Everything You Wanted To Know About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy means the study of scents used in a therapeutic manner. A more accurate definition is the controlled and skilled use of essential oils for emotional and physical health and well-being.

Aromatherapy dates back thousands of years, although not called that until the early 1900’s. Essential oils and aromatic plants were used and mentioned in biblical times. Ancient Greeks and Romans used oils in their medical treatments. Aromatic plant essences were also used to treat both physical and mental health problems by the Egyptians. In China, India and the East, the therapeutic benefits of plant essences were acknowledged by doctors.

Today, the practice of aromatherapy involves essential oils and treatments that have a chemical effect on the body and are not just about the smell. This can be carried out when used in a massage, in a bath, in the air or in hair care products. Some oils have been used in yoga and in meditation as a preventative medicine to prevent colds, flus, and other ailments.

So what are essential oils? They are the subtle, volatile liquids that are extracted from plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, bushes and seeds.

Aromatherapy products such as Rosemary and Geranium have been used for treatments of skin problems such as acne. Chamomile treats skin conditions such as eczema. Rose, Lavender and Neroli are good for treating dry chapped skin while Tea Tree is great for insect bites, athlete’s feet and other fungal infections.

Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme and Peppermint are used to treat respiratory ailments such as sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, the common cold and other types of nasal congestion due to allergies.

Peppermint and Rosemary have been used to relieve headaches. Anise, black pepper, Marjoram, and Ginger help treat migraines, arthritis, joint pains including backaches when massaged with the essential oils.

Rosemary can help with memory problems, whereas, Bergamot and Lavender have been known to help with Alzheimer’s disease, agitation and nervous legs.

Everyone can benefit in the use of essential oils. Their aromas have an emotional effect on us from relieving stress, anti-depression, grief, insomnia, fatigue, and digestion to name a few. This can simple be done by applying a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball, tissue or handkerchief, or on a pillow for a good nights’ sleep.

The first step in starting any regime is to read all the information you can on the product. You want to do a patch skin test if planning on applying the any substance directly on the skin. Start out using 3 or 4 aromatherapy products is recommended to get an idea of what possible benefits the essential oils have and will they help you achieve your goal. Keep any and all aromatherapy products away from children and pets. Your oils should be stored out of light and away from any source of heat.

https://youtu.be/I0rYk2DEjH0