Different human beings have been putting unnecessary drugs into there body to help them relax or to help there body heal. What some of the world is not aware of is that the mind is more powerful then these drugs. The body can and will be healed with the natural herbs of Mother Nature. These herbs will help to relax and stimulate the body.

The use of distilled essences of plants which prompts the well being and health of your mind, emotions, and body is aromatherapy (Wilson 3). Aromatherapy has been defined in many different ways but it basically is the process of diffusing scents into the air to make people feel better (aromatherapy). Aromatherapy is used to relax the body. Scientists have been studding the use of aromatherapy and came down to one conclusion, “Aromatherapy does relive stress” (aromatherapy).

Aromatherapy developed from the ancient practice of using different kinds of natural plant essences to promote a person’s health and well being as well. It consists of pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants. These have been distilled or cold-preserved from roots, bark, flowers, and fruit (what). History shows that aromatherapy has been a vital part of caring for the mind body and soul. Our ancestors have inhaled the sweet aroma, which was used to stimulate the mind. Aromatherapy started when a chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse became interested in healing the body by using all natural essential oils. He came across the technique of using distilled plants and fruits for a wonderful smell. His mind pondered on the question could this sensational smell stimulate the mind into relaxation. While pondering this question he decided he was going to do an experiment. He purposely burnt his hand and then took the lavender oil and rubbed it on his hand. In minutes the burning sensation was gone.

Soon enough the burn disappeared. He then realized that these distilled plants and fruits could heal not only burns but could heal the whole mind. He found out that these terrific oils and aroma could change a human’s emotion and put them to extreme relaxation in minutes (aromatherapy).

Aromatherapy is proven to reduce stress affectedly on human beings (What). Aromatherapy can ease the body and relive any discomfort your body is feeling, such as pains or any headaches (what). Aromatherapy does really work. Modern scientists have been doing research on aromatherapry and they have proven the healing evaluates different kinds of pure essential oils (you). “The appropriate oils can have powerful results, both on the body and spirit” (what). There are different aromatherapy products that work for different emotions and for different people. Whatever product you are using all relates on what kind of person you are. Different people may get different reactions. It is proved that aromatherapy bath salts have a relaxing and stress releasing effect (soak). Another product that is proven to release stress is lavender. Most salons when using lavender mix it with some sort of lubricating oil. When using the lavender it is almost positive that there will be a relaxing reaction when rubbed on a human’s body. Aromatherapy can help you reduce and manage stress. It plays a major role in almost ever illness a human will come across. The use of essential oils can help you control stress, alleviate anxiety, and tension. Essential oils will minimize the physical aches. You can use aromatherapy to relax and unwind after a stressful day at work, on the road, or even at your own home. Aromatherapy has a positive influence on your emotions. When talking aromatherapy it will put your mind at ease and calm down your nerve (Wilson11).

Some hospitals as well use the aromatherapy procedure to relax the patients and put their aches to ease. In fact most of the staff at these hospitals use aromatic oils to help them relieve stress. After they use the oils they say it helps them to concentrate more on the patients instead of there own stress that is bothering them through out the day. In conclusion, the patients get the undivided attention that is needed and makes the patient feel better and more comfortable in the hospital (Bricklen 21-22). The aromatic procedure has been a big success in the hospitals. Different reporters have been going around to hospital to hospital and saying that patients swear that when they use aromatherapy it replenishes them and relaxes there nerves (what).

“Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, reliving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating, stimulating both physical and emotional wellbeing” (Prevent). Aromatherapy helps people to relax and to reduce their stress. The aroma signals a special part of the brain that controls the emotions you feel. Scientists have been doing research and they have found that the aroma of the smells controls some of your emotions (another). The essential oils are absorbed into the skin’s pores and then reaches the blood stream through connective and lymphatic tissues. This usually takes 10-20 minutes to happen. The essential oils go through the subcuteaus or fat layer and penetrate the skin (Tutorial). All of our senses travel through our sensory path of nerves and spinal cord before it reaches the brain. When you smell the aroma the essential oils go through the impulses to the old factory membrane (actual brain cell) (Tutorial).

Although the concept of aromatherapy has been around for many years it is still around. Aromatherapy has continued to help ease the human body. “People everywhere are responding to aromatherapy,” says Mae, vice president and director of the fragrance marketing. The future of aromatherapy looks bright indeed. People everywhere are finding out about the benefits of aromatherapy. Its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve work performance and to evaluate the mood you are in (past).

You have heard in all cases on how aromatherapy has reduces stress effectively on human beings. The aroma of sweet lavender has and is proven to calm the nerves of a human being. We have heard in some cases that patients in hospitals are now using the aromatic procedure. Aromatherapy does work and it is more powerful then any drug in any drug store. Your mind has the ability to do anything it wants to. The aroma of the oils gets to the part of your brain that allows you to do whatever you want. When you use the oils you are most likely wanting to relax. As the oils are on your body you are thinking about relaxes and your mind and the oils do the rest.

