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.
The fruit of the mandarin tree is generally highly prized, especially at Chinese New Year, when it represents abundance and good fortune. Its fragrant peel is particularly appreciated in cooking, adding a delectable aroma to savoury dishes.In traditional medicine, the dried peel is generally used to regulate vitality, stimulate digestion, relieve abdominal cramps and reduce … Read more
The leaves of the lemon bedew are simple, lanceolate and have numerous milky-white flowers arranged in panicles, forming the design of a lucky charm. This tropical shrub has small fruits that look almost like pepper berries. That’s why it’s known as “mountain pepper”. Litsea citrata, also known as exotic verbena, is widely used in perfumes … Read more
Pistachio mastic, botanical name Pistacia lentiscus, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained from the leafy branches. Frankincense is a type of resin with a strong odour derived from the sap of the Pistachio Mastic. In ancient times, this natural resin was used as chewing gum. Today, in Iran, it is still … Read more
Lavandin is the result of hybridisation (natural at first) between the two species Lavandula vera and Lavandula latifolia, and its aromatic profile is close to that of Lavandula vera (but with 6-8% camphor ). This hybridisation gave rise to four varieties of lavandin in Provence: Super, Grosso, Sumian and Abrial. Nowadays, lavandin is much more … Read more
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
How to treat a baby’s cold? The rhinovirus (HVR = Human Rhino Virus) was discovered in the 1950s. The etiological agents (pathogens) put forward are those of the common cold with respiratory tropism. This virus grows in the nasal passages and generally circulates in all countries and all year round. Children are the main reservoir of HRV, however, it should … Read more
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
Ceylon citronella oil is a natural product that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and aromatic properties. It is known for its mosquito-repellent properties and its lemon balm-like fragrance. Its use dates back to the 17th century, when the military surgeon Nicolas Grimm experimented with it as an antiseptic. Ceylon citronella essential oil … Read more
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