what is aromatherapy?
In essence, aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to promote health and well-being.
"The therapeutic use of essential oils from plants for the improvement of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being" - NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
Where did aromatherapy originate?
In the late 1930s, French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse invented the word Aromatherapy to describe the healing benefits of essential oils, but the use of essential oils for healing began thousands of years before, and throughout history has been loved and cherished by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and many more ancient civilisations.
In the early 1900s, after burning his hands badly in a laboratory accident, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse "took his bandages off and coated his skin with lavender oil", which to his absolute surprise, did wondrous things to help heal the burn.
This experience inspired him to begin extensive research into these essences, so he gathered his findings and produced a book called 'Aromatherapy'. This book contained everything he found regarding each essential oil and its properties and effects on the mind and body, but most interestingly, the benefits they'd had on illness and disease. This book has since been translated and illustrated and is still used today for reference.
You'd usually expect to see these oils used in beauty salons and spas, but times have moved on, and essential oils are becoming readily available to all. Although some can be expensive, essential oils offer benefits you will never find in synthetic medicines or fragrances.
Aromatherapy sees experienced therapists and professionals blending essences for their properties to create aromatherapy blends to help with many ailments, issues, and emotions. Our Aromatherapy products have been created to help support these issues in the comfort of your own home.
Essential oils can do wonders to the body when applied to the skin, but should only be used on the skin when diluted in a carrier oil. Just because they are pure and natural doesn't mean they aren't dangerous when incorrectly applied. They are still chemicals, so their concentrated form can cause sensitivities and allergic reactions.
Use a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or coconut oil to dilute the essential oils, ensuring they're mixed thoroughly before applying them to the skin.
can essential oils be used on the skin?
how to use essential oils
There are many exciting ways to use essential oils for Aromatherapy in the home. Our essential oil blends added to a diffuser, a warm bath, or a relaxing body massage can be very effective.
For example, our Comfort with Chamomile, Lavender & Geranium blend is a fantastic choice for supporting women during hormonal changes. A therapeutic massage over the abdomen and lower back, a couple of drops in a nice warm bath to soothe and relax, or 5-10 drops in a diffuser for help with sleep and feelings of anxiety.
Learn more about how to use essential oils and dilute them properly for use on the skin.