Aromatherapy is a holistic healing process for the body and mind with the use of fragrances. The basis of this therapy lies in the essential oils contained in plant materials. These can be found in leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, bark and resin. These oils are highly concentrated and when extracted, can either be used in a pure form or diluted and blended with other oils to produce the required strength.
Aromatherapy or the use of essential natural oils to heal the body and spirit is an ancient practice which was appreciated by many cultures of the world. Historical records reveal that the use of fragrant oils to treat ailments was popular in the ancient civilizations of India, China, Egypt, Rome and Greece to name a few. However, each culture used different methods to derive aromatherapy benefits. For example, in India the traditional use of essential oils was in the form of massage oils and medicinal concoctions while Egyptians used essential oils for bathing and in ancient Greece records one can even read about the use of aromatherapy incense.
Essential oils are medicinal and fragrant and travel through the blood stream reacting with hormones and enzymes. When the fragrance is inhaled the nerve ends in the nose transmit pleasurable signals to the brain which reacts to the positive power of the fragrant aroma inducing pleasant memories, restoring emotional balance and encouraging relaxation and energisation. Many of these fragrant oils have antiseptic and antitoxic qualities and often act as an antidote to viral infections, inflammations, aches and pains.
Today, items like aromatherapy diffusers and a variety of aromatherapy oils and candles are manufactured to use essential oils to their maximum advantage.
Essential oils that are popular today include the following.
* Angelica essential oil - used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments
* Bay Laurel oil - used to treat problems associated with the lymphatic system
* Basil oil - strengthens and supports the nervous system
* Bergamot oil - relieves depression and has calming properties
* Pepper oil - improves digestion and stimulates circulation
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