28/09/2013
AROMATHERAPY
Some interesting facts:
Fact One: Aromatherapy has been used for over 6000 years, first by the Chinese who used to burn special herbs to encourage harmony and well-being. They are believed to have identified over 300 herbs that could offer health benefits when burned.
Fact Two: The Egyptians regularly used incense, bath oils and massage ointments but are best known for using essential oils during the embalming process. During a special ceremony, participants wore a hat made of oil which would melt and release fragrances.
Fact Three: Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague. He also used aromatherapy baths and massages in his treatments.
Fact Four: Perfumes were first developed in Arabia where they were used to help heal injuries. The use of essential oils and fragrances for healing was brought to Europe by soldiers returning from the Crusades.
Fact Five: During the Dark Ages Aromatherapy was forced to go underground as the Catholic Church banned the use of natural remedies. They believed illnesses were a punishment of God which only prayer and bleeding could cure. This ban lasted for centuries.
Fact Six: During the Renaissance and Enlightenment era, herbal remedies were overlooked in favour of abstract scientific methods.
Fact Seven: Aromatherapy as you and me know it was discovered by accident in the 1920s by French Chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He soaked his hand in Lavender after burning himself – as he didn’t have anything else to hand – and was surprised to find that his wound healed quickly. He was also the first person to coin the term ‘aromatherapy’.
Fact Eight: Essential oils are most often described by their odours and scents (otherwise known as ‘notes’) and fall under the following groups: Floral (Rose, Jasmine, Lilac and Gardenia); Citrus (Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange and Tangerine); Mint (Peppermint and Spearmint); Woody (Cedarwood and Sandalwood); Herbaceous (Basil, Marjoram and Thyme); Earthy (Oakmoss and Patchouli) and Spicy (Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg).
