Aromatherapy

The history of aromatherapy is basically unknown.  Some early Chinese writings suggest that the Chinese were probably the first to recognize the value of aromatherapy as a medicinal aid or cure.  However the ancient Persians and Egyptians can also claim to have understood the value of crushing flowers way back in 600 BC.  

Today it doesn't really matter who discovered the health and healing benefits of aromatherapy or who came up with the name.  We have all entered a room and smelt a distinct aroma that has either made us feel good or totally uncomfortable.  Walk into a florist and the aroma is incredibly pleasant.  However, walk into a public bathroom and the aroma is decidedly unpleasant, though many bathrooms have strong smelling cubes to mask the unpleasant smell of human defecation. 

Aromatherapy is the treatment of illness with highly concentrated doses of oil extracted from plants and trees.  Whether the oil is extracted from stems, leaves, flowers, bark or wood is immaterial.  There are tiny glands in all parts of the trees and plants that release their aroma slowly in nature.  To produce the essential oils and to use the aroma as a therapy trees and plants are crushed and/or heated.  This bursts the aroma glands releasing the aroma more quickly than nature meant and produces a stronger aroma or smell. 

There is a distillation process to extract the essential oils from the trees and plants.  How this distillation process works is unimportant for the end user or patient of the aromatherapist.  The aromatherapy patient is only interested in the medicinal benefits not the process of extraction. 

Oils can penetrate the skin through the sweat pores so essential oils are mainly used in the massage of the body.  There is a joint health benefit in both the massage and the inhalation of the essential oil aroma.  The oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream as well as directly through the nasal passages to the brain.  Aromatherapy in this instance is working on two fronts to heal the patient.  The same applies when the essential oil is put into a bath and the patient lies in the tub.  The warm water and steam both help to relax the patient.  Relaxation in all treatments of aromatherapy and other alternative medicines is a significant element to the healing process.  A relaxed body and mind aids in all healing. 

There are two aromatherapy essential oils, which should be mandatory in every household medicine cabinet.  They are tea tree and eucalyptus oil.  Tea tree oil is an antiseptic cleansing oil which can be used to treat minor skin abrasions, colds and sore throats.  Eucalyptus oil clears the nose and is good for headaches, muscular pain and fluid retention. 

Some of the most common essential oils used are basil, camphor, cedar wood, jasmine, lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary and of course, tea tree and eucalyptus.  There are hundreds of plants that have healing powers but as a generalization there are only about thirty that are most used. 

Aromatherapy can be applied without necessarily going to an aroma therapist.  It can be done at home.  Always be aware though that some people may be allergic to certain oils so it is advised to check first to ensure you are not allergic to any oil. 

Today there are an ever-increasing number of people looking to alternative medicines for healing.  Aromatherapy is just one of those alternatives offering people better health through natural healing.