May 19, 2022

Aromatherapy History, Origin, and its Significance in 2022

The aromatherapy history goes back as early as 3500 BC to when french chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse claimed that Lavender essential oil helped him to heal from his laboratory's explosion. Aromatherapy is based on using aromatic materials and their respective essential oils, which possess natural healing properties. Some of the most common plants used for aromatherapy include Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, and Bergamot. This alternative therapy can be integrated into other types of complementary therapies or offered in addition to conventional medical treatments. Let us get deep into knowing the aromatherapy origins, significance, and aromatherapy's best essential oils you could use in your everyday wellness regimen.

Table of Content:-

What and Where did Aromatherapy Originate From?
History of Aromatherapy
How does Aromatherapy Work for Healing Treatments?
Aromatherapy Significance and Benefits
Some of The Best Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Takeaway
FAQs

What and Where did Aromatherapy Originate From?

Aromatherapy is a type of natural medicine that makes use of aromatic herbs' volatile active components. Plants create an essence in the presence of sunlight and photosynthesis. The use of essential oils for medicinal, therapeutic, or preventative purposes is the focus of this field. The plant oils are mostly extracted via steam distillation of a portion of the plant (such as the leaves, flowers, or bark). Cold pressing is primarily used to obtain citrus pericarp essentials. The word ‘aromatherapy’ was introduced in 1935 by René-Maurice Gattefossé, who believed in the therapeutic power of aromatherapy across the world.

History of Aromatherapy

The idea that essential oils history has always been useful for creating healing properties to combat illness is not so new after all. The earliest records of this practice can be found in ancient Persia where physicians created mixtures of different types of plants and herbs to treat various ailments. In addition, we know that aromatherapy played an important part in the French and German medical communities during the 19th century as well. This most likely came from the efforts of these doctors who were less accustomed to chemical drugs but instead recognized the healing abilities of natural botanicals for treating illnesses.

The word 'aromatherapy' was introduced in 1935 by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist along with others around the world who believed in the healing powers of aromatherapy. He wrote a book called 'The Practice of Aromatic Therapy', published in 1937, which dealt with the aromatherapy origins, plus his early research into treatment using lavender and tea tree essential oil where he credited their healing properties as antiseptics and even antivirals on burns. This was the beginning of using essential oils for treating medical conditions.

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How does Aromatherapy Work for Healing Treatments?

Since the origin of aromatherapy operates through the sense of smell and skin absorption by inhalation or as a topical application.

Inhalation: These oils can be breathed or diffused into the air using a diffuser jar, sprays, or oil droplets, or inhaled directly as in a steam bath. In addition to the pleasant scent, aromatherapy oils can provide lung cleaning, analgesic, and emotional benefits. By breathing these extracted oils, the olfactory system in the nose and brain gets stimulated, which helps to lower blood pressure, tension, and hormonal balance.
Topical Application: This is when the oils are absorbed by the skin. Massage can improve circulation and absorption in the afflicted region.

Essential oils since aromatherapy history should be never used directly on the skin but always diluted with natural carrier oils like argan, almond, or olive oil. As essential oils are highly concentrated and direct application can cause allergic reactions. Essential oils history has been for thousands of years and will continue to rise in popularity due to the benefits they provide, without any harmful effects. Essential oils are available in a variety of choices, you can choose as per your needs and avail of their healing and amazing benefits.

Aromatherapy Significance and Benefits

The origin of aromatherapy has been closely entwined with wellness and provides a holistic healing addition to one's lifestyle. Aromatherapy helps to create feelings of calmness, serenity, and well-being through the use of essential oils. Aromatherapy supports alternative and conventional treatment methods by helping enhance your body’s natural healing processes by simply inhaling positivity. Since aromatherapy origins, it has numerous benefits. It’s said to:

Treat migraines and headaches.
Improve sleep quality by managing discomfort.
Lessen agitation, anxiety, and stress.
Relieve aching joints.
Enhance digestion.
Promotes healthy hair growth.
Improve immunity

This is not the only reason that many individuals choose to use essential oils in their personal lives. Aromatherapy significance is never-ending and has been around to cure human ailments. But, because of their high and volatile concentration, essential oils should never be ingested, they should be used for external purposes only.

Some of The Best Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy

Since Aromatherapy history, scientists have been able to discover that it has a cure for every ailment when used in the proper way. These natural oils have healing properties like anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 which can be used by the body to treat various diseases. Aromatherapy blends can also help relax or revitalize your mental outlook. Here, we are going to cover some most popular essential oils used from the origin of aromatherapy till date with their amazing benefits.

Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep: It is a widely popular aroma that is obtained by steam distillation of Lavandula Angustifolia. It has a sweet smell and a calming effect and it's very floral. It helps with anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, insomnia, and stress. Lavender oil can also be dabbed on the skin for minor cuts to help prevent infections from setting in or to treat burns. It is one of the best oils for treating sleep disorders because of its power of stimulating nerve cells by making them calm, which promotes good sleep and restfulness.

