“Aromatherapy is more thoroughly defined as the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well-being. Science is now confirming what has been known for centuries: essential oils have healing properties on both physical and emotional levels. Absorbed through the skin and via the olfactory-brain connection through inhalation, they have been considered among the most therapeutic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts throughout the ages.” Valerie Gennari Cooksley, 

A question we always get asked at the Studio is 'What even is Aromatherapy?' Its such a great question and one we'd love to help answer.

To us, at Chapter Organics one of the most appealing aspects of aromatherapy that we totally love is that something so natural and fragrant can have such a beneficial effect on the mind and body all at the same time. The fact that our aromatherapy blends smell incredible is rather a happy coincidence because they're made totally naturally from plants, flowers, bark, resin etc. However, our initial intention is always to ensure they enhance your state of mind first and feel all the goods vibes. 

1) What is Aromatherapy? 

Aromatherapy is the practice of using Essential Oils in a therapeutic and holistic manner to promote healing, it has been used since ancient civilizations. As a popular form of alternative medicine Aromatherapy is designed to treat the whole person and not just the symptom. It works by assisting the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate and heal. By understanding how you currently feel and how you'd like to feel we can can help you understand which aromatherapy blend can support you right now. 

2) How does Aromatherapy work? 

Aromatherapy has such a transforming effect because it taps into our Limbic system. The Limbic system is a part of the brain that deals with memories, emotions, stimulation and mood and influences our hormonal responses. Aromatherapy, once inhaled can alter our brain chemistry, stimulating moods, feelings, emotions and memories before you even notice. 

 

Our sense of smell is 10,000 times more acute than our other senses. Aromatherapy through scent travels faster to the brain and promotes a number of reactions before we've even registered the beautiful, natural smell in our conscious brain. We begin to experience endorphins which help lift our mood or our central nervous system relaxing depending on which oils we choose. 

3) What are Essential Oils? 

Put simply, an essential oil is a totally natural compound that has been extracted from plants, and one that has captured the plant’s essence- the flavour or scent. We obtain essential oils through a process of distillation or through cold pressing. This takes a really long time and is a careful, steady process. Essential oils are the primary therapeutic tool of aromatherapy. Each individual plant extract is blended together to create the therapeutic power of aromatherapy. For example when you blend Lavender, Patchouli and Rose Geranium Essential Oils you're beginning to create an aromatherapy blend. 

4) Where do Essential oils come from ? 

The many different oil-bearing plants are harvested from all over the world. A variety of plants cover the Earth in different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. Many of these plants contain compounds that typically can’t be seen with the naked eye—they hide within the roots, flowers, seeds, bark, or other areas of the plant. These compounds are known as essential oils. 

5) How are Aromatherapy different to fragrance oils? 

Fragrance oils are synthetic- artificially created from chemical compounds that do not occur naturally. Fragrance oils are usually created to last a lot longer than essential oils and are usually classed as either Synthetic fragrance oils or just 'fragrance oils.' If you're keen to use natural products ensure you're sticking with pure essential oils blends and ensure all the ingredients used in combination within the blend are natural.

Chapter Organics we use only natural, aromatherapy and essential oils and natural plant and seed ingredients. Zero fragrance oils or synthetics. 

Take our Wellbeing Quiz to help you find your Aromatherapy blend.