Fundamentally, Aromatherapy has been used throughout the ages. The Egyptian priests known as the Kemites had made the connection between plant oils and human healing. Scents also opened the nasal and bronchial cavity of excess mucus and other bacterial rich environment so that the patient could recover faster. Anticeptics were used to heal deep puncture wounds, blisters. Certain emolients were also used on the skin to prevent scarring. I think we have to look to the ancients that had learned the healing properties of their world to aid us in finding our balance in today's world.

The term Aromatherapy came into being in the modern world by a French chemist, René Maurice Gattefossé who accidentially discovered the outstanding healing property of lavendar oil for severe burns.

Here is a brief overiew of plants and their normal use:

Basil - relieves severe headaches, do not use during pregnancy.

Bergamot - aids the urinary tract and digestion, when taken topically can aid in relieving cold sores and chicken pox, also a natural insect repellant.

Black Pepper - stimulates the circulation.

Lemongrass - perfume and insect repellant

Eucalyptus - natural and very strong anticeptic, use with care can be toxic.

Sage - helps digest fats in diet, removes waste from intestines, and when used topically darkens white hair.

Clove - used as an analgesic for pain relief.

Lavendar oil - topical antiseptic use, aids in severe burns, has a calming effect on the nerves when inhaled

Yarrow root - reduces joint pain, and other inflammations including the common cold.

Jasmine - known as an aphrodisiac

Remember, much of our modern medicine comes concentrating the already potent nature of plants, roots, herbs and many things found in nature, which can cause deadly side effects very often if directions are not followed carefully.

There are of course precaustions to follow in Aromatherapy, however, there are factors that make it very enjoyable, easy to obtain, and the satisfaction of quick and natural relief available. You may already know of some home remedies that worked and are passed down from family history. If it worked then, it should still work now.

Modern medicine does have it place for severe complications and illness, however, you can do something to aid healing from diseases and discomforts. Unfortunately, modern medicine does not see eye-to-eye with Aromatherapy, yet our forefathers did leave a record of plants and their uses to help with rashes. soothing nerves as well as aiding our bodies natural defenses to combat illness.

Now that being said, essential oils have to be used with care. Toxic reactions such as rashes, liver damage, and/or seizures can result depending on family history. Therefore every batch of essential oil must be mixed with one of the listed carrier oils to prevent this from happening. Carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and hazelnut oil.

By: Marjorie Broodie aka jewelscorner.org