What is Aromatherapy?

Although the term ‘Aromatherapy’ was not coined until the 20th century, the practice itself has been around for centuries. The Chinese were one of the first cultures to practice aromatherapy, followed by the Egyptians and the Greeks. Nevertheless, in the early 20th century, a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé introduced aromatherapy--the use of essential oils by means of medicinal treatment.

It wasn’t until 1977, that a book titled The Art of Aromatherapy was published in the English language. Thus, the introduction of aromatherapy to westerners. These essential oils continue to be employed by therapeutic remedies, cosmetics, and for the benefit of aroma.

Aromatherapy is a practice which employs plant oils, including ‘essential oils’ for a person’s physical and psychological well-being. These essential oils are the purest “essence” of each plant. There is a large number of essential oils. In fact, over 90 essential oils are utilized in the practice of aromatherapy.

Unfortunately, many people confuse ‘perfume oils’ with ‘essential oils.’ These are not one in the same. Perfumed oils contain unnatural chemicals which do not provide the natural benefits that essential oils do. It’s very important that you read the labels of each product before purchasing them. If you seek therapeutic benefits, you want to purchase essential oils.

Perhaps we stress this because essential oils are intended to be breathed into the lungs for a true physical and psychological benefit. These aromas stimulate the brain and senses and can either cause an uplifting feeling or a feeling of total relaxation.

If you intend to use these essential oils on the skin, never apply them in their full concentration. They can be diluted with vegetable oils to apply to the skin. By using this method, the vegetable oil acts as an adhesive, so the scent ’sticks’ to the skin. Some of the most common ‘sticking’ oils are: grape-seed oil and sweet almond oil.

Perhaps you’d rather use your essential oils for a ‘home enhancer.’ These beautiful scents can offer your home a quick ‘pick me up.’ In order to achieve this effect, your oils should be diluted with water in a spray bottle. The spray bottle acts like an air freshener. Spray a mist into the air or on carpet for a fresh aroma.

You should be selective when shopping for aromatherapy products. Make sure that your essential oils are ‘all natural.’ Unfortunately, many products falsely claim that their ingredients are natural. Despite this, these product often contain chemicals that are harmful.