I have a passionate belief that we can change the way people think by educating our children on aromatherapy – they are the adults of tomorrow. Instead of teaching children to reach for a chemical pill when their head hurts, why not have them ask for some lavender and peppermint? If they are angry or upset, surely it is a good thing to burn some oils to help with their emotional healing.

When children are taught at a young age, they grow up with the view already a part of their inherent nature. This, then, can be passed on to future generations.

When mixing pure essential oils for children, the following dosages should apply:

In 15ml carrier oil or base cream, add:
0-2 year old, 1-2 drops
3-12 year old, up to 4 drops

A carrier oil is something such as almond oil or grapeseed oil that carries the essential oils into the skin. A base cream is an unscented, preferably non-toxic plain cream that the oils can be mixed in.

Because children should have lower dosages than adults, it can be easier to mix larger quantities of the essential oils into a blend and store them in a dark bottle in a cool cupboard. For instance, if you wanted a mixture that would help a child sleep, you could mix lavender, frankincense and mandarin. If you mixed 12 drops of mandarin, 7 drops of lavender and 5 drops of frankincense into a bottle, this is then called a blend.

You can then use the blend to put either 1-2 drops for a young child, or up to 4 drops for a child who is older into the base or carrier and apply (or you could add the essential oils to an electric burner).

I would like to stress to adults, that pure essential oils are therapeutic by nature, and are not just “nice smelly little oils” in bottles. They are therapeutic and work synergistically on all levels – physical, emotional and mental to help harmonize the body, mind and spirit.

Children should not be left alone with the bottles of oils – especially if they can undo the lids. Whilst pure essential oils are very safe if used properly and as intended, they can also be given bad publicity if misused – and that is not the fault of the oil.

Due to the therapeutic nature of oils used in aromatherapy, if your children have any pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes or any other illnesses and you aren’t sure about using essential oils, it is most important that you consult with a qualified professional who can help you.

I look forward to the day that people reach for natural pure essential oils that work synergistically within their body instead of toxic pills and potions, and teach their children to do the same.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the extracted aromatic essences of specific plants, seeds, flowers, bark etc for healing purposes, or to promote well-being and health. It is widely perceived as being relaxing and non-invasive, and can be of help to some people when not used in place of conventional medicine.

Proponents of aromatherapy say it works because it has a profound effect on the central nervous system, and can help the immune system function better and trigger general healing. They say its benefits are manifold: that it can help relieve anxiety and depression, reduce feelings of stress and promote an overall feeling of vitality and well-being.

Aromatherapy Explained

The actual term “aromatherapy” came about purely by chance, when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse burned his hand during an experiment in the 1920’s. He accidentally plunged his hand into a vat of lavender oil, as one does, and – hey, presto! – within a few days it had healed completely, without leaving a scar, any blistering etc. The experience prompted old Rene-Maurice to investigate the use of other essential oils.

Keep in mind that feeling uplifted because the smell of cinnamon buns reminds you of your dear departed mother’s home cooking is not, in the strict sense of the word, aromatherapy. Neither is simply burning – and enjoying the scent of – a perfumed candle. People who practice aromatherapy believe it is an exact science, and that it works only through using precise essential oils, derived from plants, which have a chemical effect on our nervous system, and thus our bodies in general.

Essential oils are volatile liquids, or those which tend to vaporize and evaporate, which are extracted in certain ways from plants. Proponent of aromatherapy believe they have certain almost magical properties. Anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-infectious and anti-bacterial are just some of the qualities believed to be inherent in these special elixirs. Beware of synthetically derived oils, which may smell nice but lack any real content whatsoever.

Aromatherapy Massage

Unlike many other types of massage, aromatherapy massage relies on essential oils blended together to create a relaxing and therapeutic treatment. They are added to the carrier oil or massage lotion, where they are thought to be both breathed in as well as soaked into the skin for beneficial effect.

People have aromatherapy massages for a variety of reasons. As the essential oils used are all thought to have different healing properties, one will be selected especially for you after a brief consultation with the massage therapist.

