Absolutes Role in Aromatherapy

There can be no doubt that the full richness of an aroma is most perfectly captured in the living plant itself. When one enters an environment where the air is vibrating with the fragrant symphony of invisible molecules charged with the life impulse of a delicate flower or herb, it often influences the heart and mind in a deep and penetrating way. It can awaken memories of precious moments in the life journey or can unlock doors of perception, which give one a glimpse of a sublime life that is filled with wonder and hope. For thousands of years those intrigued by the mysteries of aroma, have sought ways and means of capturing those essences so that the powerful emotions and feelings evoked by fragrance in its natural state can be recreated even in the midst of the routine of everyday life. Most have found that one of the best ways to capture that scent is through the use of absolutes in a daily aromatherapy regimen.

Today many of us living in the crowded conditions of cities and towns are seeking for means of reconnecting to a natural world. In many cases essences derived from botanical resources help us establish a rainbow bridge into times, places and environments that speak to us of a rich inner life that is based upon a refined outlook on existence rather than the frantic accumulation of material goods. It may be that these sublime aromas speak to us of the of the wisdom and knowledge to be gained from "listening" to the trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers that have been our friends and companions for thousands of years. But no matter how we wish to explain the impact these aromas have on us, we can certainly say that it "exists", and that with a little interest on our part we can directly participate in exploring this world by entering into the domain of natural perfumery, or some other branch of the aromatic arts, crafts or sciences.

A significant amount of information has appeared in recent years with regards to the world of absolutes in aromatherapy. In this discipline there is a strong emphasis on the therapeutic value of essential oils and hydrosols. More and more research has been devoted to exploring the scientific basis of the benefit of aromatherapy. There is also a growing body of knowledge based on practical experiences of those engaged in this work. It reveals the important role the human interaction plays in the healing process. Often times those engaged in this work have a true sympathy and understanding of the people that come to them and take the time to help their patients develop a new attitude towards themselves and life. The oils aside from their specific therapeutic uses, also help to create an open atmosphere where positive communication can take place. One of the special attributes of natural aromatic essences is that they help a person relax and feel comfortable in unfamiliar environments.

The world of aromatic plants provides the raw material for distilling/extracting a wide range of sublime essences in the form of absolutes, essential oils, attars, CO2 extracts and hyrosols. One of the most interesting ways to use plant essences, though, is absolutes. In most cases, absolutes are the most concentrated form of an essential oil. Where most plant essences are made through steam distillation, absolutes are made with the use of chemical expression, concentrating them further than most people could ever imagine. This process usually begins when the plant material is soaked in hexane. After that occurs, it goes through a double distillation process at a low temperature. The resulting product is diluted with alcohol and filtered. For some plant essences, this is the only way to use the essential oil properly. For example, this is the only way that plants like jasmine and honeysuckle can be extracted. Absolutes are typically only used in the fragrance industry, but there are many ways that you can introduce them into your daily aromatherapy regimen. It is essential to note, though, that absolutes, unlike some other forms of plant essences, can contain materials that may provoke allergic reactions in some people. Using absolutes in your next aromatherapy experience may provide the enhancement you've been searching for.