Rediscovering The Ancient Art Of Aromatherapy

By: William Brown -

Aromatherapy was used by the Romans, Ancient Egyptians, and Ancient Chinese. Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the scents of fragrant plants and herbs to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Aromatherapy also includes infusions and bathing in fragrant oils. The Biblical Queen Esther was recorded to have bathed in various oils to soften and beautify her skin before being presented to the King. These ancient treatments are finding new popularity with modern-day people.

The mind is powerfully affected by scent. By stimulating the senses with pleasant fragrance, negative emotions and feelings will be replaced by peace and tranquility. In addition to the benefits resulting from pleasing aromas, many essential oils have inherent healing properties. These properties range from germicidal or antifungal, to fever-reducing and skin healing. Aromatherapists study various herbs and plants to become familiar with their properties. They then blend various complimenting herbs to create aromatherapy infusions, massage oils, and even candles. Aromatherapy candles are used to infuse a room with fragrance. They are a wonderful addition to either an aromatherapy massage or bath. One may select a scent that compliments or blends with a the scent of one's bath or massage, or if one prefers, one may opt for the same scent.

Today, aromatherapy candles are made not simply of parrafin but out of organic wax. If you have ever noticed black soot on your glass candle holder after burning a candle, then you have used a candle made of paraffin wax. As paraffin is petroleum- based, it is not aromatherapy appropriate. One can now choose from aromatherapy candles that are made from soy wax or Beeswax. Soy wax candles are gaining in popularity due to the fact that soy is an organic substance. A soy wax aromatherapy candle will have a clean burn. It will release your selected aromatherapy essential oil into the air without producing any soot or Petroleum-based waste. These candles are ideal for those with allergies, asthma, and other breathing problems. If you were using an aromatherapy bath for respiratory problems, it would be counterproductive to burn an aromatherapy candle that will leave pollution and residue in the same air that you are breathing. The alternative is to use aromatherapy candles made from 100% organic soy wax.

Aromatherapy has many benefits, and there are many different reasons why people choose this ancient healing art form. Relaxation and stress relief are two of the major reasons that people turn to aromatherapy. Lavender is a popular essential oil that is often used to bring the body into a state of well-being, peace, and tranquility. Lavender can also be used treat anxiety and nervousness. Lavendar can be combined with many things, such as any citrus-based herbs or oils. This includes burning a citrus-scented aromatherapy candle while soaking in a lavender bath. Lavender can also be blended with clove, eucalyptus, rosewood and rosemary to great effect.

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William Brown writes for several web sites, on health and wellness topics.