Man knew long ago that certain oils and scents, or a combination of certain ones blended together, could evoke a distinct response within the human system. This is why Aromatherapy and Essential Oils were first used as a means of healing.

Fragranced oils were introduced around the year 1000 B.C. These first scents were used in religious ceremonies or as health remedies, and they were also the beginnings of what we now know as Fragrance, Perfume, Essential Oils, or Aromatherapy products. These first essential oils were created from plants and flowers that were blended with vegetable oils such as olive or sesame or with animal fats such as that from the musk ox.

What exactly is Aromatherapy? Health benefits or "Therapy" occur from an aroma when our brain takes a simple scent, and then transforms it through the processing or analyzing of it. The information that the brain derives from the fragrance is sent to our immune system as well as our limbic system, and these areas are then altered by the brain's interpretation of these scents. Our health, emotions and even how we perceive things are affected by the simple aromas that we inhale. This is the theory behind aromatherapy and a concept that has been in existence for hundreds of years.

With today's rebirth of "aromatherapy", and the recreation of essential oils strictly for the health benefits that they impart, we have actually almost come full circle in our use of scented oils.

Basil:Relieves depression, migraines or headaches and is beneficial in improving concentration.

Bergamot: Aids in the functioning of the digestive and urinary tract. Acts as an insect repellent and is beneficial in the relief of cold sores.

Black Pepper: Stimulates circulation and aides in the relief of muscle aches and pains.

Citronella Oil: Insect repellent.

Chamomile: Aids in the relief of acne, blisters, eczema, psoriasis, depression, headache, nervous tension, gout, flatulence, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

Clove Oil: An antiseptic. It soothes colds, toothaches and mouth sores.

Eucalyptus Oil: Provides relief of cold and flu symptoms.

Frankincense: Aides with the symptoms of nervousness, asthma, bronchitis and colds, it is also beneficial for healing wounds or slowing the effects of aging skin.

Ginger: Aids in the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis, colds and flu, colic, constipation, diarrhea, exhaustion, poor circulation, sinusitis. and helps regulate indigestion.

Jasmine: An aphrodisiac. It also provides relief of headache, mental tension and anxiety.

Lavender: An antiseptic. Soothes minor cuts and burns, muscle aches and pains, insect bites and eczema. It is also used to calm and relax, to relieve anxiety. It is also used to treat acne, dandruff, insomnia, sunburn, psoriasis and the symptoms of pms.

Lemon Grass: Reduces stress or depression.

Marjoram: Relieves the symptoms of anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, flatulence, muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, sinusitis and digestive problems.

Myrrh: Stimulates the immune system and aids in the symptoms of arthritis, bronchitis, colds and cough and digestive problems.

Peppermint: Acts as an insect repellent. Provides relief for asthma, bronchitis, headaches or migraines, colic, sinusitis, sore or tired feet and toothache.

Pine: Is a disinfectant. Helps relieve symptoms of gout, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and rheumatism. Also aids with respiratory problems as well as general aches and pains. Brings back vitality.

Rose: Aids in the symptoms of depression, pms, headaches and insomnia.

Rosemary: Provides relief from bladder problems, water retention, flu, gout, poor circulation, burns, liver and gall bladder problems, fatigue and rheumatism. It is also beneficial in the prevention of cellulite.

Sandlewood: Immune system booster. Aids with water retention, fatigue and the symptoms of impotence.

Tea Tree Oil: An antiseptic or disinfectant.

Thyme: Enhances memory, reduces stress, raises low blood pressure, aids in the symptoms of colds, cough, depression, fatigue, rheumatism and tonsillitis.

Ylang Ylang: For sexual dysfunction problems, high blood pressure, anxiety and intestinal problems.

Always research a product before you use it. Insure that it is correctly diluted. Note that although many Aromatherapy and Essential Oil products are not subject to health guidelines when misused or used incorrectly they can cause serious health problems.

Aromatherapy, and Essential Oil treatments, like all alternative therapies should only be undertaken with the consent of your doctor. Pregnant women should be especially careful of any alternative treatments during pregnancy.

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