What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy as the name implies is the us of aromatic substances or essential oils derived from herbs trees, flowers and fruits, for their therapeutic effect.

Plants and herbs have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic effect, notably the Egyptians, who used oils of myrrh and frankincense in the embalming process to preserve the mummies for the after-life.

When we peel an orange, walk through a rose garden or rub a sprig of lavender between our fingers ware all aware of their unique aroma.  This smell is due to the essential oils found in them.  For example when you peel an orange there is so much essential oil held in  small pockets within the outer peel that is actually squirts out.  These tiny orange oil droplets are very volatile –easily evaporate and permeate the air with their recognisable aroma.

However not all plants yield as much oil for example it takes one ton of rose petals to produce 300g of rose oil. 

Essential oils have been described as the “life-blood” of the plant having  such rolls as protection from disease, part of the reproduction cycle and transpiration and life processes.

The term Aromatherapy or to pronounce it correctly Aromatherapie was first coined by Renee Gattfosse, whose family owned a perfumery in France.  Gattfosse on burning his hand in the laboratory explosion plunged his hand into a vat of lavender oil.  He discovered that his hand healed rapidly from the burn which led to his life-long study of the therapeutic properties of essential oils and the publishing of his book Aromatherpie.  Others followed in his research, notably. Dr Jean Valnet a former army surgeon who used essential oils to treat severe burns and battle injuries also used them to treat patients in psychiatric hospital.

How can aromatherapy help you?

Aromatherapy oils have such a diverse therapeutic effect on the mind, body and spirit – a truely holisitic effect, that to experience their true healing powers specifically for your needs you need to seek the expertise of a fully qualified aromatherapist.

They can be used in the home for first aid and symptomatic relief from such things as headaches, relaxation,mood elevator,aches and pains and much much more.

To receive my free booklet ( value £19 )  ‘Discovering how to use essential oils safely and effectively in the home’ please e-mail me at gillian@releasestress.co.uk