| Modern day aromatherapy falls under the umbrella of | | | | rubbed over the body to keep sickness at bay. |
| holistic therapies which include treatments by herbal | | | | Although plants and herbs have always been used by |
| medicine and homeopathy amongst others. Common | | | | natives to alleviate pain, combat digestive problems, |
| beliefs about aromatherapy are that it is no more | | | | sometimes even more serious health problems like |
| than a relaxing massage with the use of essential oils. | | | | cancer, it is only in the mid-nineteenth century that |
| Essential oil has been used throughout history for | | | | the exact scientific effect of essential oils in the fight |
| many different purposes, from religious to medicinal | | | | against bacteria came to be known through research |
| as well as healing of the spirit. In Egyptian times, plant | | | | and documented investigations. |
| derived resins and perfumed oil were necessary | | | | A 1992 issue of the "British journal of Occupational |
| ingredients in the preparations of funerals. Scents | | | | Therapy" writes about how the practices of |
| were very much an integral part of the pleasures of | | | | aromatherapy such as massage, inhalation, lotions, |
| the Egyptian lifestyle. The Greeks invented distillation | | | | creams, compresses, inhalation and baths can |
| - extracting oils from plants through steaming | | | | improve quality of life for patients in hospitals, |
| processes- a method widely in use today, which | | | | improve health and promote well-being. Amongst the |
| preserves both the fragrance and healing property of | | | | list of benefits of aromatherapy listed in the journal |
| the essences. The Romans adopted much of the | | | | are: |
| Greeks medical knowledge, but played a great role in | | | | 1. The reduction of stress. |
| improving the way aroma was used for pleasures | | | | 2. Relief of depression. |
| and relaxation. By 3 A.D. Rome was the bathing | | | | 3. Promoting activity of alertness |
| capital of the world with one thousand public bathing | | | | 4. Stimulating of sensory awareness. |
| spots where bathers were massaged with scented | | | | 5. Treating various medical problems. |
| oils. | | | | 6. Providing pain relief. |
| The Arabs who perfected the distillation process | | | | Another area where essential oils have proved to be |
| created potent essences and exotic perfumes, still in | | | | extremely beneficial is in the creation of skin-care and |
| use in Mosque and religious ceremonies. | | | | hair-care products. Again, throughout history, |
| Essential oils have such powers that in medieval times | | | | aromatherapy has played an important part in the |
| they were used to create lethal poisons by those | | | | making of exotic creams, lotions and hair washes to |
| involved in Machiavellian plots. Hence, it shows the | | | | enhance the beauty regime of the most beautiful |
| necessity of consulting a qualified aromatherapist | | | | women in the world. It is now known through the |
| when creating blends for healing purposes. | | | | formulas that have been passed down that their |
| One of their main uses have been for fighting | | | | secret ingredients were essential oils. |
| infections, and formulated into concoctions that were | | | | |