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history of aromatherapy essential oils dates back to centuries
ago to ancient civilizations such as those of Egypt, India,
China and Greece. Different cultures had different uses for
essential fragrant oils and while aromatherapy candles had not
yet been developed, ancient aromatherapy products India included
herb-based incense sticks that were used for religious practices.
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The
phrase, 'essential oils' itself however was not coined till
sometime in the sixteenth century in some part of the Western
world.It was in that era that a German physician catalogued
the main essential oils that we know of today. Public interest
in the healing properties of essential oils was revived in
the early twentieth century in France when a French chemist
accidentally discovered the soothing properties of lavender
oil while working in his laboratory. The chemist had burnt
his hand and dipping it instantaneously into lavender oil,
which just happened to be lying close at hand, not only helped
to soothe his pain but also prevented scarring. This motivated
the French chemist, named Gattefosse to research and write
on the subject of Aromatherapy.
Today, items like aromatherapy diffusers and a variety of
aromatherapy oils and candles are manufactured to use essential
oils to their maximum advantage. Essential oils that are popular
today include the following.
- Angelica
essential oil - used to treat digestive and respiratory
ailments
- Bay
Laurel oil - used to treat problems associated with the
lymphatic system
- Basil
oil - strengthens and supports the nervous system
- Bergamot
oil - relieves depression and has calming properties
- Pepper
oil - improves digestion and stimulates circulation
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Aromatherapy
or the use of essential natural oils to heal the body and spirit
is an ancient practice which was appreciated by many cultures
of the world. Historical records reveal that the use of fragrant
oils to treat ailments was popular in the ancient civilizations
of India, China, Egypt, Rome and Greece to name a few. However,
each culture used different methods to derive aromatherapy benefits.
For example, in India the traditional use of essential oils
was in the form of massage oils and medicinal concoctions while
Egyptians used essential oils for bathing and in ancient Greece
records one can even read about the use of aromatherapy incense.
The primeval use of essential oils was revived in the early
part of the twentieth century when a French chemist burnt his
hand and reflexively immersed it into a bowl of lavender oil
which happened to be close at hand. The chemist, named Gattefosse
realized that the liquid had prevented scarring as well as soothed
his pain instantaneously. This sparked off his interest in essential
oils and Gattefosse went on to research and write on the subject
of the medicinal values of different essential oils.
Today, the health benefits of essential oils is well-documented
and these oils are used in many different ways such as one may
use aromatherapy candles or incense sticks, while others may
prefer to use massage oils. This form of therapy is also available
for children and aromatherapy for babies can offer relief from
colds and fever even at the stage when pharmaceutical medicines
are not advisable.
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