Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, for psychological and physical well being. A pleasant natural aroma can have a positive psychological effect on the body. Essential oils which are the pure essence of a plant have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.
Q. What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils?
An essential oil is derived from plant material, (fruit, leaf, root, stem, and/or flower) via cold press, steam distillation or solvent extract. Pure grade essential oils are 100% natural. They are historically reported to have psychological and physiological healthful benefits. Fragrance oils are generally synthetic and may or may not contain pure essential oils. They may only contain constituents or part of one or more essential oil(s). Fragrance oils are proprietary, meaning the creation and process is trade protected so we can only guess what may or may not be in it. Therefore, fragrance oils may not and usually don't offer psychological and physiological healthful benefits.
Q. Why then would an aromatherapist choose to use fragrance oils?
Quite simply, public demand. After receiving several requests for scents that are not available in pure essential form I conceded that there may be some value if at least psychological in fragrance oils. In short when a scent is first experienced it is received by the olfactory and passed along to the brain where it is committed to memory. The scent can be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant. It can be associated or linked with a pleasant or unpleasant memory or experience. Unfortunately not all scents, as hard as we try can be extracted from plant material or duplicated naturally so a synthetic copy must be created. In some instances the fragrance can be close enough to the scent in our memory that it can instill the psychological feelings that were felt when we first came to experience it. An example I could use here is I always enjoyed the smell throughout my house when my mother baked breads, cakes, pies or cookies. This scent is obviously not available in an essential oil but it has been replicated in a fragrance oil that can be added to potpourri or candles and recreate that same feeling of well being and comfort of coming home to fresh baking. Psychological feelings of well being can help to calm and relax the body thus allowing for a physiological response as well.
Q. Does Honey Grove Botanicals have a physical store that I can shop at?
Yes! Now Open. Honey Grove Botanicals Bath & Candle Boutique. Located at 74 Mill Street in downtown Gahanna, Ohio. We offer "Create A Home Spa" workshops for groups of up 20 people. Great for mothers and daughters, brides to be and their bridesmaids, girls night out, etc. Learn how to create bath treats for yourself or for someone special. By appointment.
Introducing Our "Scent For Me" Design Center. At our Scent For Me design center, choose from over 100 fragrances and essential oils. Mix and match to create a scent that is uniquely your own. Our design assistant will add your selection to our unscented lotions, oils, bath salts and scrubs for a delightful bath and body confection. Stop by our bath and candle boutique to browse, sniff, touch and see what quality skin care and home scenting can be. Open Monday through Saturday 11:00 to 7:00. For more information call us at (614) 638-7809.
Below is a list of fairs, festivals and workshops that I will be at in 2008. Keep posted for updates.
Mind, Body & Spirit Series. All Ages Welcome. Cost is $2 in advance, $5 at the door. At the Gahanna Senior Center located at 480 Rocky Fork Blvd. Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 7-8:30 p.m. Explore the use of essential oils and learn how aromatherapy can promote calmness and well-being.
Thank You,
Barbara Foley-Drobnick
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