Caught between art and science Aromatherapy is one of the most popular forms of healing and relaxation in the world today. Not only do the oils and essences used in Aromatherapy have healing properties for the body they also have a therapeutic and calming effect on our minds. The plants, trees and flowers used in the preparation of Aromatherapy oils all have medicinal properties that can heal specific ailments and enhance our general well-being.
Rene Gattefosse fist coined the term 'Aromatherapy' in 1910 when he discovered the healing properties of lavender oil on a burn he had sustained in a laboratory accident. Of course the use of aromatic herbs and plants in healing, religious ceremony, sexual rituals and spiritual practices by the ancient peoples is well documented so Aromatherapy isn't something new.
These days, however, essential oils are so easy to manufacture and obtain and are sold in so many pharmacies and health stores that their use is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the toxicity of many orthodox medicines.
What is an Essential Oil?
The oils used in Aromatherapy are volatile aromatic essences that are found in an abundance of plants, trees and flowers due to their photosynthetic processes. When you smell a sprig of lavender, a rose or crush a lemon tree leaf or Cinnamon stick it is the essential oils that provide the wonderful smell and glorious feelings that we know so well.
Most of us will agree that is far more than just an aroma that is experienced when we do this. In ancient times alchemists believed that a plant's oils were its essence or soul and during the Renaissance these oils were used by herbalists and apothecaries.
The amounts of oil produced are fairly small and concentrated so it takes, for example, about thirty rose petals to produce a single drop of essential oil. Of course the amount of oil produced by each plant explains why the prices of these oils vary across a wide range with rose and jasmine oils being quite expensive! Remember the oil's energy or intensity may be correspondingly powerful so you only need to use a few drops of these fragrances for a healing effect.
Petals, peel, root, bark or seed are all used to manufacture essential oils.
