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Aromatherapy/heating leaves to get vapor

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Expert: - 1/19/2008


Question
I saw a device called a vaporizer that heats leaves such as eucalyptus. The vapor collected in a bag, then you could inhale it. Is this an effective way to do aromatherapy?

Answer
Hi there. Thanks for your question. I haven't seen these particular vapourisers, but the whole process sounds very long winded. I would imagine you could extract some essence from the leaves, but it would take a long time and you would have to use quite a lot of leaves to get any kind of strength of vapour to inhale. I would have thought the simplest way would be to obtain a vapouriser that has a water chamber over a nightlight candle. If you add hot water to this and then one or two drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus, the steam coming off will provide ample vapour to inhale. And the whole process only takes about five minutes ! If you want to try extraction for yourself, simply put some leaves into a pan of water and bring it to the boil. You can see how effective it is by breathing the steam off that.
Best wishes
Judy

I would like to comment on remarks made by Haugh following my answer. May I point out that I had already said I was unfamiliar with the bag method of inhaling, and thus was equally unfamiliar with how it would work. I am an aromatherapist and one of the main aims of aromatherapy is achieve calm relaxation through the use of essential oils.
Vapourisers are only fire hazards if used incorrectly, and they allow the 'user' to bathe, recline or whatever else they like to do whilst breathing in the benefits of the oils in the air. The oils will last as long as the user wishes and can be topped up as necessary. The idea is not for a quick fix but for a slow, meditative experience.
As I have never seen the method Haugh quoted, and do not know of anyone who has used this method I was perhaps wrong to assume it was long winded. But I answered the question in the spirit it was put to me, as an aromatherapist.
I am sorry Haugh chose to be so offended by my answer.
Judy

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Judy Frayne

Expertise

I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !

Experience

I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress. I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves. Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying

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