| The term aromatherapy was first used in the 1920s | | | | and kill microbes and fungi. In many cases, natural oils |
| by French chemist René Maurice | | | | are used to heal skin abrasions, just as |
| Gattefossé. Gattefossé first | | | | Gattefossé used lavender oil to expedite the |
| discovered the potential healing powers of natural oils | | | | healing of his burn wounds. |
| after catching his arm on fire one day in his lab. In his | | | | The final common method of aromatherapy use is as |
| attempt to put out the fire, he thrust his arm into | | | | an internal drug. For this purpose, natural oil |
| the nearest bin of liquid, which just happened to be | | | | medications must be prescribed. They are said to |
| lavender oil. The burn healed quickly without a scar. | | | | activate the immune system. |
| Aromatherapy is commonly associated with | | | | Aromatherapy, especially in the more developed |
| alternative healing techniques. It is the process of | | | | countries of the world, is almost never used as the |
| using natural oils as a means to alter a person's mood | | | | sole treatment for an ailment. Often, it is only used |
| or health. There are three main branches of | | | | as a method of alternative medicine. However, many |
| aromatherapy. The first is home aromatherapy, which | | | | healthcare workers use aromatherapy techniques in |
| is self-treatment with aromatherapy products. The | | | | combination with other more recognized treatments. |
| second is clinical aromatherapy. Clinical aromatherapy | | | | However, many individuals preach of the |
| is used as a pharmacological treatment in a clinical | | | | stress-relieving benefits of aromatherapy scents. In |
| setting. The third branch is aromachology. | | | | fact, aromatherapy is commonly used in spas as a |
| Aromachology is the study of odors and their | | | | method of relaxation. Skeptics argue that the |
| effects on the mind. | | | | benefits of aromatherapy treatments are supported |
| There are three common methods of aromatherapy | | | | with little scientific research. |
| use. The first is the use of oil as a scent. Commonly, | | | | Persons interested in using aromatherapy techniques |
| aromatherapy oils used for this purpose are found in | | | | as a means of stress reduction need to first |
| candle form. At the scent level, certain plant oils | | | | understand what natural oils are effective in providing |
| activate the limbic system and the emotional centers | | | | the emotional effect they desire. For example, |
| of the brain. Aromatherapy candles are believed to | | | | honeysuckle oils are said to be relaxing and |
| be beneficial in creating alternate emotions. | | | | rejuvenating, perfect for stress reduction after a |
| The second common method of aromatherapy use is | | | | long week at work. Likewise, rose oils are said to |
| as a topical treatment. When certain plant oils are | | | | create a romantic atmosphere. |
| applied to the skin, they activate thermal receptors | | | | |