History of Essential Oils Therapy

Essential oil therapy, or better known as aromatherapy, uses the oil or aroma producing substance from a wide variety of plants to fight and alleviate diseases and illnesses. Essential oils can be taken from a plant's bark, leaves, stalks, rind, roots or flowers depending on the type of essential oils you are interested in.

When the oils are taken from the plant they are pure; they are added to a base or carrier substance. High quality essential oils are very popular today. Carrier oils that have been used in the past are alcohol and lotion. Once the pure essential oil is mixed with a base, the essential oil can be sprayed in the environment, such as a room, massaged on, burned as a candle or incense or placed in a bath.

Aromatherapy is not new. Aromatherapy was, in fact, used in the early 1900s. Aromatherapy works with our natural hormones, stimulating our nervous system through our nasal cavity.

This interaction between essential oils and the nervous system has shown to reduce blood pressure, depression, pulse, and many other body functions that can reduce our state of being. Aromatherapy methods can also help with pain.

Using aromatherapy is relatively safe. But you must NEVER ingest or swallow essential oils. In addition, there are also essential oils that may burn the skin. If you have any chronic conditions, you will want to consult your physician before using aromatherapy.

When combining conventional medicine and alternative therapy together, you will want to consult a physician. Often times, convention medicine and alternative therapy will clash, causing detrimental side effects. For instance, pregnant women should never use sage, juniper or rosemary because they can cause uterine contractions. If you are unsure or doubt an essential oil, contact your physician or homeopathic doctor in your area.

While Kelly's Health is not medical professionals, we are here to answer any questions you have.