Sometimes called aroma therapy, is described by its proponents as the therapeutic use of the essential oils of plants. This therapy has been used for centuries to calm the nerves and relieve stress, and now is used in a wide range of settings, from health spas to hospitals, to treat a variety of conditions. Aromatherapy is among the fastest growing fields in alternative and holistic medicine.

Essential oils that are derived from plants is the foundation of aromatherapy. Properties of each oil can differ widely, from caustic to anti-inflammatory. An average household would only need to know around ten oils and their properties for simple use, although there are approximately three hundred varieties in use by practitioners.

Massage therapy with essential oils may also be of value (together with medications and/or therapy) for people with depression, stress, anxiety, or other ailments. Massage has a powerful effect on the body and the emotions. Massage mixed with aromatherapy blends nursing, art, and science. And unlike dangerous chemicals, which can leave trace toxins in your body, essential oils deliver their benefits to your body systems and then leave cleanly without a trace.

Essential oils can be anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or anti-viral. They may even blend of two or more qualities. The essence, or chemical make-up of the oil, is what determines it's efficacy. Just as each oil has it's own unique scent, they each have their own unique medicinal properties and benefits as well.

Many have heard of tea-tree oil, it is one that is widely known and used for it's antiseptic properties. You must be wary though, as essential oils can be dangerous if mishandled. When it comes to essential oils, as in so many other things in life, knowledge is power.

Also note that many products on the market are misleading. While labeled 'Aromatherapy', they can contain synthetic ingredients that will not provide the benefits of natural oils, and can even be harmful. For instance, products on the market that contain mineral oil are bad, it is the #2 cause of the visible signs of aging. The Swiss have banned their skin care and cosmetic companies from using mineral oil.

Being the fact that nearly 900 ingredients found in 98% of skin care products on the market in the US today are toxic, one must beware of what they put on their skin! A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential oils Look for products that contain pure essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance.

Aromatherapy is also a great way to indulge yourself. It is something we should all treat ourselves to as often as we can. Because it effects the "whole", aromatherapy is a truly holistic form of healing. Since much of this world is artificial, it is nice to know that you can have something real as a source of healing.