aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Basics

Aromatherapy is a physical and psychological healing method that is not new, but is experiencing a revival. The ancient Chinese, American Indians, and many other cultures have used herbs throughout time for medicinal purposes.

Today, it has been alternative health practitioners and New Agers who promoted the use of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has many uses, and comes in many forms. It can help you heal your mind, body, and spirit.

People use aromatherapy to solve a variety of conditions from the most severe medical conditions to a simple need for relaxation. Most commonly, you will find people who use aromatherapy products to feel better about themselves and their lives. People who light a scented candle, poor scented oil into a bathtub, or burned incense are using aromatherapy to try to relax or soothe their tired souls.

It is believed that aromatic herbs were used in 16th century England to ward off the black plague. From what little I know of English history, it must not have worked very well. Still, there have been many cultures who have used herbs to heal wounds, cure diseases, and even to worship their gods.

Some of the plants that are used in aromatherapy include Juniper, rosemary, sage, and lavender. These are all used in cooking as well, due to their aromatic nature. Modern aromatherapy distills the very essence of these and many other plants into what we call "essential oils". Essential oils are simply a super concentrated substance derived from these plants.

In order to use essential oils, they normally need to be diluted with water or unscented oils. They can then be inhaled through aromatherapy inhalers or rubbed on the skin. When inhaling any vapors that contain essential oils, be cautious and use a light dosage of the oil, because too high of a concentrate can be dangerous for your health.

One of the simplest ways to take advantage of aromatherapy is to buy a scented candles. Many companies now sell candles that are designed to help you with certain things. These contain specific scents targeted to your ailment. Many studies have been done on the effect that scents have on the human brain, but that is the subject of an entirely different article.

Aromatherapy massages are popular as well. These involve getting massaged with oils that have been mixed with essential oils. If you’re interested in relaxation, this gives you the dual benefit of the relaxing aromas along with the massage.

I’ve mentioned relaxation a lot because it’s a great use of aromatherapy. Whether you need to unwind from a stressful day, or you’re visiting a spot for a long weekend, choosing aromatherapy to help you relax is never a bad choice.