The use of various essential oils made of liquid plant material and other aromatic substances for healing of the mind and body is called aromatherapy. The word was coined first by French perfumer Ren Maurice Gattefoss.He dedicated his life to researching different healing properties of essential oils. The use of aromatherapy is believed to bring pleasure, beauty and healing in the lives of those who use it.

The different materials used in Aromatherapy are:

Essential oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from plants by distillation. They can also be fragrant oils extracted from plant material by any solvent extraction.

Absolutes: These are fragrant oils which are extracted from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent or supercritical fluid extraction.

Phytoncides: They are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds extracted from plants. Plants like onion, garlic, oak and pine trees etc give off phytoncides thus preventing them from rotting or being eaten by insects and animals. Phytoncides can reduce stress.

Hydrosols: They are the water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation e.g. Rose water. The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. Hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit.

Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant materials.

Carrier oils: They are cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant and are used to dilute essential oils for use on the skin.e.g.almond oil.

Aromatherapy for health benefits:

Aromatherapy is used for treatment and prevention of various health problems but is very essential that the right dosage and duration of application is given to the patient. In France, where it originated, some essential oils are administered by a physician as they are regulated as prescription drugs. Lavender is known to be the best known essential oil for aromatherapy, recommended by practitioners for treating wounds, to enhance memory, and helps in combating anxiety and insomnia. A lavender bath can help relax tired muscles and a tired mind. It's a wonderful way to relax before bedtime. Other popular scents are eucalyptus, bergamot, rose and jasmine.

Aromatherapy is now becoming one of the fastest growing fields in alternative and holistic medicine. They are even used in clinics and hospitals for relieving pain, for labor pain, for relieving pain caused during chemotherapy, and for the rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Areas used:

Though aromatherapy is used in various other fields but it may be best known in these areas:

Skin Care or Aesthetic Aromatherapy is best known for the effects these essential oils have on skin and hair care.

Emotional or Psycho The aromas are known to have positive effects on our emotions, moods and feelings. This therapy is known as aromachology.

Holistic or Spiritual Healing Brings spiritual healing with the body, mind and soul.

Medical or Healing It can bring healing and helps in enhancing and maintaining good health.

Always remember that almost no essential oil should be applied neat or undiluted directly to your skin. Use 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil for best results. You can also use these oils in your laundry and also for dish washing. For e.g. use lemon Oil to the washer to remove greasy/oily smells.

By learning how to use these oils in your daily life you can enjoy leading a happy and healthy life. The use of Aromatherapy and or Essential Oils extends to Skin Care, Hair Care and other Personal Care Products, Health Care, Natural Healing, Candles, Incense, Potpourri and other Home Enhancements such as Air Fresheners.