Aromatherapy: History and Benefits of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy, a practice that dates back thousands of years, has its origins in the ancient traditions of various cultures. It has evolved over the centuries to become a recognised natural treatment method, using the virtues of essential oils for the well-being of body and mind.
History of Aromatherapy
1. The Origins and Evolution of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, as we know it today, has its roots in the ancestral practices of Chinese, Indian and Egyptian civilisations. These cultures already used aromatic herbs, infused in oils, to treat ailments. The term “aromatherapy” was introduced in 1928 by the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, marking the beginning of a scientific era in the use of essential oils.
2. Essential oil extraction methods
Essential oils are obtained mainly by three methods: steam distillation, cold pressing for citrus fruits, and enfleurage or solvent extraction for delicate flowers. These refined techniques were developed and perfected over time, notably by Avicenna in the 11th century and by European alchemists in the Middle Ages.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Therapeutic properties of essential oils
Thanks to their active chemical compounds, essential oils offer a multitude of health and well-being benefits. They can be used for relaxation, to combat insomnia, to reduce stress or as antiseptics. Each oil has unique properties, acting both physically and psychologically. However, their high concentration means that they should be used with care and in the recommended doses.
The main essential oils and their uses
The combination of orange and lavender for a relaxing effect.
Peppermint, known for its anti-nausea properties.
Ylang ylang, an excellent anti-stress agent.
A blend of orange, lavender and thyme, ideal for promoting peaceful sleep.
Preserving essential oils
Preserving quality and effectiveness
Proper storage of essential oils is essential to maintaining their effectiveness. Factors such as temperature, oxygen and light can affect their properties. What’s more, each oil has a specific shelf life, which can vary from a few months to several years.
By combining tradition and science, aromatherapy offers a natural approach to improving quality of life. Its essential oils, although effective, must be used with knowledge and caution. They are a treasure trove of nature, accessible to all for a healthier, more harmonious life.
Spike lavender, whose botanical name is Lavandula latifolia spica, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling its flowers (flowering tops). Botanical description Spike lavender is a larger sub-shrub than fine lavender, reaching up to 75 cm in height. It is made up of straight, numerous branches, usually branched, bearing long, … Read more
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Immortelle, whose botanical name is Helichrysum italicum, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling its aerial flowering parts. Immortelle is found in Corsica in the taxon“ssp italicum” for coastal, scrubland and scree plantations. The taxon“ssp serotinum“, which is more continental, is practically non-existent in Corsica. Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum is … Read more
The clove tree, whose botanical name is Eugenia caryophyllus, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling the air-dried flower buds known as “cloves”, and the pedicels known as “claws”. History of Clove Grown for a long time on the Moluccan islands, the clove tree is part of Ayurvedic medicine (1500 … Read more
Geranium, whose botanical name is Pelargonium graveolens, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling its leaves. History of the Geranium The rose Geranium is an aromatic perennial bushy plant with a branched habit. Its name comes from the Greek “perlagos” meaning “stork”, as its fruit is reminiscent of a stork’s … Read more
Black spruce is native to Canada’s boreal forest. For centuries, Indian peoples have passed on orally from generation to generation the use of this conifer for its therapeutic virtues. It is remarkable to note that very early on, these peoples used the different parts of the plant perfectly and with great discernment, whether applied locally, … Read more
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Bearberry is one of the great omissions from medical literature throughout antiquity. The Middle Ages fared little better, considering that the earliest documents relating to it date back only to the 12th century: some English books mention its use, and it is even mentioned in a 13th-century Welsh herbarium entitled Les médecins de Myddfai (The … Read more
Born somewhere between Istanbul and Odessa, dill is mentioned in an Egyptian medical treatise dating back over 5,000 years. For a long time, dill oil was confined to a limited geographical area and did not immediately spread across Europe. Yet the Romans, seduced by its aniseed scent and seeing it as a symbol of vitality, … Read more
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Chikungunya, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes fever, joint pain and skin rashes. Aromatherapy offers complementary relief for this disease. This article examines the effectiveness of aromatherapy in managing the symptoms of chikungunya. We will look at the essential oils most likely to reduce pain and inflammation. We will also look at their safety and therapeutic benefits. … Read more
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Aromatherapy is a specialised branch of phytotherapy. It is the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes. The term ” Aromatherapy ” was coined in 1928 by a French perfumer and chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé. Aromatherapy is based on an in-depth understanding of essential oils, their chemical components and their interactions with … Read more
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