Aromatherapy Basics – How It Came To Be And Its Multiple Benefits And Applications
Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils and herbs, have long been used to help a person recover from a myriad of health issues. This practice is rooted in antiquity, going as far back as 4,000 years Before Common Era. Early settlers in Greece and Egypt made use of Frankincense essential oils to treat their sick and embalm their dead. It was believed that the smoke emanating from burned frankincense tears can ward off evil spirits and ‘cleanse’ a person’s immediate environment hence was a quite common sight in both the early settler’s homes and places of worship.
The practice of using herbs and essential oils in healing predates the coining of the ‘aromatherapy’ term by several millennia. It was first used in the 1920s by Réné-Maurice Gattefossé , who is a chemist. As story goes, he discovered the healing properties of lavender essential oil when he accidentally burnt his hand during an explosion in his lab. During World War I, he used his extensive knowledge on aromatherapy to treat wounded soldiers and in the 1950s healthcare professionals have began to use it alongside conventional medical management.
The actual dynamics of aromatherapy is not well understood, just the same, numerous researches attest to its efficacy. It is believed that the scents stimulate certain parts of the brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. Studies have shown that lavender essential oil has effects which are comparable to some sedatives in that it helps in calming the mind and promoting deep sleep. It is also used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herbs and essential oils used in aromatherapy have many different uses. Frankincense essential oil, for example, has been used hundreds of years to treat asthma, arthritis and colitis. Those with motion sickness, or suffering from frequent bouts of dizziness and vomiting can benefit from products which contain peppermint oil. Sage and fennel have been used to reduce the undesirable symptoms women experience with PMS and menopause.Several essential oils have found their way into several hygiene products and have also been used extensively in massage therapies. Testimonials of those who have used aromatherapy products are quite telling of the efficacy of these products.
Still, because these are therapeutics caution should also be exercised when using them. Lavender essential oil for example are known to increase photosensitivity as well, meaning, you carry a high risk of getting sunburned. People undergoing chemotherapy may also need to consult their doctor as some herbs and oils can interfere with treatment.
