Month: August 2020

The History Of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use

Eileen Burns alternative medicine, aromatherapy, ayurveda, Essential Oils , , , 7 Comments
The history of aromatherapy essential oils use around the world

The History of Aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils.

Exploring the history of aromatherapy and why essential oils are still such a popular form of natural medicine today. The use of aromatherapy, essential oils in ancient medicine, and modern pharmaceuticals.

If we look back at the earliest origins and the history of aromatherapy, we can see evidence of the use of essential oils and aromatherapy around different parts of the world as far back as over 6000 years.

The History of Aromatherapy By The Egyptians

The Egyptians are known for their wide use of various essential oils especially resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh which were found in tombs. Frankincense has been widely used in embalming throughout centuries and is still today used today as an anti-aging ingredient in many skin-care products. It is believed that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of effleurage (solvent extraction method) using animal fat. History Of Essential Oils FGB Natural Products

The History of Aromatherapy By The Greeks

According to Greek Mythology, even the Greek Gods valued the therapeutic properties of natural perfume and fragrances. The Greek physician Hippocrates and Galen used different aromatic herbs and plants. Hippocrates actually suggested daily massage and scented baths using aromatic plants to improve health. He widely used Chamomile to treat fevers. While Galen was known to promote Cypress to reduce stomach problems. Myrrh ointment was used by soldiers in battle to prevent and heal infection. He also used Cumin, Peppermint, Marjoram, Saffron, and Thyme.

History of Aromatherapy Use and Essential Oils through the ages around the world
History of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

History Of Aromatherapy In China

Chinese Medicine has also used aromatic plants and essential oil resins since between 2697-2597 B.C.E during the reign of Huang Ti. The Yellow Emperor used Sandalwood to treat Cholera.  The ‘Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine’ is said to date back at least 2000 years B.C.

History Of Aromatherapy In India

Ayurvedic Medicine which originated in India has used Cinnamon, Ginger, Myrrh, and Sandalwood. Sandalwood has been used to treat different ailments including healing wounds and it was also burned for exorcism rites for centuries.

History Of Aromatherapy In Italy

During the Middle Ages, Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) was an ingredient used in Italian Folk Medicine. Essential Oil of Neroli was named for Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Princess of Nerola, Italy. The princess used Neroli in her gloves, bathwater, and hair.

The History Of Essentials Oils In The Middle Ages

Avicenna both physician and philosopher introduced distillation, the extraction process where we get essential oils from herbs, plants, and fruits. He also created in-depth instructions on how to use plants essential oils, and massage to support health. In the 14th Century, Pine and Frankincense were burned during the Bubonic Plague.

The History Of Aromatherapy In England

Nicholas Culpeper an English physician published his own herbal which became a common reference for different plant remedies. In England, during Victorian times a bride’s headdress would be made of Neroli blossom. This was said to represent chastity and to help soothe the bride’s nerves.

The History Of Aromatherapy In France

Experimental studies on the use of essential oils as anti-viral were undertaken in France by Chamberland as early as 1887.5 Cadeac and Meunier would publish the results of their research (Annales de l’Institut Pasteur 1888). In 1938, René-Maurice Gattefosse described the already considerable advancement of this research in his book, Antiseptiques Essentiels.

The Term Aromatherapy

Organic Lavender Essential Oil by NYR Organics - History of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use

 

 

The term “Aromatherapy” was introduced when French perfumier, and chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of Lavender Oil. He burned his hand in his lab and stuck his hand in the nearest liquid, Lavender Oil. From here he started to explore the properties of a wide range of essential oils and began to treat soldiers using essential oils during World War 1.  By 1928 he documented his evidence on Aromatherapy in a medical research paper.

 

 

 

A French scientist Dr. Jean Valnet would continue the medical research into the therapeutic and antiseptic properties of essential oils. His teachings were then divided into several schools and teachings, which allowed thousands of doctors to get familiar with new anti-infectious approaches previously not acknowledged by medicine.

The History Of Aromatherapy In Austria

Marguerite Maury an Austrian Biochemist found that essential oils were absorbed by the skin. She would bring massage using pure essential oils to the UK. The Secret of Life and Youth was published in 1961, this helped pioneer the modern use of aromatherapy and essential oils in massage.

Modern Use of Aromatherapy

Since the late 70’s aromatherapy and essential oils have been increasingly popular not just in the use of aromatherapy massage, and the purchase of pure essential oils.

However the huge use of essential oils in the cosmetic, skincare, and pharmaceutical industry. Some of the most common essential oils used in the cosmetic and skincare industry include Chamomile, Lavender, Rose,  Tea-Tree. Essential oils widely used in the pharmacy industry include Aniseed Oil, Benzoin, Bitter Orange Oil, Cajeput Oil, and Peppermint.

