What are those little blue or brown bottles on the shelves in the health food stores? They are called "essential oils", but what is it, really. Let's take a closer look at what AROMATHERAPY really is.

The use of aromatic plant material is quite ancient, about 5000 years old and was lost, but resurfaced in the last few decades, specially in France, Italy and England. The father of modern aromatherapy is the french chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who came up with the term aromatherapy and used it as the title for his book, which was published in 1937. He was extremely interested in how the essential oils worked on the skin cosmetically and medically. A french doctor, Jean Valnet, was very impressed with his book and in world warII he used essential oils to heal and disinfect wounds. In 1967 he published his book, "Aromatherapie, Traitement des maladies par les essences des plantes". Valnet is teaching, in particular medical doctors, how to use essential oils. From France it came to Enland, Marguerite Maury and Micheline Arcier, students of Valnet, introduced it there. Nowadays aroma- therapy is very popular in the UK, even the royal family is very open towards aromatherapy.

Between 1920 and 1930 scientists in Italy were doing research regarding the effects of essential oils on the psyche. In 1922 Dr. Renato Cayola and Dr. Giovanni Gatti published an article on the effects of the essential oils on the system. Professor Paolo Rovesti from the university of Milan did research into the psychological effects of the essences. He used essential oils to treat patients with depression and hysteria. He recommended mixtures of the essential oils. To treat depression for instance he used a mixture of Yasmin, Sandelwood, Orange, Verena and Lemon. For anxiety he used, Bergamotte, Neroli, Cypress, Petit Grain, Lime, Rose, Violet leaves and Majoran.

Aromatherapy is not the end of all diseases but it can certainly be a great complimentary therapy. Aromatherapy works well with most other therapies and particularily well in combination with Bach Flowers, but doesn't work at all with Homeopathy. When essential oils are used in combination with homeopathic remedies, the remedies will not work. While under homeopathic treatment essential oils should not be used at all.

Aromatherapy might not cure terminal illness but it is a great way to bring a natural scent into your home. To give you a few examples, citrus oils, like Lemon, Orange or Mandarin give a room a happy and alive feel, Sandelwood or Patchouli can give a moody, mysterious feeling.

And as an inhalation for the common cold and cough it can bring great relief.

Melanie Haney-Ellis resides in Nelson, New Zealand. Her passions are nutrition, natural health and spirituality. Check out her website for a must read free ebook on Longevity! Click Here Now ==>http://www.inchargeofyourlife.com

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