History
The history of aromatherapy is reputed to date back as far as 6000 years, although the term aromatherapy ("aroma" meaning fragrance and "therapy" meaning treatment) wasn’t coined until the 20th Century. The ancient Chinese, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils.
The ancient Egyptians used plants for religious rituals; it was believed that certain smells could raise higher consciousness or promote a state of tranquility. As time went on, the Egyptians continued to refine their use of aromatics in medicine, cosmetics, incense and perfumes.
The ancient Chinese were using some form of aromatherapy at or around the same time as the Egyptians. They used herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense to show their respect to God.
The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils. They used them for medicines and cosmetics. Aromatherapy came of age when they took medicine into a new light 2000 years ago.
Hypocrites (400 BC), who was commonly known as the "Father of Medicine", was the first to study essential oils' effects. He believed that a daily aromatic bath and scented massage would promote good health.
The Romans built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks and became well known for scented baths followed by aromatic oil massage.
It was during the 19th century that scientists in Europe began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans.
Rene Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, began research into the healing powers of essential oils in the early 1900’s after he accidentally burned his hand in his laboratory. On reflex, he immersed his burned hand in the closest liquid which happened to be lavender oil. He was quite impressed by how quickly the burn healed without infection and with no visible scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the word "aromatherapy".
As a result of Gattefossé’s experiments, Dr. Jean Valet used essential oils to treat the injured soldiers during world war two with great success.
Since then, there has been numerous studies and books published on aromatherapy and the healing powers of essential oils. The late 1970’s / early 1980’s brought about the use of essential oils and aromatherapy as a major part of alternative and holistic healing across the world.
Essential Oils
Simply put, essential oils are the "heart" of aromatherapy. Essential or "essence" oils (as they are sometimes called) are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essence of plants. These oils are extracted from various parts of a plant, including the stem, leaf, flower, bark, fruits and even the root.
When handling and storing essential oils, special care must be exercised. They should be kept in dark air-tight glass bottles, and free from exposure to heat or extreme temperature fluctuations which can cause the oil to oxidate.
| Ten Basic Essential Oils |
|---|
| Lavender | overall first aid oil; antiviral and antibacterial, boosts immunity, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic |
| Chamomile | anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, digestive, relaxant, antidepressant |
| Marjoram | antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic |
| Rosemary | stimulating to circulation, relieves pain, decongestant, improves circulation |
| Tea tree | antifungal, antiyeast, antibacterial |
| Cypress | astringent, stimulating to circulation, antiseptic, astringent |
| Peppermint | digestive, clears sinuses, antiseptic, decongestant, stimulant |
| Eucalyptus | decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial, stimulant |
| Bergamot | antidepressant, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory |
| Geranium | balancing to mind and body, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory |
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