Civilisations the world over have, for millennia, placed considerable value on fragrant plants, herbs and flowers, revering their calming, uplifting and healing qualities… though the term wasn’t coined until the early 20th century.
Records document the use of botanical extracts by ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Indians and Chinese in medicine, cosmetic preparations and as lifestyle enhancers – though the practice became much more widespread in the West by the 16th century through the use of herbal tinctures prepared by local apothecaries.
Aromatherapy (noun) | the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes.
Today, aromatherapy represents a form of holistic therapy – the application of the natural fragrances of essential oils in aromatic plants to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing.
Aromatherapy’s far-reaching power isn’t mere conjecture, however. As contemporary science began to emerge, practitioners were discouraged from using aromatherapy, its so-called effects put down to simple superstition. Thankfully, more recent research authenticated its power and potential influence. As outlined in our Ingenious aromas article, the olfactory nerve in our nose picks up scent and instantly stimulates the limbic system – this is linked to the areas of our brain that process emotions, desires, appetites and memories, as well as the endocrine glands which regulate hormone levels in our body. Scent can, therefore, evoke a subtle but also very effective response from our mind and body.
As with everything we do, it was imperative that the aromatic blends created for our three haircare systems – while, of course, smelling exceptional – had real purpose; complementing the wider benefits of our formulas. Naturally, therefore, we chose essential oils (rather than synthetic fragrances that offer no therapeutic benefit), applying them at a concentration that would ensure effect… and it was here we turned again to Ayurveda.
Alongside a Clinical Aromatherapist, we set about creating a series of complex, high quality and synergistic blends using essential oils Ayurveda deemed most effective for each Dosha’s needs. The three triumphing combinations were infused in our formulas at a 1% concentration, making them both safe and effective for inclusion in rinse-off formulas like our shampoo and conditioner:
A highly complex blend with no less than eight essential oils (including Jasmine Absolute, Australian Sandalwood and Patchouli), Vata’s subtle and elegant aroma warms, calms and enhances the mood, while also helping soothe the scalp and revive dry or damaged strands.
The fresh, sweet notes of Geranium, Himalayan Jatamansi, Neroli and Petitgrain in our Pitta blend cool, calm and ground the spirit, while its physical properties help harmonise the hair and scalp, building strength and resilience.
Kapha’s fresh, warm and scintillating aromas of Bergamot, Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus and Frankincense inspire harmony, energy and vitality while also helping purify, balance and smooth hair.
For further enlightenment, read on about our Vata, Pitta and Kapha essential oil blends.
© 2019, all rights reserved.
