Aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of essential oils and other aromatic natural botanical oils for psychological and physical well-being.
History of Aromatherapy
In brief, aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Although the term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century, the foundations of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly one thousand years.
The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.
Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known.
Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.
The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal, fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians coined the term perfume, from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.
The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians, but Greek mythology apparently credits the gift and knowledge of perfumes to the gods. The Greeks also recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, commonly called the "father of medicine" practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit. A Greek perfumer by the name of Megallus created a perfume called megaleion. Megaleion included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes: (1) for its aroma, (2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and (3) to heal wounds.
The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica that described the properties of approximately 500 plants. It is also reported that Discorides studied distillation. Distillation during this period, however, focused on extracting aromatic floral waters and not essential oils.
A major event for the distillation of essential oils came with the invention of a coiled cooling pipe in the 11th century. Persian by birth, Avicenna invented a coiled pipe which allowed the plant vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than previous distillers that used a straight cooling pipe. Avicenna's contribution lead to more focus on essential oils and their benefits.
Within the 12th century, an Abbess of Germany named Hildegard grew and distilled lavender for its medicinal properties.
Within the 13th century, the pharmaceutical industry was born. This event encouraged great distillation of essential oils.
During the 14th century, the Black Death hit and killed millions of people. Herbal preparations were used extensively to help fight this terrible killer. It is believed that some perfumers may have avoided the plague by their constant contact with the natural aromatics.
Within the 15th century, more plants were distilled to create essential oils including frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and rosemary. A growth in the amount of books on herbs and their properties also begins later in the century. Paracelsus, an alchemist, medical doctor and radical thinker is credited with coining the term Essence and his studies radically challenged the nature of alchemy and he focused upon using plants as medicines.
During the 16th century, one could begin purchasing oils at an "apothecary," and many more essential oils were introduced.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, perfume starting being considered an art form, and it was more clearly defined as its own field.
During the 19th century, perfumery remained a prosperous industry. Women would have their jeweler create a special bottle to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century also was important scientifically as major constituents of essential oils became isolated.
During the 20th century, the knowledge of separating the constituents of essential oils was used to create synthetic chemicals and drugs. It had been believed that by separating the major constituents and then using the constituents alone or in synthetic form would be beneficial therapeutically and economically. These discoveries helped lead to "modern medicine" and synthetic fragrances. This actually weakened the use of essential oils for medicinal and aromatic benefit.
During the earlier part of the 20th century, a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal use. Previously, he focused on the aromatic use of essential oils, but his interest in their medicinal use grew after an accident heightened his curiosity. While working, he burned his arm rather badly. By reflex, he plunged his burned arm into the closest liquid which happened to be a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in 1928 within an article where he supports the use of using essential oils in their whole without breaking them down into their primary constituents. In 1937, Gattefossé wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales that was later translated into English and named Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. It is still in print and widely read.
Other highly respected 20th century aromatherapists include Jean Valnet, Madam Marguerite Maury, and Robert B. Tisserand. Jean Valnet is most remembered for his work using essential oils to treat injured soldiers during the war and for his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, originally entitled Aromathérapie in French. Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury is remembered as a biochemist who avidly studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy for primarily cosmetic benefit. Robert B. Tisserand is an English aromatherapist who is responsible for being one of the first individuals to bring knowledge and education of aromatherapy to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the highly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy. The Art of Aromatherapy was the first aromatherapy book published in English.
From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life. Today's heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp
Just like yoga is a specific form of mind/body medicine, aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine. Because of their therapeutic value, many essential oils are used to modify immune responses, treat a wide range of infections, and to stabilize moods and emotions. The reason why the fragrance molecules associated with essential oils are able to affect one's emotions, is because they enter the human olfactory system through the nasal cavity and eventually reach the limbic system, the portion of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. Because the limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, scientists have learned that oil fragrances may be one of the fastest ways to galvanize, or bring about, physiological or psychological effects.
