Aromatherapy is a technique that utilizes the aromatic compounds of plants called essential oils to achieve emotional and physical well-being. Although the term “aromatherapy” has been around only since the early 20th century, the concept has been in use for thousands of years. One of the first cultures to make use of aromatic plants were the Chinese who used incense to bring about feelings of harmony.
Although aromatherapy is based on the use of the purest essence of plants, they are often combined with other natural ingredients so that the soothing aromas can be delivered by many different means. This includes mixing them with sea salts and milk powders that can be used in a relaxing and therapeutic bath, vegetable oils and liquid waxes like jojoba that make up lotions and creams, and sugars for use as exfoliants. Synthetic ingredients are never used in true aromatherapy. Fragrance and perfume oils are made from chemicals and cannot provide the same calming benefits of essential oils. Many products on the market that claim to be aromatherapy products use only fragrance oils.
So how can an aroma be beneficial? The aroma of these essential oils triggers a reaction in the brain that brings about psychological benefits. When the aroma is inhaled deeply into the lungs, the natural chemicals of the plant from which the oils were derived can have a physically therapeutic affect. A perfect example is the use of eucalyptus oil to relieve congestion.
Aromatherapy does not cure illnesses, but can aid in relief of certain physical issues and temporarily relieve stress and alter mood. The idea of aromatherapy in medicine is to complement medical treatment, not replace it. For instance, many cancer patients use it to calm their fears and ease nausea.
More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of aromatherapy. The world is becoming much more health conscious than it was when the practice was first introduced. Stress is also a big factor in many people’s lives and the use of essential oils to help us become more energized or more relaxed is fast becoming more common.
