It is not strange anymore to hear the word of aromatherapy. Although it is very popular nowadays, it does not mean that it is a kind of modern treatment. Aromatherapy has been known from the ancient times in Egypt, China, India and Italy. But today, it widely practiced in the worldwide including North America and Europe.
Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicines that utilizes medicinal properties of the essential oils of herbs and plants. It is usually included into holistic treatments and spa treatments with candles, massage oils and other relaxation products. The essential oils used are usually taken from leaves, stems, flowers, buds, roots and branches which have been extracted using steam distillation, cold-pressing or water. It works effectively to affect the whole part of the body without the direct touch. When the aroma is inhaled, the molecules enter the nasal cavity and stimulate the limbic system in the brain. It then influences the memories and emotions which regulate the heart rate, stress, hormone balance, memory, blood pressure and breathing. It is no wonder then if aromatherapy becomes the most favorite treatment taking for relaxation. Besides effectively offering the pharmacological effects, the essential oils used in aromatherapy can also treat some conditions such as allergies, bruises, diarrhea, burns, stress, PMS, cold, insomnia, headache, muscle and joint pain, sinusitis, restlessness, menopause and nausea.
Aromatherapy is very popular. You can find many places that offer it as their main service or additional one combined with massage, acupuncture and other alternative treatments. Besides seeing the professionals, it is also possible to use aromatherapy as home remedies. One of recommended recipes is for respiratory conditions. Steam inhalation involves 2-3 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary or other oil to hot water and holding the face over the pot with a towel draped to form a tent. It is also possible to add a few drops of oil to baths, massage or compresses.
