Aromatherapy is the application of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance emotional and physical well-being. Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years and today its deemed an alternative or complementary therapy that many are gravitating towards. Despite the name ‘essential oils’, they really are not essential for life. Many have healed and gone on to live a long life without ever using essential oils. But, they can offer profound therapeutic benefits if used correctly. They can also be added to cosmetics, cleaning supplies and have so many other uses.
Essential oil benefits come from their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as a natural medicine without any side effects for the most part. Many have harnessed the power of essential oils and have used them in all areas of their life. But, essential oils are extremely concentrated and their use should not be taken lightly. Care must be given and finding a reliable guidebook is the start of conscious essential oil use. The Heart of Aromatherapy, An Easy-to-Use Guide for Essential Oils is a fantastic resource for both newbies like me and experienced essential oil users.
