No one really used the word “aromatherapy” much before 1928. That said, however, man has been using the aromatic characteristics of plants for perfumes, medicines, and incense for thousands of years. Essential oils derived from a distillation process were originally created by the Egyptians, and “The Father of Medicine”, Hippocrates, literally made a study of their effects on humans.
The very first modern day application of essential oils may well have been somewhat accidental in nature and was executed by a French chemist when he burned his arm and immediately submerged it in a vat of lavender oil, which he just happened to have on hand. The burn healed not only with minimal scarring but with amazing speed – and thus modern day essential oils were born.
Origins of Aromatherapy
Though the Egyptians may have come up with it first, the Greeks wasted no time borrowing the concept of using aromatic oils as relaxation and healing techniques. Following that, the Romans, not to be outdone, developed and perfected the art of the extraction and distillation of aromatic floral waters and used this knowledge in the application of natural medicines.
The Persian civilization further perfected the method of the distillation process to derive not merely aromatic waters but true essential oils (circa 1000 AC). The Renaissance served to further the use of essential oils and, consequently, aromatherapy. Eventually, Europe started selling essential oils – and an industry was born.
Popular Uses of Aromatherapy
Today the art of aromatherapy is studied around the world. These studies include the use of aromatherapy to balance one’s emotions, as natural perfumery, to create healthier skin medically, to promote well-being, and to medicinally treat the physical body.
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
A list of aromatherapy’s health benefits goes on and on. Some of the treatments currently being applied are to increase circulation, improve digestion, reduce pain, strengthen the immune system, induce sleep, boost cognitive performance, eliminate headaches, speed up the healing process, boost energy levels, ease depression and reduce anxiety. Additionally, aroma oil-based therapies are sometimes used to treat repetitive movement injuries, strains and sprains, and with a massage during pregnancy or childbirth.
Methods of Aromatherapy
There are any number of application/introduction methods. As just mentioned, aromatherapy oils can be used for massages. Lotions, oils, and creams are applied topically. Aromatherapy oils are frequently placed in baths. Three to seven drops added to boiling water creates a method of steam aromatherapy, introduced through inhalation.
Aromatic spritzers can be created through the combination of water and essential oils. Electric diffusers are sometimes used in aromatherapy. And as additional methods of aromatherapy through inhalation are concerned, these are the most used: inhaler tubes, cotton balls or handkerchiefs, smelling salts, directly from the bottle, or direct palm inhalation.
At Plant Guru, we have a vast array of essential oils, natural oils, and incense which can be utilized for aromatherapy. Shop with us now!