Learn and discover how aromatherapy came to be including how ecah nation contributed to the history of the alternative medicine.

Aromatherapy has been around for a very long time; it arguably began in Egypt, several thousand years ago, when the Egyptians used various plant oils for medicinal, fragrant, cosmetic, and spiritual uses. This marked the beginning of the story and

history of aromatherapy. Many of the substances used to preserve body parts during the mummifying process are used for healing in aromatherapy today.

The Greeks had several aromatherapy-type remedies for illnesses as well. The most well-known of these was megaleion, which was a myrrh-based lotion used for its anti inflammatory effects and wound healing potential. The history of aromatherapy was not greatly developed during the time of the Romans; whilst the Romans did perfect a distilling technique, they preferred using it to develop floral waters rather than essential oils.

By the twelfth century in history, lavender was well-known as a healing agent, and was commonly distilled for medicinal purposes. In the fourteenth century, an interesting phenomenon was noted: perfumers seemed much less susceptible to the Black Death than those around them. What caused this? Could it be their constant contact with potent fragrances that helped them? This opened a whole new window of speculation about the preventative and healing powers of plants.

Perhaps the greatest advance of aromatherapy history came in the 1900’s with the French chemist and scholar Ren Maurice Gattefoss, who is sometimes referred to as "the father of modern aromatherapy". When Gattefoss had the misfortune to burn his hand whilst working in a perfume plant, he thrust his hand into the nearest cooling liquid, which happened to be a bucket of lavender oil. He was amazed at how quickly the burn healed and how little scarring occurred. From then on, Gattefoss was devoted to researching essential oils. In fact, he was even the one who coined the term aromatherapie in 1928 for the title of one of his books!. 

Aromatherapy history helped us hone in the properties of this selective alternative medicine and we continue to develop further even today; with modern equipment, distilling is even easier and quicker than ever, our knowledge of this branch of healing continues to grow. Whilst some scientists are skeptical as to the actual healing merits of aromatherapy, many people have experienced recoveries as a result of this interesting science, and its following continues to grow.

Aromathrapy’s Anti-Anxiety Effects 

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Aromatherapy is a form of herbal medicine. It uses the scents in essential oils distilled from herbs, flowers and trees to improve health and vitality. Used properly, it can re-energize and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy comes in many forms. It can be used as oils, candles, lotions and soaps.

How Is The Scented Oil Extracted From The Plants?

Many herbs are used in the production of essential oils and waters for aromatherapy. essential oils are the aromatic compounds found in the herb. They are extracted by distillation. There are different methods of this but they are all basically the same.

The herbs are put into water which is heated until it produces steam. This releases and then carries chemicals, including the aromatic compounds. The steam is then chilled in a condenser and the material left behind is collected. Oils (which will become the Essential Oil) floats to the top of the distilled water and may be scooped off.

The distilled water part is called hydrosol. If you want to buy a herb or flower ‘water’ the best kind is a hydrosol as this is the by-product of aromatic distillation. Many ‘waters’ are essential oils added to water or alcohol and are not as good as true hydrosols.

Treat Aromatherapy With Respect!

Many people think that because the scented oils have ‘only come from plants’ that they can use as much as they like. Essential oils are very concentrated and are usually measured in drops. Strength wise - one drop would equal the volume amount of two cups. Ingesting one ounce of essential oil could prove fatal.

Unless you are a skilled aromatherapist, it’s best to use essential oils only on the skin. Always mix the drops of oil with a ‘carrier’ like sweet almond oil. Undiluted essential oil can burn the skin.

How Can Anything From Plants Be So Powerful?

Our pharmacology has developed from herbal medicine. Many medications in use today are still derived from plants.

There are more than 250,000 known plant species and yet less than 1% of them have been thoroughly tested for use in medicine. A quarter of our prescription medications are derived from this tiny 1%. The list includes morphine, atropine, ephedrine, warfarin, aspirin, digoxin, taxol, hyoscine - so plants are pretty powerful and care should be taken. Isn’t it amazing to think what other helpful medications are out there and as yet undiscovered!

