In 1928, Rene-Maurice Gattefoss was working in a perfume lab when his arm was badly burned in an explosion. He immediately plunged his arm into Lavender Oil to stop the burning, only to later find that his arm healed faster than normal. Gattefoss later explored the science of using natural herbs to heal, and thus he was the founder of modern aromatherapy. By using natural herbs and oils, people can not only gain medicinal remedies, but other benefits as well. This article will briefly break down the most popular methods of aromatherapy, their benefits for spiritual and physical healing and health, and therapeutic relaxation of your body and spirit.
Natural Relaxation
One of the most popular reasons to use aromatherapy is to relieve stress. Essential oils are often used to relax, and to relieve stress. By adding a few small drops of Essential Oils to a pot of boiling water, the room will begin to fill with a pleasing scent. Scientists have proven that pleasing odors are one of the quickest and easiest ways to relax, due to the way that our brains interpret odors. With Essential Oils, relaxation is easier and faster. Essential oils such as Lavender, Pine, Peppermint, Jasmine, Orange, and Chamomile help to relax the body and mind. Essential oils such as Lemon, Rosemary, Myrrh, and Cedarwood help to soothe an stimulate your body and your mind, and give you energy. Essential oils such as Ginger, Clove, Black Pepper, and Marjoram help to warm your body (these oils are often directly applied to the skin). Another key element to aromatherapy is the medicinal value of using herbs and oils to heal, and to enhance nutrition. The botanical medicine contained inside organic herbs and oils has been known by many cultures for thousands of years. Herbs such as Aloe and Lavender help to heal burns and relieve painful swelling. Herbs such as Ylang Ylang and Chamomile help with depression and high blood pressure. Herbs such as Clary Sage and Ginger help with digestive problems. These natural supplements contain powerful healing attributes which sometimes even surpass the healing attributes of modern drugs. In addition, a holistic remedy can be obtained by combining conventional western medicine with natural extracts, herbs, and remedies. This alternative method used to care and treat for patients is quickly gaining popularity with more traditional doctors and surgeons. No matter which herb or oil you wish to use, there are several methods of application. The most common methods of applying herbs is through eating them, or taking herbal supplements. However, herbs can also be applied directly to the skin (for skin related herbs), or rubbed into a wound (for wound healing herbs). Essential oils can be either inserted into a warm bath, rubbed directly on the skin, or inserted into a pot of boiling water. In addition, incense sticks can be burned which quickly fill a room with a pleasing odor. Intense sticks such as Vanilla, Lavender, and Jasmine are examples of incense sticks that can be used to spiritually sooth. Together, no matter how they are applied, herbs and oils combine to provide not only physical healing and soothing- but spiritual healing and soothing as well.