John Steele, Ph.D., of Sherman Oaks, California, and Robert Tisserand, of London, England, top aromatherapy researchers, have studied the effects on brain wave patterns when essential oils are inhaled or smelled. They found that oils such as orange, jasmine, and rose have a sedative, tranquilizing effect and function by altering the brain waves into a rhythm that produces calmness. Furthermore, stimulating oils-basil, black pepper, rosemary, and cardamom-work by producing a heightened energy response.
It is essential that there be a strict separation between therapeutic aromatherapy and fragrance/pleasure/hygienic aromatherapy...This is the type of aromatherapy that can alleviate pain and a number of other conditions. One of the drawbacks to aromatherapy becoming more mainstream and losing its image as a "fringe" medicine is that companies are mass-producing aromatherapy products as only a mere fragrancing device. Moreover, many synthetic chemicals are being advertised as organic essential oils; the deception by commercial exploiters in false-advertising oil imposters as genuine essential oils is without a doubt helping to ruin aromatherapy to some degree. As a consequence, consumers must be very careful when they buy essential oils to make sure that what they are getting is authentic.
http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/therapies/aromatherapy.html
Individual Essential Oils:
Basil
Uplifting, Awakening, Clarifying, Stimulating
Used to counteract indecision, intellectual/mental fatigue, negativity, lack of direction, fear, burnout, confusion, apathy, bitterness, resentment, addiction, conflict, fear of intimacy, shame, doubts, melancholy, and sadness
Used for bronchitis, physical fatigue, colds, migraine, gout, aches and pains
Bergamont
Joyous, Refreshing, Uplifting, Encouraging
Used to counteract depression, anxiety, helplessness, apathy, bitterness, burnout, despondency, emptiness, exhaustion, grief, hopelessness, sadness, loneliness, stress, tension and emotional imbalances
Used for fevers, acne, tension, wounds and coughs
Cedarwood
Grounding, Strengthening, Dignified, Powerful
Used to counteract scattered thoughts, thoughtlessness, fixation on the past, anxiety, obsessions, mental strain, irrationality, emotional sensitivity, touchiness, gloomy thoughts, worry, fear, too analytical, paranoia and selfishness
Used for bronchitis, catarrh, acne, arthritis and as a diuretic
Chamomile
Strong, Peaceful, Healing, Cooling
Used to counteract nervousness, frayed nerves, anger, frustration, emotional dramas, emotional tension, irritability, temper, tenseness, overly sensitive, moodiness, bitterness, resentment, indifference and deep emotional baggage
Used for nerves, migraine, acne, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual problems, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory diseases and burns
Clary Sage
Euphoric, Restoring, Harmonizing, Warming
Used to counteract nervousness, stress, tension, changeability, worry, anxiety, claustrophobia, compulsive behavior , depression, nightmares, hostility, hyperactivity and lethargy, obsession, panic, mental strain, fear, paranoia, melancholy, burnout, delusions, emotional debility, absentmindedness, weepiness, guilt
Used for sore throat, aches and pains, debility and as a sedative
Eucalyptus
Energy, Stimulation, Balance, Sheltering
Used to counteract exhaustion, heated emotions, mood swings, lack of concentration, cluttered thoughts, temper tantrums, irrational thoughts, an explosive nature and an argumentative nature
Used for sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, skin infections, ulcers, sores, rheumatism, aches and pains, as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
Frankincense
Elevating, Spiritual, Meditative, Wisdom
Used to contradict fears, grief, blockages, over-attachment, burnout, exhaustion, insincerity, panic, anxiety, disconnection, repression, resistance, self-destruction, apprehension and despair
Used for sores, wounds, fevers, coughs, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis
Geranium
Balancing, Healing, Uplifting, Comforting
Used to counteract anxiety, depression, acute fear, extreme moods, confusion, rigidity, instability, abuse, moodiness, lack of self-esteem, insecurity, sensitivity, tension, stress, hurt, overly emotionality, crisis, apprehension, aggression and irrationality
Used for menstrual problems, diarrhea, diabetes, sores, neuralgia, bleeding, circulatory conditions, eczema, sore throats and kidney stones
Grapefruit
Radiating, Cheering, Joyful, Liberating, Boosting
Used to counteract depression, dependency, sadness, grief, apathy, mental pressure, mental exhaustion, emotional violence, self-doubt, self-criticism, aggravation and frustration
Used for obesity, kidney and liver problems, migraine, depression, as a tonic, diuretic, sedative, and an aid in drug withdrawal.
