The one between essential oil and aromatherapy is a combination that has its roots in ancient times, let's now find out how this practice has evolved, what are the essential oils most used and why.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve physical and mental health and well-being. The history of aromatherapy dates back thousands of years, with the first uses recorded in ancient Egypt, China and India.
Egyptian civilization since 2800 a. c testifies to us through his papyrus manuscripts the use of herbs, natural extracts and essential oils . Their preparations of oils and balms were used in cosmetic art, in embalming processes, as therapeutic remedies and in temples.
The ancient Chinese herbal tradition instead refers for centuries to therapeutic practices associated with acupuncture, although certain aromatic substances were also used in ceremonies and rituals.
In India aromatic substances were used for spiritual and liturgical purposes, as well as for therapeutic purposes; the collection of this important knowledge comes down to us through traditional Indian medicine or ayurvedic.
Where does the term aromatherapy come from?
It was the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefossé in 1928 who coined the term "aromatherapy" after casually experimenting the healing properties of essential oil of Lavender to heal a severe burn on the hand.
In the following years, doctors and scientists deepened their research aimed at the use of essential oils whose use spread over time in therapeutic treatments aimed at the well-being of the body, mind and spirit.
How to use essential oils in aromatherapy
aromatherapy is therefore based on the use of pure essential oils extracted from plants, flowers, fruits, woods and resins for the treatment not only of the emotional sphere, but also of the physical one. The combinations of constituents contained in essential oils in fact interact with the chemistry of our body exerting an influence on our organs and general systems.
The most common methods of applying aromatherapy are:
- through inhalation using a diffuser or a candle burner
-
through massage with skin application of essential oils diluted in carrier oil.
Among the most used essential oils in aromatherapy there are Lavender, Peppermint, Sweet Orange and
Lavender essential oil is known for its relaxing and soothing properties, and is often used to help induce sleep and calm the 'anxiety. It can be diffused in the bedroom before bed or added to a vegetable oil for a calming effect.
Rosemary essential oil is known for its stimulating and toning properties; diffused in the environment improves concentration and memory.
sweet orange essential oil can help improve mood and promote feeling of well-being. Thepeppermint essential oil diffused in the environment is very effective for relieving headaches and in topical application it performs a action analgesic indicated to soothe discomfort and muscle pain. Since ancient times man has drawn from nature for his well-being and through aromatherapy you can try it too! To learn more about the main properties of essential oils, consult the summary table given in this article. If you have any doubts, questions or curiosities contact us! Always remember that to use essential oils safely and effectively it is always important to follow the recommended doses and contact a professional in the sector for personalized advice.
