| Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and | | | | the nose. These molecules are then sent to the |
| continues to gain popularity. Aromatherapy history | | | | emotional center of the brain to effect physiological |
| and the use of essential oils for various purposes | | | | or emotional changes in the body in order to balance |
| began with the Egyptians and the Ancient Greeks | | | | and heal the mind, body and spirit. |
| when they realized how beneficial scented baths, | | | | It is important to note that these aromatherapy oils |
| diffusers and candles were for the overall well being | | | | are highly potent. They can burn the skin when |
| of the human body. | | | | applied undiluted to the skin. It is therefore important |
| The father of medicine, Hippocrates suggested that | | | | that the essential oil be mixed with another oil known |
| Athens be sprayed to rid the city of the plague in | | | | as a carrier oil. Carrier oils such as grapeseed, almond |
| the city. Aromatherapy is the use through smell or | | | | and sunflower work the best because they do not |
| massage of certain properties of plant oils or | | | | interfere with the scent of the essential oil used in |
| essential oils usually for psychological and physical well | | | | aromatherapy. If you use an oil such as olive oil, it will |
| being. | | | | interfere with the scent of the aromatherapy oil. |
| Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse developed some of the | | | | Although many health stores mix various |
| basic principles found in aromatherapy. After he | | | | combinations of essential oils making it unnecessary |
| burned his hand and used lavender oil as an ointment | | | | for individuals to make their own mixes, some people |
| and his handed healed completely, he thought that | | | | still mix their own combinations of aromatherapy oils |
| other plant oils and scents could be used for similar | | | | that help them relax and that please them. |
| uses. | | | | The various ways that the essential oils can be used |
| A French doctor by the name of Jean Valnet, | | | | in aromatherapy include, spraying into the air, |
| discovered that plant oils were effective in healing | | | | inhalation, massage, used in bath water or used in |
| and disinfecting when applied to the skin and | | | | cold or hot compresses. |
| proceeded to write a book discussing aromatherapy | | | | Some people however should be careful around plant |
| in 1964 to educate others on the importance of | | | | oils such as asthmatics because inhalation may lead to |
| aromatherapy. | | | | an asthma attack. Some people suffering from |
| Professor Paolo Rovesti used various plant oils in | | | | allergies can develop breathing problems when |
| various circumstances to study their effect. For | | | | introduced to essential oils such as rosemary and |
| instance, he used lemon oil, sandalwood and jasmine | | | | sage. Juniper oil may cause uterine contractions in |
| for depression. To treat anxiety, he tested lime, | | | | pregnant women. |
| rose, orange leaf and cypress. | | | | Before you get into aromatherapy and use various |
| It has been known and studied that the sense of | | | | plant oils, it is important to be aware of your |
| smell triggers significant memory responses. Essential | | | | surroundings and the people in it before you practice |
| oils that are used in aromatherapy are obtained from | | | | aromatherapy. A common practice is to use essential |
| plants and flowers through cold pressing or distillation. | | | | oils in a relaxing bath. Find what works for you to |
| When the essential oils are applied through the sense | | | | help you improve you overall emotional and |
| of smell, the minute molecules in the oils are picked | | | | physiological well being. |
| up by the very sensitive nerve endings contained in | | | | |