Aromatherapy - The Wonderful World of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is defined as a form of alternative medicine based on the use of essential oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with healing properties. The use of aromatherapy dates back to the Egyptians. Cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, myrrh and nutmeg were found in an Egyptian tomb. Though the fragrances of these essential oils were faint when the tomb was opened in the twentieth century, it was still there. The Egyptians are also given credit for the term perfume. Though the practice of aromatherapy goes back centuries the term aromatherapy was not used until the twentieth century.

For many centuries essential oils have been used for all sorts of ailments in the art of aromatherapy. What we would consider now to be old wives ways are incorporated into aromatherapy. Chamomile essential oil has been known for its ability to help us feel calm and help us to sleep. This is one of its aromatherapy properties. The same thing is said for lavender essential oil. Peppermint essential oil has been used for digestive issues. Things we have always known and heard from our grandmothers. Aromatherapy has been handed down from generation to generation.

When using aromatherapy there is a wide variety of methods to applying the essential oils. It may be recommended by some aromatherapist that you take essential oils internally. This is usually the exception rather than the rule. Essential oils are usually used in other methods. Aromatherapy typically uses essential oils in a bath. It could be a full bath, or a small foot bath. Essential oils are usually added to the bath at the very last minute. Essential oils are also used in steam inhalation. This is where essential oils are added to a container of hot water. The person inhales the steam from the water and essential oil mix. There are also compresses and salves that can be made with essential oils for aromatherapy uses. Essential oils can also be applied "neat". This simply means that they are applied directly to the skin. Either undiluted or diluted with carrier oil.

Safety in aromatherapy is vital. Allergic reaction is always a possibility. A skin patch test is advised for anyone using essential oils. You can dilute the essential oil with good quality carrier oil and apply to a patch of the skin. Wait twenty-four to forty-eight hours to see if there is any allergic reaction. Another safety key in aromatherapy is the quality of your essential oil. Always buy from a reputable company. Know your sources. When treating someone with aromatherapy you want only the purest quality essential oil. Another is knowing your botanical names for the essential oils you are using in aromatherapy. There are a lot of different plants that may go by similar names. They may have different aromatherapy properties.

If you are new to aromatherapy my suggestion to you would be to read as much as you can about it. It is a fascinating subject. There are many written works on aromatherapy out there to study from. If you are at all interested in taking classes I would advise you to seek out a reputable, certified school. The one I recommend would be Australasian College of Health Sciences. They are one of many schools out there offering a great education in Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful world of scents and aromas. Essential oils are made from all types of plants. From Jasmine to Garlic, the array of essential oils used in aromatherapy is numerous. Enjoy the fragrances and the healing powers of aromatherapy.