Lavender
Harmonious, Calming, Healing, Caring, Compassionate, Embracing
Used to counteract anxiety, irritability, stress, tension, mental exhaustion, panic, hysteria, shock, apprehension, fears, nightmares, insecurity, lost inner child, restlessness, moodiness, distracted, addiction, obsessive behavior, trauma, conflict, emotional violence, agitation, jitteryness, depression, psychosomatic illness, nervousness, worry, over-excitedness and burnout
Used for burns, inflammation, cuts, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, fainting, headaches, influenza, insomnia, migraine, nausea, infections, bacterial conditions, sores, ulcers, acne, boils, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis
Lemon
Purifying, Stimulating, Directional, Versatile
Used to counteract resentfulness, bitterness, touchiness, apathy, lethargy, a lack of humor, indecisiveness, bad attitudes, distrust, mental blocks, stress, mental fatigue, turmoil, irrationality, fear
Used for sore throat, high blood pressure, digestive problems, gallstones, debility, fever, as a tonic, astringent and an antiseptic
Orange
Warming, Happy, Resolute, Energizing
Used to counteract depression, hopelessness, sadness, apathy, resignation, withdrawn, self-consciousness, anxiety, emotional violence, emotional abuse, worry, selfishness, obsessions, addiction and burnout
Used for bronchitis, viral infections, rheumatism, respiratory problems, muscular pain and digestive problems
Patchouli
Grounding, Soothing Unruffled, Assured
Used to counteract depression, anxiety, indecision, lethargy, sluggishness, egotistical, tension, stress, mood-swings and touchiness
Used for skin inflammation, fungal infections, acne, eczema, dandruff, as an antiseptic, diuretic, and an insecticide
Peppermint
Clarifying, Awakening, Stimulating, Penetrating
Used to counteract mental fatigue, shock, helplessness, overwork, sluggishness, lethargy and apathy
Used for inflammation, nausea, indigestion, fevers, flatulence, headaches, migraine, liver problems arthritis, and as a stimulant
Rosemary
Vigorous, Strengthening, Restorative, Centering
Used to counteract loss of memory, learning difficulties, lethargy, disorientation, fatigue, indecision, nervous exhaustion, overburdened, overworked, strain, emotional exhaustion and sluggishness
Used for gout, headaches, fatigue, rheumatism, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, dandruff, alopecia, obesity, spinal injuries, as a nerve stimulant, heart tonic, liver decongestant and as an analgesic
Sandalwood
Enlightenment, Meditative, Balancing, Connecting
Used to counteract anxiety, nervous tension, possessiveness, manipulating, unforgiving, obsessive, lonely, non-accepting, cynical, insecurity, recurrent nightmares, selfishness, distress, uneasiness, hasty, aggressive, irritable and dwelling on the past
Used for acne, catarrh, cystitis, menstrual problems, depression, skin infections, fungal and bacterial infections and as a sedative
Ylang Ylang
Euphoric, Sensuous, Stimulating, Unifying
Used to counteract depression, anxiety, tension, stress, frustration, irritability, emotional guilt, resentment, jealousy, selfishness, impatience, irrationality, stubbornness, obstinacy and shyness
Used for palpitations, high blood pressure, as a sedative and general tonic
Stress Formula:
Clary Sage 10 drops
Chamomile 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Geranium 10 drops
These can be mixed with 1 oz. of a carrier oil (almond, sesame, jojoba). Use a few drops on the skin, in a bath or in a diffuser. Only use the essential oils that are pleasing to you.
Warning:
Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and sting nettles sting. The following essential oils should NOT be used under any circumstances.
Bitter almond Mugwort Southernwood
Boldo leaf Mustard Tansy
Calamus Pennyroyal Thuja
Yellow Camphor Rue Wintergreen
Horseradish Sassafras Wormseed
Jaborandi leaf Savin Wormwood
References:
Valerie Ann Wormwood
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion
Pat Leatham & Connie Higley (Young Living Oils Practioners)
Reference Guide for Essential Oils 