Some popular essential oils used in aromatherapy massage, and their purported healing properties, are:

-Lavender oil: to calm, aid in sleep, balance and relax
-Sweet marjoram: Often combined with lavender to relieve pain associated with muscular strains and menstrual cycles
-Eucalyptus oil: Powerful antiseptic thought to be effective against certain airborne viruses
-Grapefruit oil: This lovely citrus scent uplifts and refreshes
-Clary sage: Soothes, relaxes and can help re-balance the hormones
-Lemongrass oil: Not just a staple of Thai soup, this oil also calms, relaxes and can be helpful as an astringent – and an insect repellent!
-Ylang-ylang: Mainly used to relieve stress but can also be used to help treat sexual dysfunction when mixed with other oils, such as rose and jasmine. Use in moderation of headache and/or nausea can result

Bizarre Aromatherapy Products

Once an alternative therapy has created a following, there will always be some people out there interested in making a quick buck on the back of its popularity – and aromatherapy is no exception. Here are just a few of the “aromatherapy” products on offer today, some helpful and others less so…

Aromatherapy Shampoo. Fragrance-free shampoos allow you to add your own essential oils, whether you need to wake up in the morning or fall into a deep sleep come evening time. Others come ready-blended, such as tea tree oil shampoo, which is useful in keeping lice at bay.

Aromatherapy Money Drawing Watch. Advertized as a way to “attract material wealth”. By adding just two drops of money drawing (frankincense) oil to the back of the watch, you “may” attract monetary gain. “The pad release [sic] a alluring scent which can be rubbed on your wrist to attract attention,” the ad says. No thanks.

Aprodisiac [sic] Oil (roll-on). Claims to be made with a combination of “gemstones, empowered herbs, resins, essential oils and love”. Can help you “recognize the divinity in your beloved through spiritual sexuality. Couples approaching each other in sexual embrace recognizing the God and Goddess in each other and uniting in transcendental bliss.” Or not.

Credit Crunch Crisis Cream. A jojoba-based body cream designed to give back energy to those in need of a quick pick-me-up.

Aromatherapy Earphones. No, really. This smelly MP3 player wafts odors into your ears as you listen to your fave tunes.

Smelly Pencils. These Japanese writing instruments come in three scents: Healing, Refresh and Positive. Supposedly the smells have been manufactured by qualified aromatherapists, who claim that anyone within smelling distance will have their learning power enhanced. Yeah, right.

Does Aromatherapy Really Work?

Aromatherapy seemingly works because it is a holistic therapy, which means that a practitioner takes into account not only a person’s medical history but also their emotional feelings, lifestyle and health background overall. They listen to their patients, and make them feel both cared for and as if they have a say in what the treatment will be.

As many ailments aromatherapy seeks to treat are stress-related – backache, depression, anxiety, mild muscular pain – it’s no surprise that people can genuinely notice a positive outcome after experiencing an aromatherapy massage, or relaxing in a bath scented with essential oils. And in some clinical trials, specific essential oils were shown to have effects on health: jasmine, for example, was found to be a powerful aide to sleep. However, always check with a medical professional first as not all oils are suitable for everyone, ie, pregnant women.

In the skeptic’s dictionary, Robert T Carroll writes that he would not reject aromatherapy out of hand. “When I have a cold and a stuffy nose, I’ll use Vicks VapoRub, a mixture of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil. Strictly speaking, I suppose I am a practicing aromatherapist.

However, when I look at what people who call themselves aromatherapists claim, I have to conclude that aromatherapy is a mostly a pseudo-scientific alternative medical therapy. It is a mixture of folklore, trial and error, anecdote, testimonial, New Age spiritualism and fantasy. What aromatherapy lacks is a knack for sniffing out non-sense. Indeed.

The art and science of using volatile oils for the psychological and physical well-being is called aromatherapy. These volatile oils are derived from plants. Essential oils are used the most in aromatherapy on account of their innumerable benefits they have on the mind-body system of human beings. There are many types of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to fetch different therapeutic results.

Aromatherapy is said to trigger certain biochemical responses in the brain that in turn activate certain dormant function of the body and mind to impart a sense of well-being. Since aromatherapy is widely practiced, there is an array of products in the market that are sold as aromatherapy products, but actually are not. Sometimes even certain types of perfumes are passed on as aromatherapy oils.

The fakes do not get the desired results that one would expect from a real aromatherapy product. The fakes normally use fragrance oils in place of true aromatherapy oils. So while buying an aromatherapy product it should be ensured that the brand belongs to a reputed company and the ingredients are clearly listed on the container.

Aromatherapy has been in use for thousands of years now, even if it came to be known as aromatherapy somewhere after 20th century. Aromatherapy is said to be of Chinese origin. Egyptians have used aromatherapy by drawing distilled oils from cinnamon, nutmeg, cedar wood, clove, and myrrh. From Egyptians it is said to have passed on to Greek. Aromatherapy has also been used by Persians and Indians thousands of years ago.

Backed by a rich history, it is only in 19th century that the perfumery industry woke up to the benefits of using aromatherapy for financial gains. This was also the time when aromatherapy began to be tested in scientific laboratories for understanding the important mechanisms of aromatherapy products on mind and body. As a result of its impact on mind, aromatherapy is also considered as a forte of people indulging in spiritual practices.