Aromatherapy is the use of scents in the form of essential oils for healing purposes. Essential oils are concentrated extracts of a particular plant and come in many different varieties depending on the desired scent and outcome.
Although the first thing that comes to mind when hearing aromatherapy is smell, applying the essential oils to one’s person is also a very common method used, and is also beneficial. I would strongly advise against consuming any essential oils however, as this could be very hazardous to your health if you are not certain what you are ingesting is safe.
Whether the essential oils are inhaled or applied on the skin, the practice of using the oils is becoming very popular. Aromatherapy is becoming recognized as an alternative treatment for infections, stress, and other health problems.
Despite the fact that in most cases scientific evidence is still lacking. Like I mentioned above there are different oils that produce different effects. Some produce physical effects such as curing infections, or reducing swelling. Others produce mental effects such as relaxation and stress relief, and others can just make your home smell more pleasant.
History of Aromatherapy
The practice of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes has been around for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and various medicinal applications.
Essential oils were most commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic purposes, but were also used in rituals and for general hygiene. The practice started to become popular in the West in the 1980s, and now many products, from perfumes to incense to candles are being labeled and sold as aromatherapy products. One must pay close attention when purchasing some of these products.
Make sure that the item contains actual essential oils and not artificial scent. You will not receive the same benefits from the artificial or synthetic product that you will from pure essential oils.Scientific research has yet to prove exactly how the smell of these essential oils work but advocates assure that it does.
Researchers believe that it has something to do with the scents reacting with different parts of the brain creating physical or emotional responses, but this has not been proven. Solid scientific proof aside, many people give high praise to the practice.
Maybe it is exactly what you need to bring a little peace to your home and life. Do you research and go ahead give it a try.