Growing Herbs For Aromatherapy

A large area of crops is needed to grow herbs for aromatherapy purposes. This is because when calculated on the weight of fresh herbs distilled, plants only yield between 0.01% and 2% of essential oil. So a lot needs to be grown and distilled to produce reasonable amounts of oil.

To produce essential oils, the requirements are the plants, good soil (often organic), irrigation, reasonable shelter from harsh weather, harvesting and distillation equipment                                     

Hints And Tips On Essential Oils

1. Always read and heed advice on the labels on essential oils.

2. Keep them out of the sight and reach of children.

3. Never put essential oils near the eyes.

4. Always dilute with carrier oil before putting on the skin - or it will burn!

5. Essential oils are for external application only. Don’t ever ingest them.

6. As with any new skin preparation, test the oil first. Dilute a drop of essential oil with carrier oil and apply to the skin on your inner arm. If there is any irritation, discontinue its use.

7. Many herbs should be avoided by pregnant women and by people suffering some health conditions. Always check before use.

By Rebecca Prescott Published: 11/22/2006

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  The Benefits Of Aromatherapy And Essential Oils

Learn how aromatherapy can help you heal and feel better

The practice of using volatile plant oils to enhance the psychological and physical aspects of an individual is called aromatherapy. The invigorating or uplifting scents of this process relies on elements, such as essential oils of well-known plants and flowers to provide an array of health benefits when used in the proper manner. To date, there is close to 100 essential oils used in aromatherapy techniques.

Essential oils are extracted from herbs, plants, fruits, and flowers, which work once they come in contact with the blood stream. Aromatherapy is also seen when an individual spreads a scented lotion or cream on their body and pleasantly takes in the enveloping scent. Additionally, one should take notice that perfume oils (such as "fragrance oils") are not in the same category as essential oils, as these options contain man-made chemicals that do more harm than good.
                   

       
                             The Benefits of Aromatherapy

As the aromatherapy essential oils are inhaled into the lungs, a wide-range of benefits that affect the brain and body have been noted for many centuries. Reactions are triggered in the brain, while physical changes take place to ease the symptoms of many different common ailments - on of the reactions is the connection. Many people seeking natural approaches to achieve an improved status in health consider aromatherapy. Instead of relying on caffeine and prescribed medications, aromatherapy provides a treatment that carries very few side effects. A host of medical concerns are treated using aromatherapy, such as PMS cramps, high blood pressure, congestion, dandruff, blemished skin, minor aches and joint pains, tension headaches, insomnia, and a failing immune system.

Aromatherapy is also convenient, as it is a practice easily accomplished within the comforts of your own home. While professionals in the massage or spa business offer pricey aromatherapy sessions, those sticking to a budget can still benefit from the same techniques, but within their own controlled setting. For example, a simple scented candle is enough to send a person into the arms of relaxation.
              
Common Aromatherapy Scents

Depending on what you wish to achieve in aromatherapy, you will encounter a variety of selections that treat ailments spanning from bronchial coughs to stress. Accomplishing a state of relaxation, rejuvenation, and invigoration is often associated with aromatherapy oils of sage, lavender, and sandalwood. These selections contain components that possess the ability to ease the signs and symptoms of tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

To intensify the sense of wellbeing, essential oils are sometimes combined with therapeutic massage in order to enhance the overall process. As the oils are absorbed through the skin, they come in contact with the circulation of blood, which speeds up the effectiveness of the aromatherapy oils while still being absorbed through the nose.

Studies have even revealed that lavender can slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. It also works wonders by relieving muscle tension. Chamomile also allows one to relax. Encouraging a sense of motivation is associated with the essential oils of pine, mint, or citrus. When using candles and sprays that contain essential oils of lime, orange, lemon, or grapefruit - an uplifted spirit is the result. Peppermint and eucalyptus are known to create stimulation within the body. Aromatherapy has also been used to set the mood in the bedroom, as gardenia, sandalwood, and jasmine bring romantic scents into the air.

Overall, an individual can take advantage of aromatherapy by seeking the lotions, candles, gels, bath salts, room sprays, inhalants, and vaporizers that utilize the
essential oils that correspond to their concerns.

Consider adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the relaxin…   Read more…

Adrenal Health | Organic Medicinal Herbs

By Lee Dobbins Published: 10/20/2007

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