Aromatherapy plants. Aromatherapy is a complimentary therapy, to treat certain physical and psychological disorders, using natural materials of plant origin. The phytochemicals contained in certain plant species, have various medicinal properties. Such plants are called Aromatherapy plants.
They can be classified based on their notes of fragrance or based on their chemical composition. These Aromatherapy plants grow in different soils, climatic conditions and in different seasons. They vary widely in terms of fragrances and medicinal values.
The following examples of Aromatherapy plants are grown in tropical and sub tropical climates. Almond oil has a base note and it is extracted from seeds or kernel of Almond by cold expression. It is yellow to golden colour oil. It is immiscible in water, but soluble in ethyl alcohol. The sweet Almond fragrance stimulates one’s olfactory senses and gives a memorable experience. It is used in Aromatherapy massage oil formulations.
Aniseed oil, is derived from Ani seed, by steam distillation. It is a very popular essential oil, with a top note. They are widely used in Aromatherapy, to treat cold and flu. They are used in the formulation of Aromatherapy massage oils, and Aromatherapy bath oils.
Lemongrass oil, is made from lemongrass by steam distillation. They are widely grown in India and Java. They are applied to treat various ailments, and they are used as a repellent, against certain insects.
Geranium oil, is made from leaves of Geranium plant, by steam distillation. It has a middle note. Its fragrance is useful in the treatment of certain skin problems, and helps treat people with anxiety. It is used to make ‘Rose perfumes’ replicates.
Examples of common essential oils derived, from plants in Europe, are, Garden Angelica oil, Caraway oil, Coriander oil, Sweet basil oil, Damask Rose oil, Garden sage oil, Clary sage oil, Garden Thyme oil, Lemon Balm oil, Lavender oil, Milfoil, Common fennel oil and Peppermint oil.
Many essential oils, are volatile in nature, and such oils are recovered using steam distillation. By passing a saturated steam into leaves, flowers and barks of some plants, the essentials oil are evolved into a condensing vapour. They are condensed and separated, into an insoluble essential oil and purified. They are to be used in the preparation of various Aromatherapy compoundes. Some essentials are not steaming volatile, but soluble in selected solvents. Such components are extracted using Petroleum solvents .In some applications, inert solvents, which do not affect the olfactory properties of the oil, are used to extract such oils.
Few oils such as Lemon oil and Orange oils, are obtained by expression of peels of citrus fruits.
These Aromatherapy plants are cultivated commercially, to extract essential oils, which have a good market potential. The essential oil contents, and their chemical structures are evaluated, using analytical instruments, to check their maturity and percentage, before harvesting. Some very expensive plant leaves, are freezing dried and stored, for later extraction. By this method, these oils can be made available, even during off-seasons. Aromatherapy business has grown so much; there is a constant demand, for certain products, throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal changes, and climatic conditions.
