutes
are similar to essential oils in that both are extracted from plants.
In fact, an absolute is a more concentrated form of an essential oil.
How absolutes differ from essential oils is the method that is used
during the extraction process. Essential oils are primarily extracted
using a steam distillation process.
However, the
process of extracting absolutes involves the use of chemicals and
solvents. This extraction method creates a more concentrated version of
the plant's essence - one that is far more fragrant. The only drawback
as it relates to aromatherapy is that the process does not produce a
pure essence. The extracted substances often will contain traces of the
chemicals and solvents that were used during the extraction process.
It
is for this reason that absolutes have been used primarily by those
involved in the fragrance or perfume industries. They can be used
successfully in aromatherapy, however, extreme care must be taken. It's
also important to note that absolutes can trigger an allergic reaction
in some people.
And even though those true to the
principles of aromatherapy prefer essential oils over absolutes, there
are some plants whose essences cannot be extracted using traditional
distillation methods. To extract the essence, chemical extraction
processes must be used. Jasmine
and honeysuckle
are two such plants.
Some Popular
AbsolutesJasmine
absolute – Extracted using
solvents, jasmine absolute offers an exquisite scent. Used for years in
perfumes and therapy sessions, this sweet heady fragrance is among
other things an effective aphrodisiac. Women with irregular menstrual
cycles use jasmine absolute because it can help regulate these cycles.
It can relieve headaches and is an effective antiseptic and
antidepressant. It also has sedative qualities.
Lavender
absolute – Extracted using alcohol, lavender absolute has
a sweet,
floral and woody fragrance reminiscent of a lavender shrub. It's
perfect for use in soaps, creams, and lipsticks.
Oakmoss
absolute – Extracted using solvents or alcohol, oakmoss
absolute has a
rich scent that is both earthy and woody. Imagine the smell of damp oak
along the seashore and this is what oakmoss absolute smells like - very
comforting.
Rose
absolute – Extracted from rose
blossoms using chemical solvents, rose absolute is a feminine scent
that is very intense. It's perfect for relaxing after a hard day or for
when you're feeling particularly sexy. Used in creams, soaps and
lotions, rose absolute also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial
qualities. It takes many, many rose blossoms to produce rose absolute
which is why it's very expensive.
Lotus absolute –
Extracted from either pink or white lotus flowers using solvents, lotus
absolute has healing qualities. It can also help build confidence and
self-esteem.
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