|
Whether it be your favourite perfume, the delicious smell of chocolate or freshly cut grass, aromas have a powerful effect on us. We can instantly feel relaxed if we smell something exquisite, and this is what makes aromatherapy such a fantastic health treatment. There’s nothing better than using essential oils in your bubble bath after work to relax in the evening, as the soothing aroma of natural remedies is undoubtedly calming. But what exactly are the benefits and the exact effects it can have on our health? The age-old practice can be dated back to before the Egyptian period, with ancient civilisations using natural extracts to relax both their body and mind. Supposedly, the Egyptians regarded precious oils so highly that they were considered more valuable than gold. Yet, the term ‘aromatherapy’ was not coined until the early 1900’s by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse, who discovered the miraculous healing properties of natural oils and helped to heal soldiers’ wounds during the First World War! We can still use certain oils, such as clove, to aid sores on our skin. But the practice of modern aromatherapy as we know it today, involving the use of oils to massage the body, was not discovered until the 1960s and the rest is history. Thanks to Marguerite Maury, aromatherapy is used in massage parlours and spas Worldwide, and with a wide range of benefits including - 1 Essential oils can induce a peaceful nights sleep. Relaxing in a bath before bed with warming aromas, or even deeply inhaling them before your head hits the pillow, will help you sleep restfully throughout the night. Studies have shown that lemon balm can even be used to help fight insomnia. 2 Frequent massaging of the body with oils will help to strengthen both your muscles and joints, encouraging agility through to old age. 3 Certain oils can help to fight headaches. If you suffer from migraines, lavender oil is credited to battling the crippling pain. You simply have to massage the oil on to the effected area. 4 For menstrual cramps and improving hormone balance, massaging rose oil into your skin is perfect; the oil itself is often referred to as ‘the ultimate woman’s oil’! 5 Oils can be used as an antiseptic treatment, as mentioned above. For example, if your child has fallen over and scraped their knee, diluted clove oil will treat the wound. 6 Essential oils have cosmetic benefits too, especially with rejuvenating your hair. Lavender and rosemary oil are for dull, dry hair that needs a lift. It stimulates the glands and encourages the scalp to produce more oil, to create a shiny, healthy appearance! 7 If you suffer from digestive problems, certain oils can restore digestive efficiency. For a simple and effect remedy all you have to do is dilute one drop of peppermint oil into a glass of milk or green tea to aid normal digestion. However, it is very important to ensure you check the oils before using, as many aromatherapy oils are not digestible. 8 Relating the use of essential oils to a particular relaxing moment will enable you to create a healthy, balanced mindset. Regular use throughout your life will help to calm you during stressful periods. I hope this brief but interesting history of aromatherapy and all the wonderful benefits it can have on your body will encourage you to try it out. With the extensive amount of beauty and health products that exist on the market that are pricey, it can be difficult to find methods that will work and won’t put you out of pocket. But aromatherapy is an affordable way to keep your body feeling great all the time. All you have to do is pop into your local pharmaceutical store, choose from a range of essential oils that tickle your fancy, and enjoy the ultimate form of relaxation. Online Gift Store for Gift Hampers and Baskets
Related Articles -
aromatherapy benefits, aromaatherapy massage, essential oils,
| 
