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.
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
The aromatherapy is an alternative medicine which includes essential oils and floral waters . This natural therapy is currently experiencing a real revival of interest . It requires precise knowledge of the quality of the essential oils used, in particular for application in pediatrics. However, it is not devoid of toxicity . By following precise rules of administration and dosage, aromatherapy is a safe and effective therapy even for a child. Are all … Read more
The hormone-dependent cancers are a major public health problem. These are the most frequent cancers in France in women ( breast cancer ) as in men ( prostate cancer ) with approximately 42,000 new cases each year. As a result of advances in therapy and screening, the death rate for breast cancer has fallen by around 40%. But the total number of deaths is only decreasing … Read more
At a time when opportunistic diseases are becoming more and more widespread, both in human medicine and in veterinary medicine, mycology, long considered to be the poor relation of parasitology, is acquiring more importance. However, the diagnosis of animal dermatophytes can only rarely be obtained by clinical examination alone or by collecting memorials. What are … Read more
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
Endometriosis is a condition affecting women of childbearing age. This pathology usually results in severe pain during menstruation and fertility problems. It is the presence, outside the uterus, of one or more clusters histologically similar to the endometrium (endometriomas) that define in particular the presence of endometriosis. These clusters are preferably located in the ovaries, … Read more
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
Dermatophytes, which cause mycosis, are ubiquitous filamentous fungi belonging to the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Well adapted to parasitic life, they have a strong affinity for keratin and cause various skin lesions in humans and animals known as dermatophytoses or dermatophyties. Dermatophytoses are the most common skin mycoses in humans. They cause superficial lesions … Read more
There are several types of cellulite: cosmetic cellulite and infectious cellulite (bacterial: staphylococcus or streptococcus). What is cellulite? There are several types of cellulite: cosmetic cellulite and infectious cellulite (bacterial: staphylococcus or streptococcus).Infectious cellulite is in fact a bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus. The pathway is a skin infection. The management of this … Read more
Stress is a natural reaction; it is a set of physical and physiological reactions of the body, in the face of a particular situation, which is said to be stressful. It can affect everyone, usually over a short period of time.Stress is triggered by situations that represent a “danger” to the individual. These stress situations … Read more
Welcome to the sometimes painful world of mouth ulcers! These little mouth sores can be a real nuisance, disrupting our daily routines with their discomfort. So how do you get rid of them effectively? This article aims to explore some practical, tried-and-tested remedies for combating mouth ulcers. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix at … Read more
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as‘gastro‘, is an illness that affects the digestive system. Characterised mainly by inflammation of the intestinal or stomach mucosa, this infection manifests itself through symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The variability of these symptoms, which often have a sudden onset but short duration (2 to 3 days), … Read more