The Alternative Medicine Known as Aromatherapy

The Alternative Medicine Known as Aromatherapy

There are many forms of alternative medicine one of which is aromatherapy. The practice is centered around volatile plant materials, known as essential oils as well as other aromatic compounds that are made from plants and used to have an impact on an individual's physical or psychological health.

Essential oils are not the same as herbal preparations because oils are distilled from the plant elements of root, stem, leaves, and flower. The oils are rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, esters, aromatic compounds, non-terpene hydrocarbons, and other organic sulfides.

There are many uses for essential oils including being used along with massage therapy, as a topical application and as a preparation to be inhaled in steam. There are many other ways to apply these essential oils including by aerial diffusion, and also oral, rectal and vaginal routes.

Aromatherapy is practiced all over the world including China, France, Germany and the United States.

There are many claims made by those using aromatherapy including that it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antispasmotic, and antioxidant properties. There are many uses for essential oil such as to lift someone in depression or to relieve headaches by using Basil or by using citronella or bergamot as a insect repellant. Clove oil has been used in dentistry as a topical analgesic and also as an antiseptic, and a antispasmodic. Many individuals swear by Eucalyptus oil when they have a cold or the flu. Lavender oil is often used as an antiseptic or to soothe the irritation from minor cuts and burns.

Different parts of the plant is used in the essential oils for instance the fruit of the Hops plant is used and the flowers are used from Chamomile and Cannabis plants. The leaves are used in the Salvia, Lemon balm, Lavender, and also the Eucalyptus plants.

Many individuals use aromatherapy as a holistic way of caring for their body. The oils can alleviate tension and ease fatigue while invigorating the body. If you are anxious, depressed or fatiqued using certain essential oils can help to relax you and when inhaled the oils are absorbed through the lungs and travel to the bloodstream where they can affect the brain and nervous system. Essential oils have not only therapeutic and psychological value but physical benefits too. It is being recognized today as one of the fastest growing fields of alternative medicine. Hospitals and clinics are now using aromatherapy to ease pain and to calm patients.

Self-care products are also available for individuals to use. It is important to note though, that if you are using an essential oil for the first time that it is a real good idea to read all instructions and safety rules before using especially if you have any health concerns. When making your purchase of essential oils always be sure to buy from reputable companies that stand by their products and provide refunds. Check to be sure your product is pure and natural.

The History in Brief for Those Interested in Aromatherapy

Most individuals who are interested in aromatherapy are aware that it is a practice where plant oils are used to make a person physically or psychologically feel better. The term aromatherapy did not describe the use of volatile plant oils until approximately the 20th century. The history of the use of essential oils in aromatherapy is varied and interesting.

The practice of using the oils dates back though to almost 1,000 years. The people of China were among the first to understand the use of aromatic plants as they made use of burning incense in order to create harmony and balance. The Egyptians then invented a rude distillation machine that could extract cedarwood oil. History is clear on the fact, that the Egyptians used cedarwood oil, clove oil, oil of cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh to embalm their dead. The Egyptians used both distilled and infused oils. Much like today, the Egyptians used oils for herbal preparations to be used in spiritual ceremonies, for medicinal purposes, and for fragrance and beauty.

History mentions the use of essential oils by the Greeks and in particular by Hippocrates, who was commonly called the "father of medicine" who used both aromatic and medicinal plant oils. The Romans too the knowledge gained by the Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks and recorded the 500 or so plants; or specifically Discorides, a Roman, wrote a book, titled: De Materia Medica. In the book the properties of 500 or so plants were described in detail.

Advances were made in distilling the oils in the 12 century in Germany when lavender was distilled for its medicinal purposes. Followed by the pharmaceutical industry being born in the 13th century. During the 15th century there grew a larger base of knowledge about the use of plants for essential oils and more plants were distilled to create new oils such as the frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and also rosemary. The actual term, "essence" came from an alchemist named, Paracelcus. It wasn't until the 16th century that individuals could buy essential oils and they were termed as being an "apothecary". Later in the 20th century the use of essential oils began to be recognized for its medicinal use by a French chemist, RenÈ-Maurice GattefossÈ. He was later credited with coming up with the term, "aromatherapy" as he wrote an article titled: AromathÈrapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones vÈgÈtales. Much later the English version came into existance and it is still in print today. The English version is titled: GatefossÈs Aromatherapy.

Advances continued to be made in aromatherapy in the 20th century by other well-known aromatherapists including Jean Valnet, Madam Marquerite Maury, and also Robert B. Tisserand. Other popular books were written on Aromatherapy including, The Practice of Aromatherapy, and The Art of Aromatherapy, which was the first book on the subject to be printed in the English language.