Plants have been used for their healing properties throughout many centuries as has been found documented. It is believed the Chinese used them around 3,000BC and the Egyptians were known to have used them in 1,500BC. There is also evidence of them having been used in India for 2,500 years as well as by the Romans and the Greeks.

In the practise of aromatherapy a different essential oil or combination of oils are selected to treat a specific ailment. The oil is then either absorbed by rubbing onto the skin or inhaled to take on the benefits. There has been significant evidence that oils can have a great affect for treating many different conditions. Probably one of the most famous is lavender oil. Many studies have shown that inhaling lavender prior to sleep can dramatically reduce insomnia.

The use of aromatherapy has grown significantly as the ease of obtaining oils for home use has increased. Many of the treatments can be self administered like the use of eucalyptus oil to relieve a blocked nose. However if you would require medical treatment you are best to consult a practitioner.

Aromatherapy can offer a wide range of physical and psychological benefits, depending on the essential oil or oil combination and method of application used. Some common medicinal properties of essential oils used in aromatherapy include: analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative. Essential oils are used to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including, but not limited to, allergies, stress, bruises, burns, diarrhoea, earache, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), energy, insect bites, relaxation, poor digestion, headache, menopause, insomnia, nausea, bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis, sprains, wounds, shingles (herpes zoster), muscle and joint pain, arthritis, nervousness, restlessness, and scars.

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