Aromatherapy treats the mind and body with the use of essential oils in three ways: inhaled with use of a diffuser (air or steam), inhaled directly, or through the skin when added to bath water or massage oils.
History of the healing form

This ancient art of healing the body using essential oils of flowers, plants and herbs dates back more than 5,000 years when the Egyptians used the oils of botanicals for embalming, medicines, and cosmetics. Modern day use of essential oils was greatly enhanced in the 10th century by a renowned Arab physician, Avicenna, who developed a distillation process for extracting the essential oils from botanicals. It was not until the early 1900's that the term "aromatherapy" was coined by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse who experimented with lavender and other oils to relieve pain and quickly heal burns. His work with essential oils triggered a new interest in this mode of healing, and today it is among the fastest growing of the natural healing arts.

In Britain aromatherapists refer to clients as patients, and in Germany and France aromatherapy at a spa or holistic treatment center is covered by health insurance. In W.W.II aromatherapy was used on the battlefields to treat injured soldiers, hence its strong acceptance by the European community which views aromatherapy as a medical practice.
Choosing a Remedy

Uses of essential oils have remained the same since the time of the ancient Egyptians and can be used to treat both physiological and psychological ailments. Topical application for wounds, cuts, muscle pain, soreness and dry skin are but a few. When taken through inhalation, aromatherapy can relieve headaches, colds, stress, cramps and menstrual pain. Along with relief of physical ailments, the relaxing effect of the inhaled oils can also relieve anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression and sexual problems. When used with additional natural therapies such as meditation or yoga, the healing powers of aromatherapy can be greatly enhanced.
The following is only a sampling of Essential Oils and their uses:

Bergamot- Applied by massage or through inhalation to ease anxiety and depression or to help heal skin rashes

Cistus- Inhalation or massage for relief of insomnia

Chamomile- This soothing oil applied through massage or inhalation will help to calm anger, relieve stress, reduce menstrual cramps

Cypress- Massaged into the body to reduce fatigue and lethargy

Eucalyptus- For colds, flu, arthritis, infections, bronchitis, and muscular pain, can be used as inhalation, massage, or a soothing bath

Frankincense- For calming of nightmares, fears and for the treatment of arthritis

Geranium- Massaged into the skin it will ease fatigue, lethargy, moodiness, calm diarrhea and ease stomach ulcers

Grapefruit- Inhalation or massage to ease depression or anger

Lavender- Perhaps the most widely used oil to help heal burns, scars, ease stress, anxiety and insomnia, insect bites and dermatitis. Can be used as a massage oil, by inhalation or bath

Jasmine- A bath, massage or inhalation of this oil will ease depression, sexual impotence, frigidity and enhance self-esteem

Lemon- Massage or bath to soothe aches, pains, fatigue

Marjoram- To relieve stress, tension and insomnia by massage, bath or inhalation

Rose- Relieves stress, anxiety and depression and can be applied the same as Jasmine

Orange Blossom- Soothing bath or massage or inhalation to relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia as well as the effects of premature aging

Neroli- A gentle massage will help overcome insomnia

Peppermint- Applied in any of the above ways, it will soothe muscle and joint pain, mental fatigue and concentration problems

Sage- Applied as above for fatigue

Rosemary- This wonderful botanical can help arthritis, muscle pain, fatigue, PMS, headaches and bouts of poor memory by warm baths, massage or inhalation

Sandalwood- A fragrant oil that can overcome stress and fear, sexual problems and low self-esteem

Tangerine- A warm bath or massage will help to ease insomnia

Ylang-Ylang- Excellent for bouts of depression, hypertension, anger or lethargy by massage, warm bath or inhalation

As with any product that touches the skin or is inhaled, check the directions from the manufacturer for proper use and testing to avoid allergic reactions.
Experiences

Aromatherapy has been used by our household for years and has been very helpful in overcoming the stress of long-distance moves, relieving aches and pains, easing hypertension and helping us to avoid seasonal bouts of colds and flu. WMB