What is aromatherapy?
The art of aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils to benefit the body--in emotional and physical health and beauty. An essential oil is inhaled and directed by the olfactory system to the limbic system of the brain. In turn, the brain responds to the particular scent affecting our emotions and chemical balance. Essential oils are also absorbed by the skin and carried throughout the body via the circulatory system to reach all internal organs.
By carefully choosing one or more oils, you can experience beneficial effects promoting overall health--and even specific targets. Benefits depend on the unique nature of each person's response to an aromatic stimulus.

How It All Began

Since ancient times essential oils have been used to help mankind. Often the secrets of plant aromas were reserved for kings or other favored elite. For hundreds of years, extensive trade routes became established to transport perfumed ointments, resins, oils and spices throughout the ancient world.  Later, in the 20th century a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, began studying what he called "aromatherapy." After severely burning his arm in a laboratory accident, he thrust the arm into the nearest liquid, which happened to be a tub of lavender oil.   Surprised by the quick healing that followed, Dr. Gattefosse spent the remainder of his life researching the value of essential oils. His success made aromatherapy popular, and it became well-known in Europe. Only recently has it captured the attention of Americans, but aromatherapy has rapidly become a multimillion dollar market in the U.S.  You may now enjoy the benefits that were once available only to the elite of ancient times.

Essential Oils: Herbs in a Bottle

Nature's Sunshine Oils

After a surprising discovery that a majority of essential oils currently on the market are tainted by foreign substances, NSP set out to find premier sources of pure oils.  Because of the enormous amount of raw product used to make wholly natural essential oils, nearly every other product on the market has been polluted with lower quality, commercial-grade oils or contain other chemical substances to reduce the cost or increase the profit margin--a fact not usually revealed on the label.
 
You can be sure that Nature's Sunshine has analyzed its complete line of essential oil products. Using high-tech Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometer analysis (MS), NSP tests each lot of essential oil it receives to ensure it's 100 percent pure, free from contaminants and measures up to our strict quality standards. Because an oil's aroma is just as important as its chemical fingerprint, all oils also undergo strict alfactory (smell) evaluation.
 
Indeed, overall oil quality is measured by a number of factors: GC/MS analysis, olfactory analysis, country of origin, method of extraction and plant species. All our essential oils are either steam distilled or cold pressed
Great benefits from essential oils can be realized when they are diffused into the air or applied in diluted form to the skin. Nature's Sunshine does not recommend using these products internally, and certain precautions for these concentrates are advised:
  • Do not get essential oils in your eyes.
  • Keep essential oils away from children.
  • Essential oils should be diluted before using topically.
  • Keep essential oils away from heat, light, dampness and electromagnetic frequencies.
  • Do a "patch test" if you are sensitive.
  • Avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds after applying essential oils.
  • Do not apply immediately after perspiring, i.e. sauna.
  • Take the necessary precautions during pregnancy, terminal illness and with children.

By following these simple precautions and carefully reading the label directions for each individual product, you're free to experiment without worry. Single oils can be used alone or combined with other single oils. NSP's synergistic pre-blend essential oils provide targeted benefits.

With the exception of lavender and tea tree oils, never use essential oils directly on the skin. Dilute them with a carrier oil, such as NSP's unscented Massage Oil An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!(comes in a 4-ounce bottle), prior to topical use.
 
Here are other ways to benefit from these oils:
  • Mix seven to 15 drops of essential oil with 1 T of NSP Massage Oil or Aloe Vera Gel and apply topically via massage or on accupressure points.
  • Place a minimum of 25 drops of undiluted single or pre-blended essential oil in a diffuser.
  • Add 10 drops to your bath water. Agitate water in a figure-eight motion. Soak for 15 minutes.
  • Try a sitz bath with just enough water to cover lower body and add five drops of essential oils.
  • Put one or two drops of essential oils on wash cloth and rub your body with it while showering.
  • Place six to eight drops of the selected essential oil or blend in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and inhale for five minutes. Be careful' essential oils may irritate the eyes. You may also inhale the oils directly from the bottle.
  • For vaporization or a humidifier, place 10 drops of essential oil or a blend undiluted in the unit.
  • Add the number of recommended drops of essential oil or a blend to distilled water. Shake will before applying to affected area.
  • Add three drops of essential oils to 1 teaspoon of vodka or water, mix and gargle.
  • Use 10 drops of essential oil or preferred blend in hot tubs