The History
Since ancient times, humans have used essential oils for their healthful benefits. Essesntial oils were used for medicinal purposes as well as for embalming, annointing and religious procedures. The secrets of plant aromas, however, were often reserved for the upper echelon, kings, queens and the ruling elite. Perfumed ointments, oils and spices were so popular that for thousands of years, trade routes were established to transport them. Don't forget that the ancient man did not bathe everyday and these oils would be considered a godsend!

With the development of modern chemistry, essential oils became neglected. By early this century, a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse began studying what he later named "aromatherapy". After severly burning his arm in a lab accident, he thrust it into a vat of what he thought was water. It wasn't. It was Lavender oil. Surprisingly, Gattefosse's burn quickly healed without leaving a scar. Thinking this was a goodthing (way before Martha Stewart thought of it), he spent the rest of his life researching the value of essential oils. Aromotherapy quickly became popular and well-known throughtout Europe. This field is now a multimillion dollar idustry in just the U.S.

Essential oils are considered the "life force" of a plant. These oils are substances that come from seeds, roots, resin, flowers, trees, stems, bark and fruit. Tons of plant material are required for just a few hundred pounds of oil.

Aromatherapy affects the emotions and the psyche and can help elicit feelings based upon which oils are used. These oils are made of compounds that have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and analgesic, immune stimulating properties. On average, an essential oil contains over 100 compounds.

How They Work
The art of aromatherapy is the use of the essential oils to benefit the mind and body's emotional and physical well-being. Science is finally discovering that the sense of smell plays a significant role in the overall health of an individual. When an essential oil is inhaled, its molecules enter the cilia in the nose and are transported via the olfactory system to the limbic system of the brain. The brain then responds to particular aromas that affect emotional and physical balance. When oils are applied externally, they are absorbed by the skin and then carried immediately throughout the body, where they deliver their healthful benefits.

Try placed a drop of lavendar oil on your cheek. You should be able to taste it within 10-20 seconds. Science has shown that essential oils can actually penetrate cell walls, transporting nutrients and oxygen to the insides of the cells.