History of Aromatherapy

The history of the use of aromatic oils on the body goes back at least 2,000 years before Christ. There are records in the bible of the use of plants and their oils, both in treatment of illness and for religious purpose. The Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans, who brought the idea to Great Britain, used them over the centuries. The earliest written record of their use in England was in the thirteenth century, and from that time a great increase was shown both in oils produced and treatments carried out.

What is Aromatherapy?

”Aromatherapy is the inhalation and application of volatile essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being”. It is the therapeutic use of odoriferous substances obtained from flowers, plants and aromatic shrubs. Not only can it be used to treat and cure illness effectively but perhaps even more importantly it can also help to prevent us losing good health in the first place.

The primary form of aromatherapy application involves using essential oils in the following ways:

Topically to the skin via massage, diluted in carrier oil.

Inhalations

Compresses

Aromatic Baths

Essential oils work in harmony with the body to normalize and balance. They produce certain effects that we can count on, but can also adapt to the needs of different people. Used for their undisputed anti-microbial and antiseptic effects, essential oils are not only less toxic than synthetic antibiotics but also support life (eubiotic) by working with the body's own natural healing abilities (thru which the only true healing occurs). Certain oils, such as Roman chamomile, have cytophylactic (cell regeneration), antiseptic, and wound healing effects as well as anti-fungal and anti-inflammative properties making them the ultimate active principles for holistic natural skin-care.

There are approximately 300 essential oils. These highly concentrated substances are solvent extracted, distilled or expressed from aromatic herbs, flowers, and trees. Essential oils are chemically complex and contain hormone-like properties, as well as vitamins, minerals, and natural antiseptics.

It is believed that the essential oil aroma activates the "pharmacy" within our brains. The neurochemicals, such as serotonin and endorphins, are the message that our brain uses to communicate with our body. Essential oils & Absolutes mobilizes self-healing powers and directly affect many psychological and physiological processes. They are intended to complement medical care.

Uses range from curing headaches, easing stress, and stimulating sluggish circulation to treating respiratory ailments and ridding your dog of fleas. They come in a convenient form and are extremely versatile for E.g.; A few drops of lavender in an ointment can be used to treat a burn or headache. When properly administered, these oils produce none of the harmful side effects found in chemicals.

Money-wise, aromatherapy can cut your health care and cosmetic bills.

Essential Oils Safety Guidelines:

As a rule it is advisable to use essential oils as external remedies only, because of the high concentration of oils and possible irritation or damage that they could cause if ingested. Oils are easily mixed with carrier oils or creams for external use and also vaporize easily for inhalation, so ingestion is not necessary or recommended. The whole herb or plant however, lends itself better to water (infusions and decoctions) and alcohol (tinctures) and so is better suited for ingestion, even though they lack the concentration of essential oils and do not have the same subtle effects on the mind and emotions.