Aromatherapy – Myth Or Reality

The origin of aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, as ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, ancient China and ancient India. The concept aims at the holistic treatment of the human body, by making use of the immensely useful essential oils obtained from various herbs and plants.

The essential oils are, normally, obtained from the various parts of specific plants, extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing and applied along with diluters, such as coconut oil. The oil content in these plants is so low that it takes huge quantities of plant parts to yield smaller quantities of essential oil. To cite an example, around 440 pounds of fresh lavender flowers are required to produce a meager 2.5 pounds of essential lavender oil. That makes this product very dear.

The use of essential oils

The use of these essential oils is a part of ones lifestyle and they can take care of the health and wellbeing of the entire family. These oils have become very popular in various parts of the world. Though the aromatic plants used to produce these essential oils were known and put to use since time immemorial, the term ‘aromatherapy’ is of recent origin, to be precise from the early 90’s only. Let us examine the use of these plants as a scent to alters one’s mood, the general atmosphere in one’s surroundings and to have a feeling of goodness.

It’s a fact that not only the natural scents serve the above purpose but also the artificial ones. However, the minute difference lies in the most natural fragrance of this nature packed oils that, when used, give us a wonderful feeling and may have therapeutic properties..

Scientific facts

The fairy tales behind the aromatherapy like the claim of its power to cure the cancer or the depression are all packed in mystery. No certified or scientific study has been undertaken on these tall claims the plants are supposed to possess. Even natural health experts treat it as a complimentary therapy only. Aromatherapy belongs to branches of conventional medicines or systems that are not subject to any serious study or research leading to any standardization or certification. This branch of herbal science can be used in various applications like in enhancing the beauty of skin and hair, and also on its influence on one’s moods and feelings known as aromacology. Thirdly, its medicinal properties is said to cure or prevent ailments. However the best use of the therapy is said to be its wholesome benefit for the body, mind and the spirit.

Between the fantasized divinity attributed for this herbal science and the sheer neglect of this concept as a magnified traditional culture, lies the real truth of this revived ancient science that can be effectively used to get the best out of the herbal plants, hitherto neglected by the civilized society.