The Origins of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to trace, the use of aromatherapy goes back at least 4,000 years, possibly beginning with the ancient Egyptians, who were known to have used aromatic botanicals in many different ways. The Egyptians used a number of herbs and spices for soothing massage, medicine, cosmetics, and even in their embalming practices.

Centuries later, it was Hippocrates who may have been the first high-profile advocate of aromatherapy. More than 2,000 years ago, the creator of the physician's creed that bears his name was an outspoken believer in the benefits of aromatic massage for both physical and emotional well-being.

In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunk potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

America currently lags behind the French and English in the use of aromatic medicine, but as more and more people experience the healing properties of aromatherapy, its use will continue to gain popularity in the United States.

Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

---

Body Calling: All Natural Cures

Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More

Acupuncture Arthritis Treatment ? Using Acupuncture to Treat Arthritis

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis and joint pain has been with... Read More

Feeling Helpless in the Face of Pain?

Here Are 4 Ways That Visualization May Be Able to... Read More

Why Detoxify?

Have you been hearing about detoxification more often? That's because... Read More

Hoshin Roshi Ryu

Hoshin Roshi Ryu is a scientific system for achieving an... Read More

Jesus Diet - Lifestyle Changes That Will Boost Your Energy

Drawing on the inspiration of loaves, fish, and wine, a... Read More

Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Climate Control

The problem of high levels of CO2 in ambient air... Read More

Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle

What we do is just as powerful as what we... Read More

Constipation Remedy Using Citrus Juice

Citrus JuicesCitrus juices are a constipation remedy that is an... Read More

Focus Your Light: Earning Money From Home When You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome /Fibromyalgia makes you extremely tired, exhausted and... Read More

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief

Natural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried... Read More

Relieving Hemorrhoids with Natural Remedies

Here are a variety of natural remedies that you can... Read More

Genital Herpes - Natural and Alternative Treatment Remedies

Modern medical science has not been able to produce a... Read More

Disabilities Stuttering

There are many types of disablity. Would people class stuttering... Read More

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest,... Read More

Limitations You Should Know About When Using the Subconscious For Pain Relief

As powerful as the subconscious can be in relieving pain,... Read More

Garlic ? My Favorite Healing Herb

Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of... Read More

Independent Research Proves Effectiveness of Magnotherapy Wristbands

"Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the... Read More

The Importance of a Parasite Cleanse

A parasite cleanse is required if your body is overburdened... Read More

Kill Your Stuttering/Stammering Demons

Apparently one percent of British people suffer from the speech... Read More

Self Hypnosis CD Recordings

The purpose of this article is not to offer an... Read More

Alternative Herbal Cures for Ailments

With the increased usage of herbs for treatment of ailments... Read More

A 100% Drug Free Hemorrhoids Solution!

Did you know every year 25 Million people in the... Read More

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental and emotional condition that... Read More

Keeping Well When Monsoon Dwells

First showers of monsoon are heartily welcomed by everyone after... Read More

Glutamate ? A Pain Transmitter Your Subconscious May Be Able To Limit

Glutamate is one of the most important transmitters of chronic... Read More

Have you Fed Your Good Bugs Today?

Most consumers have heard of probiotics and know that they... Read More

What AreThe Symptoms Of A Sinus Headache?

Problems with sinuses, give rise to headaches, so you have... Read More

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More

Health and Anti-Aging

Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More

Stopping Colds in Their Tracks

We all know the nasty sensation of coming down with... Read More

Anxiety

Anxiety is a pernicious little devil; it can hold us... Read More

What Is Herbal Medicine? Is It Safe?

Herbal medicine is the use of plant and herb extracts... Read More