Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
by Ladymermaid

History of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Fragranced oils are early scents that were first introduced around the year 1000 B.C. These first scents were created from plants and flowers that were blended with animal fats such as that from the musk ox, or combined with vegetable oils such as olive or sesame.

The first scents and oils were generally used for religious rites or for medical uses. These early scents and oils were also the beginnings of man's first romantic fragrances.

Throughout the years we have used fragrance to accent or enhance our personalities. So it is rather interesting to note that 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.

*Note that Aromatherapy 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.

Products
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 and chickenpox.

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. Provides relief for 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.

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.

Sources For This Article:
www.wikipedia.com
http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com