Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils which are intended to promote the health and well-being of an individual. Although the essential oils, which are extracted from plants, have very specific aromas which have been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, they also have numerous other important qualities and various oils may be antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic etc.
Essential oils have been used in perfumery and healing for many thousands of years, even before the ancient Egyptian times. The art of embalming was very dependent upon essential oils, and Greek warriors are known to have anointed themselves with oils before going into battle. Precious gifts in the Middle East 2000 years ago included myrrh and frankincense. In Europe in the middle ages, aromatic plants such as clove, cypress, sage and rosemary were burned in an effort to control plagues. The use of natural oils for both fragrance and healing purposes however started to die out in the early nineteenth century when scientists learned how to synthesize the plant oils for both perfumes and medicines. It was thought that the new synthesized products would take the place of the natural, more expensive substances, which accordingly fell out of favor. Since then of nature often provides a solution that is more suited to the task and with fewer side-effects.
In the early 1900's, a French chemist named Gattefosse was working in his perfumery laboratory when he suffered a severe burn to his hand. Wanting to immediately cool his burn, but not having any water within reach, he plunged his hand into a bowl of lavender essential oil. A few days later, and to his surprise, he found that his burns were healing very quickly and with minimal scarring. Gattefosse began to investigate the properties of the lavender oil, and then other essential oils, and he eventually became the principal authority on essential oils. Gattefosse is today credited with rediscovering the art of using essential oils from plants for 'health' purposes
Essential oils can enter the body through the air via the nose and bronchial passages. (Inhalation) or can be absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream using massage. (Absorption). Aromatherapy makes use of both inhalation and absorption. The power of smell is a verypowerful trigger to the human nervous system. Some aromas, such as newly cut grass, the sea breeze, etc. have evocative smells so powerful that simply reading the word can remind us of the aroma. An aroma usually has an immediate effect, which is why smelling salts can instantly revive. The nose contains tiny hair-like extensions of the brain which detect scent. The brain very rapidly interprets aromas that are inhaled.
It has long been known that certain smells or aromas have a sedative or soothing effect whilst others have a stimulating effect. A qualified aromatherapist uses essential oils to treat a surprising number of ailments. Although serious conditions should always be treated by a qualified practitioner or by a physician, many common ailments can be relieved and effectively at home with aromatherapy. You may in fact, soon come to regard essential oils as a vital part of your home first aid kit.
For self help, essential oils are most commonly used to relieve aches and pains, for relaxation and stress reduction, and for care, but they also have much wider possibilities. Many oils have proven antiseptic properties and can be used as first aid and as an ongoing treatment for cuts, burns, insect bites and bruises. Some other oils are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, etc. Oils with anti-fungal properties can be used in such conditions as athletes foot and other fungal infections. Some can be used as an aid in the overall management of more serious conditions, such as candida, arthritis and rheumatism. In addition, since the oils work through the brain to act on the emotions, they are very useful too not only for stress relief, but in cases of anxiety, overwork, stage fright etc.
Caution should be exercised when using the oils to treat children, in pregnancy etc. and there are some people for whom aromatherapy is not always suited. While essential oils may help to alleviate symptoms, people suffering from serious conditions should always seek expert advice from a qualified aromatherapist or from their family physician.