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How aromatherapy oil can be used as a natural remedy

The use of aromatherapy oil in healing physical ailments and soothing the mind has been practiced for centuries, in many different cultures.  The history of aromatherapy dates back thousands of years, and has its roots in a variety of spiritual rituals.  For instance, the ancient Egyptians used blends of aromatic plant oils in embalming, and developed a basic process for distilling cedarwood oil.  There are many biblical references to aromatic oils and resins, including frankincense and myrrh.  Native Americans have traditionally used fragrant plants and herbs, in their sweat lodges, such as cedar, sage and sweetgrass.

Aromatherapy oils are totally pure essential oils, extracted from certain aromatic plants by distillation.  When the fragrance from aromatherapy oil is inhaled or absorbed into the skin it not only produces a powerful aroma, but it can stimulate a reaction in the brain to have therapeutic effects on the body and mind.  During the 20th century the practice of using fragrance was researched scientifically, which led to the natural chemical constituents of aromatherapy essential oils being identified.  Unadulterated, pure and organic plant essences have numerous healing qualities, and have become the basis for many conventional medicines.

Today aromatherapy benefits are widely known, with many people looking for natural alternatives to synthetic drugs.  Many therapeutic essential oils have a multitude of uses and can be staple parts of a first aid kit.  For instance, tea tree oil has powerful anitseptic and antiviral properties.  It's used to ward off colds and can be used neat on bites, burns and other skin problems.  Aromatherapists used carrier oils to dilute pure aromatherapy oil so it can be used safely in skin care products such as massage oils.  There are also many diffuser devices available, such as oil burners and nebulizers, which evaporate the aroma molecules to add fragrance to the air and induce feelings of well being.

About The Author:

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to http://www.aromatherapy-essential-oils.ws - A comprehensive online guide to the uses of aromatherapy and essential oils.