The Enticement of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a technique that utilizes the body's sense of smell to help boost moods, relieve stress and encourage better health. Various fragrant substances are used during aromatherapy sessions and each produces a different result. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used to help stimulate the body. Lavender and chamomile can help a person relax. Lemon and rosemary are effective at revitalizing a tired body.

The History of this practice

It is believed that the practice of inhaling essential plant oils has been around for more than six thousand years. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used essential oils. Imhotep, the Egyptian god of medicine and healing, suggested using fragrant oils for bathing, massage, as well as for embalming the deceased. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, also used aromatherapy for bathing and massages. In order to rid Athens of the plague, Hippocrates used aromatic fumigations.

The term aromatherapy was originally used by a French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, who spent the rest of his lifetime studying the healing abilities of essential oils after he suffered from an accident that took place in his perfume laboratory. When he accidentally set his arm on fire he plunged his arm into the closest cool liquid and he experienced unexpected relief from the pain. He also noticed that during the surprisingly quick healing process, the normal scarring of a burn of that magnitude did not appear. That liquid happened to be lavender oil. An associate of Gattefossé, Jean Valnet, continued researching the healing properties of essential oils and used them to treat soldiers that had gangrene.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

The scents used in in this form of “smell therapy” are numerous and are frequently used in lotions, inhalants, gels, candles, bath salts, vaporizers, perfumes and room sprays. It utilizes oils that have been taken from naturally-occurring resources. They are natural, nothing like the artificial scents that can cause allergies, and they are safe to use.

It does not have to cost a lot of money to get the benefits of aromatherapy. Simply purchase some aromatic candles, essential oils, bath oils or salts, and a burner or a diffuser, find a peaceful area of your home and you are set to go.

The practice of inhaling plant fragrances can improve your health naturally. It can be a natural substitute to some treatment choices like prescribed medicines or caffeine. When it is used correctly, there are few, if any, side effects. Most side effects are because a person may be susceptible to a particular component.

Inhaling plant oils can aid in easing slight muscle aches and joint pain. Aromatherapy can also aid the immune system, menstrual cramping, lower blood pressure, and headaches.

Common Essential Oils

There are more than ninety essential oils available, but only the top ten are listed below, along with their properties: Eucalyptus: uplifting, incisive, clear, crisp scent, customarily utilized as a decongestant cure.