Try: Consider diffusing a few drops of lavender into the air or putting a few drops in some boiling water before retiring for the evening - taking deep breaths will help your mind and body relax and prepare for restful sleep.
Chamomile Essential Oil for Anxiety: It is a lovely oil to have around the house. People often prefer it because of its sweet, fruity scent which can help relieve gloomy feelings during stressful times. It is also great for people who might suffer from anxiety disorders or insomnia as it has anti-inflammatory properties that make the mind feel calmer and less restless at night. Chamomile scented candles are very popular and anyone who has owned one can honestly state how lovely they smell and how relaxing they tend to be when you need time alone with your thoughts.

Try: Use chamomile essential oil as a natural scent in your body care products, or diffuse a few drops throughout your house to create a relaxing atmosphere. This oil helps you heal your nerve cells by relaxing and calming your mind from negative thoughts and anxiety.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Cold and Flu: It is derived via Steam Distillation from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, has a fresh, minty fragrance, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling applications. Due to its nature as an expectorant and decongestant, this therapeutic essential oil can be diffused or inhaled to clear nasal passages and treat common colds or influenza.

Try: Dilute the essential oils of Eucalyptus and Rosemary together and inhale for a few minutes while covering your head and bowl with a cloth to get rid of running nose and sinus infection.
Geranium Essential Oil for Skin Ailments: It is derived by steam distillation from the flowers and leaves of Geranium, often called Sweet Scented Geranium. Due to its hydrating and regulating qualities on the skin, it is often utilized in beauty treatments to develop anti-aging and anti-acne therapies. Along with this, Geranium oil is also used to cure allergies and infections, and heal skin inflammation because of its antifungal and antibacterial characteristics. Do, give it a try for healthy skin.

Try: To help balance out dark spots, mix Geranium essential oil with pure Aloe Vera gel and use it as a night treatment for your whole face/areas affected by pigmentation.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Hair: It is extracted from the peppermint plant, which is known for repairing breakouts and damaged hair. It includes menthol, which helps to improve the circulation of blood under the skin's surface. Increased blood circulation allows more nutrients to enter hair follicles, resulting in stronger hair growth. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been demonstrated to aid in the healing of inflammation that causes hair loss.

Try: To prevent your hair from outbreaks and damage, blend peppermint and olive carrier oil in a bowl and apply to your hair from top to bottom.

Along with these are many other essential oils that have been used from the origin of aromatherapy to now, which are healing individuals for different purposes for ages. Like, Lemon essential oil with its fruity and citrusy scent, is used to boost stability and enrich mood. Black pepper essential oil with its richness in antioxidants is the best alternative for arthritis pain and improves flexibility. That is why, due to their excellent therapeutic capabilities, these naturally extracted liquids have been passed down through the ages. These natural oils are believed to provide a cure for all ailments with no adverse effects.

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Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Do not apply essential oils to your skin directly. To dilute these plant oils, always add the carrier oil. Before applying essential oils, always do a skin patch test. Citrus essential oils should be avoided if you will be exposed to sunshine since they may cause your skin to react more to sunburn and redness.
Always purchase essential oils which are certified by USDA, as this is the indication of the purity and originality of the product.
Essential oils should never be ingested. Keep essential oils away from children and animals, as they can be reactive to them due to their high concentration.
According to several research studies, the effects of essential oils on nursing and pregnant women are yet unknown, thus it is suggested that they avoid using them.
Always purchase essential oils that have been extracted using the cold-pressed and steam distillation methods, as these are the most effective methods for extracting oils from plants.

Takeaway

As you explore more about aromatherapy history and how it is becoming increasingly popular due to its amazing healing benefits. We came to know that it is a holistic approach to curing ailments whether it's the pigmentation of the skin or encouraging hair growth, aromatherapy is a solution for every cure. It's important to understand that aromatherapy origins aren't intended as a replacement for traditional medical treatments. While it can provide temporary relief, it should be considered as an alternative approach for treating various kinds of ailments ranging from skin issues to problems with sleep disorders. If you choose to use homemade remedies like whooping cough treatment instead of going to your doctor for help, remember that these home remedies are complementary approaches and not intended for medical use.

FAQs

Q1. Will Aromatherapy Help in Curing my Dandruff Problems?

Yes, for curing your dandruff and itchy scalp, we suggest you try Neem Essential Oil. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial that can be a great remedy to treat dandruff. Dilute it with Olive oil and avail yourself of its amazing benefits.

Q2. For Trying Aromatherapy, Which Brand Should I Choose to Buy Oils From?

We suggest trying a reputable company like Moksha Lifestyle. They are one of the best suppliers and manufacturers of essential and carrier oils in the world. All the products produced are always extracted in their original form along with meeting customer needs. From Neroli to Blood Orange Oil, they have it all. Pamper your overall well-being by trying their pure and natural oils.