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AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is comprised of two words, Aroma-meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy-meaning treatment. Aromatherapy was utilized by the earliest civilizations and is believed to be at least 6000 years old. Most people also believe that its origins began in Egypt. A medical papyri considered to date back to approximately 1555 B.C. contains treatments for all kinds of ailments and the methods of application are similar to the ones used in Aromatherapy and herbal medicine today.
The Egyptians used a method called infusion to remove the oils from aromatic plants and incense was probably one of the first methods of using aromatics. Frankincense was burned at sunrise as an offering to the sun god, Ra and myrrh was offered to the moon. The Egyptians were experts at embalming using aromatics to help preserve flesh. The Egyptians used to be massaged with fragrant oils after bathing. The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils and used them medicinally and cosmetically. A Greek physician, Pedacius Dioscorides, wrote a book about herbal medicine and for at least 1200 years as the Western world's standard medical reference. Many of the remedies he mentions are still in use today in Aromatherapy.
It also appears that the ancient Chinese civilizations were using some kind of aromatics at the same time as the Egyptians. Shen Nung's Herbal book is the oldest surviving medical book in China and dates back to approximately 2700 B.C. and contains information on over 300 plants. The Chinese used aromatic herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense to show respect to God.
However, it wasn't until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans.
A French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse began his research into the healing powers of essential oils accidentally after burning his hand in his lab and soaking it in lavender oil and impressed by how quickly the burn healed. In 1937, he published a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils and termed it Aromatherapy. He continued from there to start a business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics. At approximately the same time, there was a Frenchman named Albert Couvreur who published a book on the medicinal uses of essential oils.
A French medical doctor, Jean Valnet, discovered Gattefosse's research and started experimenting with essential oils. Around that time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist developed a unique procedure of applying these oils to the skin with massage. Micheline Arcier studied and worked with Maury and Valnet and their collaborative methods created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over the world.
Procedures:
The following are a few methods on how to use essential oils. The dilutions stated are for adults. Take half of them for children and one-quarter dosage for infants.
Massage-Always dilute oils before applying them to the skin. Use a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil or any other pure, unblended vegetable oil.
Do not use "baby oil's", this is a mineral oil, and unlike vegetable oils will not be absorbed by the skin.3/5 drops of essential oils to 10 mls. of a carrier oil is about right.
Baths
Add up to a maximum of 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath full of warm water. Float the oil on the surface and mix with your hand before relaxing in the bath for around 10 to 15 minutes. For a hand or foot bath, use 2/3 drops in a bowl of warm water.
Inhalation
Add two drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the fragrant steam.
In a Room Burner
Use 2/3 drops of essential oil in water in the reservoir of your oil burner. Since most burners rely on a lighted candle for heat, never leave them unattended or where children can access them.
Compresses
Float 2/3 drops of essential oil on a saucer of water (warm or cold as appropriate). Pick up the film of oil by placing the compress material across the surface of the water. Apply to the affected part, and cover with cling film. This may be left in place
overnight.
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