Aromatherapy

Introducing Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the well-known ancient art of using essential oils to benefit and enhance the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of mankind. The use of Aromatherapy can ease aches and pains in the body as they bring about psychological and a spiritual sense of well-being. The art of using essential or volatile plant oils in the form of aromatherapy has been practiced for thousands of years.

 It is believed that the origination of Aromatherapy started with the Chinese people but mention of herbs and their use can be found in the bible. It was the ancient Egyptians who used the process of drawing out distilled oils from natural plant substances such as; grapefruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, myrrh and cedar woods, eucalyptus etc.  The Egyptians passed on their knowledge of how to use Aromatherapy to Greek culture. From there it went to the Persians and Middle Eastern Indians. The art and use of Aromatherapy products has now reached the Western cultures. 

Clearly, there is proven therapeutic benefit to be gained by using Aromatherapy. These essential or volatile oils, trigger biochemical responses in the human brain that will cause the mind and body to experience a sense of peace and well being. Several types of essential oils are used to bring about the desired results that are needed for different symptoms.

To be effective, one must make use of authentic essential oils for proper Aromatherapy to take place. Be cautioned that there are falsely named essential oils on the market that are really just perfumed fragrance oils. These fake essential oils will not bring about desired results, as they are only fragrance oils and not real essential oils made from plant oils. The use of the word "Aromatherapy" is not regulated by the United States on the labeling of these products. Look for 100% therapeutic essential grade oil on the package or when buying Aromatherapy products over the Internet.

As true essential oils are inhaled into the lungs, the aroma reacts in the brain psychologically to bring about a physical reaction. One prime example of the beneficial use of aromatherapy is the diffusion into the air of eucalyptus oil as in the case of congestion. As the lungs take in the aroma of the oil, the brain will be stimulated to send signals to the body to ease the congestion.  

Aromatherapy oils can also be added to household items as well for assorted reasons; to freshen laundry cleaners, to use in air conditioner filters and to ward off insects such as mosquitoes. The Citronella plant oils for example, are used in candles now to ward off mosquitoes and can be bought in many retail outlets. The essential oil lavender can be added to laundry soaps and dish soaps. Many essential oils also have antibacterial qualities as well. They are useful to put in the bath water and to massage on the skin allowing the aroma to drift up and into the lungs. A diffuser can also be used to diffuse mists of these volatile oils into the air.