When purchasing aromatherapy products and essential oils for therapeutic use you want to ensure you purchase high-quality products. As a qualified and experienced aromatherapist and aromatherapist teacher, I can highly recommend pure essential oils from NYROrganics. Please note the links above are to my Online Store.

aromatherapy book of essential oils for family use

What Are The Health Benefits Of Turmeric?

Sophie Nazareth wellness, alternative medicine, ayurveda, health, natural medicine , , , 2 Comments
health benefits of turmeric

What Are The Health Benefits Of Turmeric?

Learn about the health benefits of turmeric, regarded as the star of the spice world. Known as ‘the Golden Spice’, the turmeric root has been used in Indian cuisine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is famous for its vibrant yellow colour and has a warm bitter taste. Also known as Curcuma longa—a member of the ginger family, it is primarily cultivated from the rhizomes, or roots, of the flowering turmeric plant in India and other parts of Southeast Asia.

 

Research On Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Research has shown that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can support brain and gut health, promote a healthy immune system and benefit a range of inflammatory conditions. Registered Nutritional therapist Clarrissa Lenherr states that ‘turmeric has been shown in emerging science to be anti-inflammatory, so it can really help bring down inflammation that can occur in the body, whether that is from poor diet, stress, stimulant use, pollution, and lots of causes.’ You can watch Clarrissa explain the benefits of turmeric and curcumin and why she is a fan of Your Bodhi Natural Turmeric

 

Active Ingredients In Turmeric

Turmeric is made up of bioactive compounds, collectively known as curcuminoids. Curcumin is the primary curcuminoid and the most active ingredient in turmeric. Research shows that curcumin is a powerful polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase the amount of antioxidants our body produces. Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health –  Susan J. Hewlings, Douglas S. Kalman.  Turmeric contains around 3% curcuminoids and therefore one teaspoon of turmeric powder (about 5,000 mg) only provides about 150 mg of curcuminoids.

Many studies have shown that it is the curcumin that is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with turmeric and that taking curcumin regularly can have a wide range of benefits. These benefits can include:

health benefits of turmeric, medical research on turmeric

Supporting Your Immune System

A strong and healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Studieshave demonstrated that turmeric contains excellent anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Research also shows it can help to regulate different signalling molecules which are essential for the functioning of a health immune system.

 

Alleviating Joint Pain

Inflammation in the joints can be very painful, causing swelling and restricting movement. Studies have shown that turmeric and curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and tenderness, cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. In particular, a study by Vilai Kuptniratsaikul et al. has shown that curcumin can reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with arthritis.

 

Reducing symptoms of Skin Inflammation

Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process. However long term chronic inflammation of the skin can lead to eczema and damage the skin. Studies have shown that curcumin can suppress pro-inflammatory signals, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make curcumin perfectly placed to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema.

A 2016 systematic review of clinical evidence by Alexandra R Vaughn et al has shown that curcumin can help to reduce itchiness and scaling for people with eczema.

 

Supporting Gut Health

Our gut health is not just important for digestion but a healthy gut supports the immune system and contributes to general health and wellbeing. Registered Nutritionist Clarris Lenherr states that ‘turmeric is full of polyphenols, which are kind of antioxidants that can actually feed and really nourish the beneficial bacteria that we have living in our digestive system. So it’s a great way to actually support digestive health’.

Studies have shown that curcumin can have positive effects on human gut microbiota, reducing intestinal inflammation, as well as supporting diverse gut bacteria which supports a strong immune system.

 

Reducing Muscle Inflammation and Soreness

Working muscles hard can often lead to damage to the muscle fibres which can cause soreness and stiffness. Muscle damage can be caused by overexertion or wrong use of a muscle.

 

Curcumin And Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

A recent study in 2017 by Jäger R et al. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis shows that groups of those provided with curcumin had a ‘measurable impact on muscle damage and recovery in 59 healthy, physically active, young adult participants after downhill running’. The findings were that those in a curcumin group ‘had significantly reduced elevation in creatine kinase levels, which are elevated when there is muscle damage’ and ‘Self-reported pain scores were significantly reduced as well in curcumin groups compared to placebo groups.’

 

Turmeric and Black Pepper

Turmeric and curcumin are poorly absorbed by the human body on their own. Pairing turmeric with black pepper extract known as piperine can increase the bioavailability and absorption. Proper absorption of turmeric has been shown to enhance curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%. This means that you should add some black pepper whenever you are cooking with turmeric, or make sure you choose a turmeric or curcumin supplement that contains piperine.

Your Bodhi’s Natural Turmeric

Sophie Nazareth, the Founder of Your Bodhi set up her business to share the amazing benefits of turmeric and curcumin. After personally struggling with a chronic illness for years, discovering curcumin helped her to regain control of her life.

Check Out Your Bodhi’s Natural Turmeric Curcumin Click Here