Aromatherapy: A True Gift From Nature

Aromatherapy is the treatment of the body and the mind. It uses scents and essential oils derived from aromatic plants. 

The History of Aromatherapy

The art of aromatherapy had been practiced since the earliest times. Even before the term alternative medicine was formally used, aromatherapy was already being practiced 5000 years ago. Aromatic oils had been used to treat and cure various ailments and conditions.

In the ancient times, the kings would dispatch people deep into the jungles, often far away from the kingdom in search of herbs with medicinal qualities. As kings and kingdoms were lost in oblivion, so was the practice of collecting herbs. With the renewed interest in herbs and aromatherapy, scientists are now researching herbs located in different parts of the world. The research of these scientists is brought to the benefit of common people in the form of aromatherapy treatments.

A multitude of herbs sourced from all corners of the world, in raw form as well as mixed with several preparations are available at aromatherapy stores. We can benefit from any kind of aromatherapy products. Aromatherapy essential oils, herbs, ayurvedic preparations and herbal teas are available to help improve our well-being.

The Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatments. An essential oil is the essence of plants, derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which only a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect. 

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé.Gattefossé is also credited with coining the term ‘aromatherapy’. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil. 

Aromatherapy has become the alternative medicine of choice for the busy society we live in. As we mentioned, aromatherapy has been practiced from ancient times to cure various ailments. It still treats these same ailments as well as curing newer ailments of our times like stress and anxiety. It is also used quite widely as an alternative for cosmetics. It is also widely used as a natural beauty treatment. It is a good replacement. Because the essences of aromatic plants are completely natural.  

It is also very effective in making us feel good mentally and physically. It affects our senses. What we see, touch, and feel affects us in our daily life either in a positive, negative or a neutral way. Aromatherapy slots in as a positive influence. It treats our mind and body through our sense of smell, restoring balance when we need it most.

Using Essential Oils in Daily Life

There are many ways to incorporate essential oils in your daily life. They are absorbed through our skin during massage or while bathing in water. If you feel stressed, plants like lavender will help you to relax. If you breathe the lavender scent, it will soothe you. If you feel low in energy, essences like mint will make you spring back into action. They act as stimuli on the brain provoking a reaction.

Putting a reed diffuser on your working desk, will help you relieve stress or boost your mood. Some essential oils such as lemon, oil, orange, rosemary, eucalyptus will promote mental clarity during working hours. Lavender, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang ylang will help you relieve stress and calm your body.

Book in for an aromatherapy facial or massage on Vaniday, you’ll be surprised to see the difference when you’re done!

Even cats and dogs like the effects of aromatherapy. Play around with them — perhaps you will find it to have even more beneficial uses in the future!

Feeling stressed? Or just need to unwind? 

Follow VaniZine’s tips to relieve stress and enjoy your existence.