Everything You Need To Know About Aromatherapy & 7 Oils To Get You Started

Aromatherapy might sound like something from a New Age brochure, but in fact it’s an ancient holistic healing system that uses essential oil therapy to impact one’s mind and body. The knowledge itself is centuries-old, dating back to 1,000 C.E. Persia, where the first ever rose essential oil was produced. Ancient world had rich knowledge of medicinal plants and oils, and aromatherapy has been widely used in Ancient China, India, and Ancient Egypt.

Aromatherapy hit it big around the 16th century, when the whole world recognized the benefits of this alternative medicine. The actual term was coined in France by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a perfumer who published a book on healing properties of essential oils back in 1937. That started the era of modern aromatherapy, which is one of the most popular alternative medicines of today.

Each essential oil has its medicinal healing properties and can be used to treat various ailments, both mental and physical. A mix of lavender, peppermint, and lemon create a perfect remedy for seasonal allergy, while lavender itself is known to reduce migraines, improve sleep, and treat depression. Inhaling black pepper will help to fight off cravings for smokers, while marjoram and cinnamon oils help with menstrual pain.

Inhalation is one of the easiest and most popular ways to reap the benefits of essential oils. You can use a diffuser, an aroma lamp, a simple tissue with a few drops of essential oils to breathe in, or a hot relaxing bath. There are even special porous lava beads you can use for essential oils to have your favourite aroma with you throughout the day!

Topical application is another way to use essential oils by applying them right onto your skin or areas with inflammation. Be aware that most oils should be diluted first in special carrier oils – like coconut, sunflower, or jojoba oil. Thus, you avoid skin irritation and have all the benefits of essential oils.