Making Scents: Aromatherapy and the Benefits of Essential Oils
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heal, uplift, and energize. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative
medicine that uses scents to aide, cure, and soothe a variety of
conditions.
Aromatherapy was discovered quite accidentally, in the 1920's by
French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. After inadvertently setting
his arm on fire, Rene dipped his burning flesh in the nearest vat of
cool liquid. This cool liquid was not water, as he expected, but was
lavender essential oil. This wasn't the first time poor Rene had
burned himself, but this time it was different. His pain level dropped
suddenly, and unlike his previous burns, this one healed nicely
without blisters or scars. The difference, of course, was in the
treatment - lavender, of all things. Following this fateful incident,
Mr. Gattefosse devoted his career to studying the benefits of
essential oil. Shortly thereafter, aromatherapy grew in popularity and
was used in World War 1 to heal the wounds of fallen soldiers.
Nowadays, we have many ways enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and
essential oils. Thankfully, we don't have to go into the woods and
collect tree branches and flowers - we can purchase essential oils
that are ready to use, in a variety of forms. During a simple trip to
the grocery store, we see it everywhere: in candles, sprays, bath
salts, lotions, and medicine.
Essential oils are oils made from the leaves and flowers of plants.
You can buy bath products or home fragrances containing the oils, or
you can purchase the oils on their own. Each oil has its own, unique
healing properties. Once you know the benefits of each essential oil,
you can use them to your full advantage.
As our friend Rene Gattefosse can tell you, Lavender essential oil is
known as a powerful antiseptic, soothing cuts and burns. Lavender also
has a calming effect and is a wonderful stress-reliever. Lavender is
also known to diminish the pain of migraine and common headaches.
We've all smelled the sweet, pleasant scent of Eucalyptus trees.
Eucalyptus is much more than a pretty scent, however: as an essential
oil, Eucalyptus is used to clear sinus passages during a bout of the
common cold or flu. It is often used in combination with Peppermint
essential oil, which is also known to clear nasal passages, the throat
and the lungs. Peppermint is also rejuvenating and uplifting.
Geranium essential oil has many uses and applications. Geranium oil is
a perfect treatment for many skin conditions and is one of the few
treatments that help both oily and dry skin. Geranium gently opens the
pores, clarifies and cleans the skin while acting as a moisturizer.
When used as an air freshener, it is known to balance and calm us.
You don't need to set yourself on fire to reap the benefits of
aromatherapy. Take some time and find the essential oils that are
right for you!