What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. The oils are inhaled, massaged into the skin, diffused or, if from a certified source, taken by mouth. Essential oils are gaining new attention as an alternative treatment for infections, stress, and other health problems.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants. Each contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix determines what the oil is used for. Some oils are used to promote physical healing due to their anti-microbial and anti-bacterial capabilities. Others are used for their emotional value where they enhance relaxation or make a room smell pleasant.

What is the history of aromatherapy?

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes. There are healing properties of many of the essential oils, one being lavender oil. When applied it to a burn, it begins to heal it. But lavender is also beneficial for its relaxation qualities, therefore making essential oils very versatile with many uses.

While essential oils have been in use for thousands of years, it was in the 50s that it became an alternative use for relaxation and medications. Massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other health care providers began using aromatherapy with great success. Aromatherapy has become very popular in everyday living and today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold with essential oils added and commercial scent diffusers are sold for the benefits of “aromatherapy.” Commercial products contain synthetic fragrances that do not have the same properties as essential oils so when using essential oils, make sure you are using certified organic and therapeutic grade oils. The one company that surfaces to the top for authenticity is Young Living, where all of their essential oils are pure and come from certified organic farms and pure distillation processing.