The Evolution of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient art that is nowadays incorporated in our daily and accelerated life. Aromas are used for therapeutic and natural treatments that are important to re-establish our mind and body's balance and harmony. Oils can be used to purify and prepare a meditation place, to forget about daily thoughts and problems, and to get mental clarity. Also, aromatherapy helps in balancing or awakening the chakras through deep breathing.

The genesis of aromatherapy can be traced to ancient times. The earliest traces are from the fortieth century BC when the Egyptians used oil extracts to prepare medicines. They are credited with the art of extracting plant essences and heating them in clay bowls to then use in medicines and cosmetics. The use of aromas gained ground with invention of distillation by Greek alchemists. This invention propelled the cause of aromatherapy through extraction of essential oils.

Aromatherapy harmonizes physical, emotional and spiritual states of the body and works through the senses of scent and touch. Essences are produced from medicinal aromatic plants through the process of distillation. Each essence and oil has properties that are dependent on the mother plant. Some prominent uses are basil for headaches and migraines, bergamot for relaxation and anxiety, and cinnamon to stimulate the mind. Cinnamon also has aphrodisiac properties. Eucalyptus is known all over as a natural decongestant and clove is useful for quitting smoking. Many people use ginger for muscle pains as well as sexual exhaustion.

The growing popularity of aromatherapy has resulted in many little ways through which you can enjoy its benefits in your home or office. For example, you can use an aroma stove or an aroma ceramic ring. The stove is made of ceramic with a candle inside it. You are simply required to put 10 drops of your favorite essential oil ceramic bowl filled with water and light the candle. Similarly, in the ceramic ring you can fill it up with the essential oil and place it over any lamp. The heat of the lamp will spread in aroma to your home or office.

For direct use on the body, mix a few drops of essential oils with neutral oils such as sesame or almond or with any body cream and rub it directly for a wonderful massage. Oils can also be added in the water when bathing or they can be used as perfumes.

However, these oils should be used with caution as they can also have an adverse effects being quite powerful. For instance, you should never mix more than three oils and that too all of them should complement each other. Keep them out of reach of children and use only the advised oils in any situation. Like in pregnancy you would do well to avoid basil, camphor, clove, myrrh, rosemary, salvia, juniper, hyssop or marjoram. While rosemary or salvia, are to be avoided in epilepsy. Caution should also be used while sunbathing with these oils. Never sunbathe after applying orange, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or angelica on the skin.

Essential oils when used for aromatherapy result in great sensations to your mind and body. When used in the correct quantities, they do not have any side effect.

by Sulata Vilita

This article courtesy of http://www.aromatherapyniche.com