The Essential Oil Company : Aromatherapy History

Essential Oils ~ A Brief History

Whilst the earliest written records of the medicinal use of oils date back to China between 1000 and 700BC, cave paintings in France suggest that plants have been used in medicine as long ago as 18000BC.

Widely used in ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt for medicine, skin care, perfume, embalming and even contraception, these aromatic oils continue to provide enlightened cultures with a source of natural healing.

Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?:

The healing properties of essential oils come not only from their aroma but from the many subtle compounds from which each oil is made up. These natural chemical compounds, the ‘life force’ of plants, work in harmony with our own systems to enhance the natural healing power of both body and mind. Combinations of oils can provide benefits even more pronounced than when the oils are used individually. Aromatherapy is the time honoured practice of using Essential Oils to promote healing and to restore body and mind to a state of balance and well being. Research has shown that smell has a direct effect on the limbic system, the emotional centre of the brain and in this way, essential oils can have a beneficial effect upon the emotions, helping to calm and soothe or clear the mind, depending on which oils are chosen.

The essence from plants, herbs, spices, fruit and flowers, Essential Oils are natural products.

How are the oils used?:

Application through massage is one of the most popular ways of using essential oils. This method allows the oil to penetrate the skin where it is absorbed into the body. In this way the oil has both internal and external benefits. Oils can also be inhaled, added to baths or used in a compress.

Essential Oils can be soothing or stimulating, but always pleasurable. Aromatherapy can be used to provide relief from a great number of ailments, skin complaints and aches and pains.

Aromatherapy is a truly holistic approach which can help harmonise the mind and body.