For thousands of years, essential oils have been prized by many cultures for their healing abilities. There’s evidence dating back as far as 1500 BC that the Egyp-tians had a high success rate in treating diseases with more than 800 herbal prescriptions found in the Ebers Papyrus.
The recognized father of aromatherapy is Rene-Maurice Gallefosse, a French chemist who became interested in essential oils after rinsing his severely burned hands with lavender essence and experiencing the oil’s amazing healing effects. He went on to do extensive research in the field of aromatherapy. Therapeutic oils were used in World War II when Dr. Jean Valnet, after running out of antibiotics, used essentials oils to treat battlefield injuries and counteract infections.
Oils can be diffused, inhaled or placed directly on the skin. Knowledge of oils is extremely important, however, as they can be quite irritating to the skin. Some should only be inhaled or infused in a carrier such as sesame oil. Some common oils for healing include:
Basil: used to relax muscles and soothe insect bites
Bergamot: serves as an insect repellant and mood lifter
Chamomile: calms and relieves tension
Clove: one of the most antiseptic oils, good for numbing gums
Eucalyptus: used for the respiratory system and as an antiseptic
Geranium: excellent for skin care and releasing negative memories
Ginger Oil: combats nausea, vomiting and dizziness
Grapefruit: a mild disinfectant with an uplifting aroma
Lavender: the most versatile of oils is relaxing and can be used to clean cuts, bruises and skin problems
Peppermint: highly regarded for soothing digestion
Pine: good for stressed muscles and joints
The biggest challenge comes with finding high-quality essential oils. Most found at local retail stores are inferior, a fact often reflected in the price. Good essential oils aren’t inexpensive.
A qualified aromatherapist can providetop quality oils or direct you to a reputable source. ©
This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2002.
