Aromatherapy is a branch of phytotherapy that uses essential oils distilled from plants to treat a wide range of ailments, from headaches to insect bites, from cramps to colds.

The term aromatherapy was coined by French chemist Gattefossè, who worked with essential oils to produce cosmetics and had noticed that lavender oil compresses were useful for relieving the pain caused by burns.

The origins of this discipline are very ancient: Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used herb-infused oils to perfume the body and clothes, purify the air and create ointments with medicinal functions.

How essential oils are obtained

The production method was only refined in the Middle Ages: distillation was in fact invented by an Arab alchemist, Avicenna, in the 10th century. The first oil extracted by the scholar was rose oil, with which he created rose water, a fragrance that enjoyed immediate success both in the Middle East and in the West, where it was imported following the Crusades.

The distillation of oils soon became common practice in Europe too, so much so that by the 14th century around seventy essences had already been distilled.

Aromatherapy: how it works

The beneficial effect of aromatherapy can be achieved through the air — by scenting rooms, objects and clothes — through the skin, with local applications of essences, for example via massage, and sometimes orally, for example through the use of mouthwashes based on essential oils.

Plants and flowers for aromatherapy, diffusers and pot-pourri

The best results are obtained by using natural essential oils. Sold in small bottles, quality oils are available in health food shops and herbalists (the floral or fruity fragrances found in commercial products, such as scented candles and pot-pourri, are often artificial). Here is how to use them to take care of yourself with aromatherapy.

Pot-pourri: how to create your own blend

Gather flowers and green parts, cutting them shortly before they begin to wilt or lose colour. Spread the plants out on a sheet of newspaper to dry, or tie the stems together and hang them upside down. Add a few drops of essential oil to your pot-pourri (3 or 4 drops per 50 g sachet) and then seal it for three to four days: the oils will permeate the dried plants and flowers. The scent of the pot-pourri will last for several weeks; when it fades, revive it with a few drops poured directly onto the flowers.

Steam: scenting the home

Essential oils diffuse quickly from boiling water throughout a room for approximately one to two hours. Add three to six drops of essential oil to a small saucepan containing a quarter of a litre of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Turn off the hob after about three minutes, once the scent begins to be noticeable. If you do not have essential oils, you can boil aromatic herbs directly in the water (rosemary, sage, thyme). Ceramic aromatherapy diffusers are also very practical: they can now be found everywhere, even at the supermarket, and are extremely affordable.

Incense: the oldest form of aromatherapy

Used in many cultures as a purification ritual, today incense is generally found in the form of a stick, surrounded by charcoal impregnated with a blend of essential oils and a small amount of saltpetre so that, once lit, it continues to burn slowly, releasing the oils. You can scent incense with whichever essential oils you prefer. The dose is three drops per 30 cm of stick.

Aromatherapy and massage: how to do it

Direct application, creams, massage oils

Essential oils can of course also be applied to the body to relieve pain and inflammation. In this case, since they are used as massage oils, it is advisable not to use them neat but to combine them with a neutral cream or oil (the most common, also available at the supermarket, are almond oil or jojoba oil). Generally 3–5 drops of essential oil are used per 50 ml of base cream or oil.

The essences can also be used neat — for example to soothe the irritation of insect bites. In this case, however, a single drop is sufficient (of lavender or rosemary).

In the bath (or in the shower)

The toning or relaxing properties of essential oils can also be enjoyed in the bath, by adding up to a maximum of ten drops of the chosen essence. If you prefer a shower, the suggestion is to add a few drops (3–5) of essential oil directly onto the sponge.

Aromatherapy taken orally

A few drops of essential oil (2–3) in a glass of water are enough to make a homemade mouthwash useful for combating oral inflammation and complaints such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis and sore throats. Particularly well suited to this purpose is lemon essential oil, a powerful bactericide.

Health benefits of aromatherapy

Here is a rundown of the key essences that should not be missing from our homes:

Aromatherapy and insect bites: lavender

Lavender has beneficial effects on sleep disorders, inflammation, earache, influenza, indigestion, bronchitis and sunburn. It has a sedative effect on mood. Excellent as a deodorant, both personal and for the home. Also good for relieving the pain caused by cervical inflammation.

Aromatherapy and influenza: thyme

Thyme has antispasmodic effects on the respiratory tract, combats bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs and asthma, and boosts the immune system. A few drops in the bath water help counter general fatigue.

Peppermint

Combats headaches, insect bites and fever. Aids digestion and concentration. Indicated in cases of mental fatigue and colds.

Rosemary

Combats general weakness, intestinal infections, nervous heart complaints and rheumatism.

Aromatherapy and muscle pain or inflammation: Ylang-ylang and Rose

Calming, antiseptic and aphrodisiac. They treat hypertension and intestinal infections. They calm states of distress and depression.

Juniper

Used in cases of slow digestion and urinary tract complaints. Has beneficial effects against arthritis, arthrosis, cervical pain, rheumatism and gout.

Aromatherapy and stress: Roman chamomile

Antibacterial and antiseptic, it is useful for relieving muscle pain and cramps. Like many other oils, it also acts as a good anti-stress remedy.

Basil

Good for combating mental fatigue, it is the aromatherapy remedy used to counter psychophysical exhaustion and restlessness.

Sandalwood

It promotes calm and serenity. A tonic and aphrodisiac, it is also a urinary and pulmonary antiseptic.

Lemon

Antibacterial, like all citrus essences, it relaxes the mind, aids concentration and memory, and restores vigour and energy.