History

• According to a leading aromatherapy website, AromaWeb, the Chinese are believed to be one of the first civilizations to use essential oils for treating physical and emotional ailments. The earliest form of what we know today as aromatherapy consisted of burning incense made from the oils of specific plants.
  
  

Function

• Before the creation of synthetic medications, people turned to the healing properties of plants. Concentrated forms of certain plants oils were found to have positive effects, both physically and mentally, on a person.
  
  

Types

• The most widely known type of therapy involving essential oils is the practice of aromatherapy. The pure oils, also known as a plant's essence, are used to create psychological and physical balance and well being. Typically these oils are inhaled or used in conjunction with massage techniques to relax a person and relieve stress.
  
  

Benefits

• The benefits of essential oil therapy are directly related to the types of oils used and how they are used. Inhaled, essential oils can promote a feeling of well being as well as relieve congestion. Applied to the skin in a safe, diluted mixture, they can help cure many skin conditions.
  
  

Warning

• Due to their high concentration, never use essential oils undiluted on your skin or take them internally. The results could be a severe allergic reaction or the equivalent of being poisoned.