The history of Aromatherapy can be traced back as far as Ancient Egypt, where plant extracts were used as medicine, cosmetics and for ritual purposes.
The aroma of frankincense placed there over 3,000 years before could still be detected after the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened in 1922. And, of course, frankincense and myrrh were offered as gifts by the Magi, the three wise men, to the infant Jesus. This gives some measure of the value given them in the ancient world.
In the late tenth century, an Arab physician known in the west as Avicenna, was credited with having invented the process of the distillation of essential oils. The process was brought back to the West by the Crusaders and applied to our native plants.
The use of essential oils as a therapy flourished for a while, however, it had virtually disappeared by the beginning of the twentieth century. Then in the 1920’s, a French chemist, Rene’-Maurice Gattefosse , became interested in essential oils. He discovered that not only were they powerful antiseptics , they also had remarkable healing powers . Gattefosse, after severely burning his hand during an experiment in his laboratory, plunged his hand into pure lavender oil. Not only did it heal quickly, there was no infection and no scar. He continued his investigations and in 1928 wrote a book using the name aromathapie. The first English book on the subject was not published until 1977, written by Robert Tisserand. Since then aromatherapy has played a part in the resurgence of natural medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes treating the whole person ( mind, body, and spirit ) rather than just symptoms; using natural techniques there by taking responsibility for our health. Aromatherapy embodies all these principles.
The sense of smell is generally regarded as the least of the senses, yet research has shown that people respond to smell on an emotional level more strongly than to the other senses. It is believed that the effect of smell is so strong and immediate because the olfactory nerve is in direct contact with the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. The olfactory nerve cells terminate in the cilia, or tiny hairs in the nasal cavity. In return they respond to the stimulus of an aroma and transmit as direct impulse to the part of the brain where the memory and emotions lie. This is all connected to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands that govern our hormonal systems. A great more research on how the sense of smell works is still needed. There is little doubt that its effects on mind and body is amazing.
The essential oils and scents used in aromatherapy come from a wide variety of natural sources such as : herbs, flowers, leaves, wood, resin, seeds, fruit rind, roots and gum. They are extracted by using a number of methods often by steam distillation. The end result being a highly volatile oil and scent.
Aromatherapy can be used on all four levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual .Aromatherapy not only are found in oils, but can be found in Incense or candles that can be burned or in Potpourri liquid or bags to heat to give the same effect in Aromatherapy. Keep in mind, Aromatherapy oils must be dilute in carrier oil before use or before being applied to the skin. Various types of oil can be used and any cold-pressed vegetable oil will make a good base. The most recommended oils are; peach, apricot, grapeseed, almond, coconut, calendula, olive and wheatgerm. Any of these will, combined with the essential oil, make a great massage oil. Candles or Incense burned can also give the same effect as the oils, but the oils used in massage therapy gives and added effect and lift to the body, mind and spirit.
As discussed earlier in this article, frankincense, one of the highly valued essences from ancient times, can be used on the physical as well as emotional level. It has a warm, light, sweet fragrance and is useful for rheumatism, arthritis, cystitus and menstrual problems. Frankincense can also be used in cases of anxiety and stress.
Myrrh shares many of the characteristics and properties of frankincense, although it has a slightly more musky, bitter smell . It is used for canker sores and for healing cuts and wounds. It should never be used in pregnancy. Myrrh is also used for coughs, colds and bronchitis.
There are a number of ways essences can be used, such as, a full body massage, room scents in vaporizers, candles, incense, potpourri or they can be put in the bath water or inhaled from a pillow or a tissue.
Many of the citrus fruits can be used for aromatherapy. Lemon is a very refreshing and uplifting scent and is used for depression and fatigue. Besides its emotionally clarifying properties, the lemon juice is used to combat against colds, fever, flu and infections. Orange oils, coming from the rind, or orange has an up lifting quality. It is helpful in stress-related conditions and insomnia as well as being a very relaxing essence. It blends well with spicy oils such as clover, or with lavender and chary sage. Like most citrus oils it should never be used on the skin before exposure to the sun. Orange oil may be also oil for water retention. The grapefruit has similar qualities of the other citrus oils and may also be used as toner for oily hair and skin. It is also advisable to use this essence as soon as possible after purchase, because it loses its power more quickly then most oils.
Ylang-ylang is distilled from the flower of the tropical ylang-ylang tree. This sweet exotic sent is renowned as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac. It is a popular ingredient in many perfumes. A word of caution here though, it can be quite overpowering. Only a few drops should be used in a blend with other oils, as the strong scent may cause a headache.
Rose oil or scent has been prized for many years for its healing and regenerative powers. Its scent is heady and very feminine. It is linked for commonly with female problems such as regulating menstrual periods. The essence blends well with most other flowers essences. It works well in skin preparations and is said to have the power of rejuvenation! This oil or scent is one of the gentlest and has a stabilizing effect which works well on the heart, circulatory system and headaches.
Lavender oil or scent is very versatile and one of the safest essences to use, even for children. It is one of the few that can be used directly on the skin without being blended in carrier oil. It is both antiseptic and healing, especially burns, bites and stings. Lavender also has strong sedative and calming properties making it effective for tension , depression and insomnia . It should be noted that in the case of children , it would be better to apply the essence to the quilt or on the pillow, never to the child’s skin.
These are but a few of the essences and uses of aromatherapy. The effects to the body, mind and spirit are very beneficial . Aromatherapy is an excellent tool to be used in helping and maintaining meditation. It enhances the quality of life and contributes to the creation of a cheerful atmosphere. Aromatherapy is therefore a wonderful tool whether in oils, candles, potpourri, incense or any other form, these scents are beneficial for the beginner or those who practice the use holistically.