Aromatherapy
The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and
a scented massage every day.
Hippocrates
The use of essential oils dates back possibly thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians used strong oils in their mummification and embalming practices as disinfectants. The Romans would wear a wreath of Roses around their heads to alieve a headache. When the Black Plague broke out in Athens, Hippocrates insisted that certain Herbs be burnt on each street corner to stop the advancement of the disease. He knew the burning oils could work as an antibiotic to kill air born bacteria.
The sense of smell is one of the strongest of our six senses. Aromas can trigger memories both bad and good, the smell of something cooking will usually start our stomachs grumbling if its been awhile since we last ate. Did you know that if you plug your nose so as to not smell what your eating that you can't taste it either? Perfumes use Pheromones as an agent to attract members of the opposite sex. Recently a new product has come into the Diet market, you smell this little inhaler and it reduces your appetite. "Stop and smell the flowers" there's more to this saying then a suggestion to appreciate the local flora. Our olfactory systems are linked directly to the brains neural sensors, a chemical reaction takes place when we inhale any aroma. When essential oils (some diluted) are rubbed directly onto the skin they work on the nerve endings. The reaction travels through the nerves to the pituitary gland and elicits the desired reaction.
Lavender, thyme, rose petals any aromatic herb or flower placed around the house as dried arrangements or in potpourri dishes are not only soothing but make great natural air fresheners. Drying herbs often increase their aroma. Many plants release their essence only after being bruised, this is because the essential oil is contained in sacs below the surface of the leaf or petal.
Today essential oils are used in the following ways. Inhaled, this can be done directly from the bottle, by diffuser, sprinkled on a pillow or by a little fan that has a place to put the oil and runs on batteries. In a bath, where the benefit is absorbed through the skin and inhaled. To use for massage add about 36 drops to 1 oz of pure oil such as Jojoba, grapeseed or almond. For compresses add about 12 drops of essential oil to a bowl of water. Hot compresses are great for sprains,muscle pains and cramps. Cold compresses should be used for headaches and to reduce swelling. Many types of incense sticks are available as are scented candles. Of course you can always make you own candles if you wish. There are so many plants, herbs and flowers with aromatic healing effects that I will concentrate on the most commonly used in day to day aromatherapy. A note here...many stores have opened that not only sell the oils I will describe but also combined oils for specific purposes. I was shocked and pleased when I went into a local Aromatherapy shop last year and saw premade "Goddess Oil" among others that only those in the Craft would know what to do with. So next time your passing by an Aromatherapy shop pop in and look around. I have also included a section on oils and their Magickal use.
