It involves the use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, the extracts from the naturally occurring grasses, weeds, and plants, etc.
Some experts by using the scent and aroma such plants bear treat several physical and mental ailments.
History reveals that the aromatherapy can be dated back to the times of the Egyptians. People often burned scented candles that gave off an exquisite aroma to honour their gods.
Ancient Egyptians believed the smoke of incense could carry their prayers and wishes to their gods.
They would later use essential oils in the preservation of their bodies of those who died. In other words, they used these for the development of the mummification process.
At first, people from ancient times used the essential oils as perfumes, fragrances, and even as sunblock.
Humanity would have to wait until the 20th century to discover a lot more of these oils’ benefits.
By that time the works of the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé would help Dr Jean Valnet to understand how to use the essential oils to treat psychiatric conditions.
A few years later, the biochemist Madame Marguerite Maury took an interest in what would in time become the modern aromatherapy.
After reading the research of Dr Chabenes (teacher of René-Maurice Gattefossé) wrote about the findings of her own regarding aromatherapy and its benefits.
Her work would later go on by the hands of her student, Danièle Ryman, who decades after became a world-renowned expert in this field.
But ultimately, the works of Gattefossé and Valnet were the ones that influenced Robert Tisserand to write the first book of aromatherapy in English
This book entitled “The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs” became the source of inspiration and reference for modern experts on aromatherapy
Now people know how to use essential oils to relieve their minds and bodies from stress and anxiety, which helps in meditation and relaxing.
Some medical experts go as far as to prescribe aromatherapy for persons suffering from insomnia.
As mentioned above, these essential oils and herbal extracts not only alter the mood of a person, but they are also helpful in treating several physical ailments as well.
Why do we need to avoid stress?
Stress is one of the most contributing factors for the mental and physical health deterioration of a person.
Often, People who get involved in stressful work environments suffer from depression, weight loss, and insomnia. They find it very difficult to focus on their work.
And stress ultimately leads to cardiac complications such as heart attacks.
Fortunately, aromatherapy is an excellent option available to us to counteract the effects of stress. Scented candles and essential oils get used in spas and yoga clinics.
The scents contain compounds that help relax the mind and relieve the body from stress.
Finding the right aromatherapy treatment for yourself
There are different types of essential oils available as per the requirement of the user.
For example, if someone wants to relax and have a peaceful sleep, then chamomile and lavender are two excellent options as they produce a soothing and calming effect on the body.
On the other hand, if one feels lethargic and in low spirits all day long then the use of rosemary, peppermint and basil are recommended. Their application will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated in no time.
As discussed above, aromatherapy helps us in dealing with the problems created by stress. Diabetes, high blood pressure and mental breakdowns all manifest from stress.
Rose, vanilla and geranium extracts can help a great deal in this regard. The sweet scent will help reduce the stress levels of the mind and promote a happier mood.
Thus we can see that aromatherapy is an excellent option for us to avail. There are many perks associated with it as we have discussed.
However, the most significant perk, in my opinion, is that all the products that we would be using are 100% natural.
There would be no artificial additives. Hence the chances of having any side effects are reduced to a great extent.
So make sure you give aromatherapy due consideration. Who knows, maybe it is just what you need to turn your life around.