Aromatherapy is the art of healing with pure essential oils - the highly concentrated extracts from plants, herbs, and flowers. Aromatherapy is a way of treating mental and physical imbalances through inhalation and the external application of essential oils in massage, baths, etc. 

The term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly one thousand years.

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

The Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the rudimentary extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented rudimentary distillation machines, but very little is known.

Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.

The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal, fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians tooked over the term perfume, from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.

Scientists, recently proved that essential oils act on the olfactory nerves which lead from the nose to the brain. Essential oils contain antibacterial properties and also may contain antibiotic, antiviral, and other therapeutic properties.

Aromatherapy is holistic therapy for your mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils are organic and act in harmony with the body, providing well-being and balance.

Introducing essential oils into your lifestyle can be quite easy, fun, and therapeutically beneficial. Below are a few ways in which you can get started. These methods are intended as guidelines only, and you do need to pay special attention to all safety pre cautions applicable for each oil that you choose. It is also important to remember that essential oils are flammable.

Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products.

Aromatherapy should not be considered a miracle cure for serious emotional issues, the use of essential oils may assist, sometimes greatly, with particular emotional issues. Additionally, the proper use of essential oils may enhance your emotional outlook and provide support and help balance your emotions during the day.

Here are some most ussed essential oils for emotional well-being:

Anger

Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang .

Anxiety

Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Confidence

Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary.

Depression

Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Fatigue and exhaustion

Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Fear

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Grief

Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Happiness and peace

Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Insecurity

Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Insomnia

Basil, Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavander, Melissa, Neroli, Rose, Sandal

Irritability

Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood

Loneliness

Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Rose.

Migraine

Basil,Bergamot, Lavander, Melissa

Memory and Concentration

Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary.

Panic and panic attacks

Basil, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Rose.

Stress

Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang.