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More on Aromatherapy
By Wendy | June 13, 2008
Aromatherapy is a popular form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils – which are volatile liquid plant materials – and other aromatic substances that are extracted from plants. Aromatherapy affects a person’s health and mood. An aroma is known to have an effect on the brain, as well as a direct pharmacological effect.
Aromatherapy can be given in several different ways. The most common ways that the treatment can be presented are as massage oils, medicines, or even as candles. Aromatherapy in candles has become very popular over the last few years. This is evident in the fact that you can see several different companies have begun to manufacture their own line of aromatherapy candles.
The treatment can be traced back to over six thousand years ago. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have all been found to use aromatherapy oils. Imhotep, who was an ancient Egyptian physician, had recommended fragrant oils to use for bathing, massage, and even embalming the dead. The use of plant extracts in aromatherapy, however, is only a recent advance in the practice, within the last one hundred years. A French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, coined the term “aromatherapy†in the 1920s. An accident in his perfume laboratory caused him to devote his time to carrying out research of the healing properties found in essential oils.
There are several modes of application in aromatherapy for the essential oils. The first is aerial diffusion, which works just as an air freshener/deodoriser would. Direct inhalation – breathing in the oils directly – is used to treat decongestion and works as a respiratory disinfectant. It can also be topically applied to the skin, for skin care or treatment of damaged skin, or as a general massage or bath oil. The last mode of application is orally or as a suppository for treating infection.
Aromatherapy is treat differently around the globe. In English-speaking countries, emphasis is placed on oils in massage, to be used complementarily alongside mainstream Western medicinal practices. In other continental countries, especially France from where the modern form of aromatherapy originated, the practice is integrated into mainstream medicine. In France, emphasis is placed on the antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties of the essential oils, and some are even used as prescription drugs and administered by regular doctors.
Basil is often used in perfumery, as it has a mildly spicy and gives off a sweet-smelling aroma. It is used an aide for improving concentration, and even has been found to have an uplifting effect on depression, as well as being able to relieve headaches and migraines. Bergamot is another popular oil, as it has a very practical purpose as a successful insect repellent. Black pepper can stimulate bodily circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus provides relief for congested airways when suffering from cold or flu. Jasmine is used as an aphrodisiac.
Many different oils hold different purposes and uses, and all can have very positive results in aromatherapy when administered correctly. Give aromatherapy a try and you are sure to see the difference.
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