Aromatherapy has been used in different cultures for various purposes for thousands of years. The modern science of aromatherapy is just around a hundred years old and has become popular in the U.S. in the last 30 years or so. Products like all natural soap, bath salts and organic hygiene products are now very popular for personal use and as gift sets.
What is aromatherapy?
Quality aromatherapy products use essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. The use of essential oils goes back nearly 6,000 years. They have been used since ancient times by peoples like the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils have been used for spiritual and ritualistic purposes as well as therapeutic and hygienic ones.
The modern science of aromatherapy dates back to the experiences of a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, during the First World War. He found that that lavender oil had a healing effect when applied to burns. He experimented with the use of essential oils to treat burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds and officially founded the science of aromatherapy in 1928.
As interest in alternative therapies grew in the U.S. from the 1980s onwards, so did interest in aromatherapy, with many lotions, candles, and beauty products on the market. Many of these products however use synthetic fragrances that don’t have the same effect as essential oils.
How can aromatherapy help you?
There are a number of ways to use aromatherapy bath and beauty products. Aromatherapy baths can be helpful in combating insomnia, diabetes, the flu and common coughs and colds. Since essential oils are very concentred, it is important to be aware of the correct amount to use and to not exceed the prescribed quantities, as with all cosmetics and medicines.
Lighting a candle can contiribtue to a sense of peace and well-being. Candles are some of the most popular aromatherapy products. As consumers increasingly turn to organic hygiene products, the popularity of aromatherapy will continue to grow.