The fragrant substances used in aromatherapy are called essentials oils. An essential oil is a substance that is extracted from natural source such as, plants (flowers, buds, stems, stalks, leaves, and roots), herbs, and trees. Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years. Centuries ago, essential oils were prepared in China and India and used in medicines and cosmetics.
Furthermore, the Egyptians taught the Greeks who in turn transmitted their knowledge to the Romans and so on, and the knowledge of essentials oils and their odorous powers traveled the world. In one of the oldest medical books that exist from the twentieth century, the Emperor Kiwang Ti had already studied and noted the effects of opium and rhubarb, and their properties remains as we know them today. Wherever plant materials are found, chances are the essences of essential oils are used for various reasons.
The Origins of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a two-part word. ‘Aroma’ literally means a distinctive odor; usually this definition is referring to a pleasant odor. The word ‘therapy’ means a treatment for conditions, and is usually reference to some kind of hands-on procedure, although therapy could be mental, spiritual or physical, it all depends on the needs and type of treatment.
A French chemist created the word ‘aromatherapy.’ The story goes that in the early 20th century, a French chemist, by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé, was working in his laboratory when he sustained a burn on his arm, without hesitation grabbed the nearest bottle of oil, and poured some on the burn. It was Lavender oil. Shortly afterwards his discovered that the oil not only quickly relieved the burn, but also healed the wound with minimal scaring. He discovered that essential oils had healing powers and this began his investigation into the healing properties of essential oils. He needed a name for the healing experience and called it ‘aromatherapy.’ From this time in history to the present day, the term ‘aromatherapy’ is used and refers to treatments using essential oils.
As already mention, an essential oil is a substance that is extracted from natural sources such as, plants (flowers, buds, stems, stalks, leaves, roots), herbs and trees and now-a-days with the advancement of scientific methods and techniques, substances can be extracted from just about any natural and organic material. The essences extracted from these natural sources are generally colorless, acidity, inflammable, soluble in alcohol, oils, water, volatile and most are very odoriferant. These substances are not oils, but they appear oily, hence the name essential oils.
How Essential Oils are Used Today
In these contemporary times, essential oils have many uses. To name a few, they are added to perfumes, cosmetics and other toiletries, candles and incenses, household cleaning products, and even over- the- counter medications. However today, the chemically processed essential oils are also available. Chemically process essentials oils came about during the 19th century as scientific methods techniques and became more sophisticated. As a result, today there are plenty of natural and organic essential oils as well as synthetic aroma scents available.
Essential oils are a very important part of any therapy because they have anti-bacterial, anti-microbic, and anti-virus properties. This makes them every useful during the different seasons of the year. Eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, and lavender have antiseptic properties/actions and are good to use during the winter season. Essential oils used in aerosols for an aromatic essence can help disinfect the atmosphere by reducing the number of germs. Essential oils also protect against it unwanted insects and help to heal the bites. Lastly, aromatics can be used in cooking, for example, lemon, clove, cardamom, and ginger.
Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is a treatment using natural fragrant plant oils, applied topically usually in association with massage. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with other alternative healing methods as well as estheticians, and the like. The combination of all of the therapies combined has the most beneficial effects for mental, emotional, and physical spiritual conditions. In addition, for therapeutic uses, the aroma from the extracts of essential oils can be inhaled or some can be taken orally, however most essential oils are applied to the skin.
The therapeutic uses of essential oil are many. It very relaxing to have the office or home scented with aromatic oils. The aroma of the oils works with the mental faculties and help to ease tension and reduce stress. Aromatherapy can help with mental and emotional distress, insomnia, and ease the pain and discomfort of musculoskeletal conditions. There are endless uses for aromatherapy in wellness or for therapeutic purposes.