Many are flocking behind the newly found/rediscovered healing properties of essential oils. A study conducted by M. Shahbandeh shows that there will be a demand for 404.2 kilotons for essential oils in the year 2025, which is twice as high as it was in 2018 (226.9 kilotons). It is for good reason as essential oils have significant benefits for health and personal care.
There are many ways to treat the body using essential oils, and aromatherapy is one of them. The article below will help you explore the art of aromatherapy.
What is Aromatherapy?
Origins of Aromatherapy
Although aromatherapy seems like a modern-day treatment, it has been around for thousands of years. Ancient eastern kingdoms such as China, India, and to an extent, around Egypt used plant-based components in the preparation of their balms, resins, and oils. They were used from rituals to ointments.
Although the east where the first to use plants for ailments, the credit for essential oils falls towards the Persians. During the 10th century, Persians discovered the process known as distillation. However, Germans were the first to publish information regarding the process of distillation of essential oils in the 16th century. And the French physicians of the 19th century were the first to start using essential oils for treating diseases.
Although the surge of chemical advancement in drugs turn people towards them in the 19th century, the French and German doctors still viewed essential oils as a potential cure for diseases.
Aromatherapy is a term coined by a French chemist and perfumer René-Maurice Gattefossé. He first used the term in his book that was published in 1937. He began exploring the realm of essential oils after witnessing how lavender can be used for treating burns. René-Maurice Gattefossé talks deeply about how essential oils can be used to treat medical conditions.
How does aromatherapy work?
The aromatherapy works on your sense of smell and the ability of your skin to absorb the essential oils. Tools that help the process are:
- Bath bombs
- Aromatic spritzers
- Aroma diffusers
- Inhalers
- Bath salts
- Facial steamers and many more
Benefits of Aromatherapy
The benefits of aromatherapy vary depending on the essential oils that have been in use. Some of the common benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Better sleep
- Soothe sore joints
- Reduces stress, agitation, and anxiety
- Alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy
- Relieve headaches and migraines
- Fight bacteria, virus, or fungus
- ease discomforts of labor
- Improves digestion
- Boost overall immunity of the system
Popular Essential Oils
Each oil has varying effects on the body. Some of the most popular essential oils and their benefits for aromatherapy are:
Clary Sage
- Relaxes the body
- Aids with menstrual cramps
- Aphrodisiac
- Antispasmodic
Cypress
- Treats Respiratory Complaints
- Relives Muscle Pain
- Edema
- Cellulitis
Eucalyptus
- Expectorant
- Relives Congestion
- Clearing to the mind
- Energizing
Fennel
- Digestive
- Antimicrobial
Geranium
- Fixes hormonal imbalance
- Antimicrobial
- Nerve Pain
Ginger
- Digestive
- Eliminates Gas
- Rids Constipation
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Immune Modulator
Helichrysum
- Boosts the healing process of cells
- Wound healing
- Aids bruises and swellings
Lavender
- Skincare, Supple skin
- Reduces anxiety
- Treats burns
- Treats Insect Bites
Peppermint
- Relieves Nausea
- Analgesic for Muscular Aches and Pains
- Relieves and Reduces Migraines
Rosemary
- Fights Colds and Flu
- Clears the Mind
- Circulatory Stimulant
Tea Tree
- Supports/Enhances Immune System
- Antiviral
- Antibacterial
Chamomile
- Sedative
- Relieves Anxiety/Stress
- Treats Insomnia
Most essential oils mentioned are readily available and can be found at your local pharmacies and supermarkets. They are easy to get your hands on and can be extremely beneficial.
