Ancient Egyptians are thought to be the first to discover the therapeutic potential of essential oils. Oils were created as fragrances, for ritualistic and ceremonial use in temples, for healing the sick and were used by the high priests for enhancing their ability to communicate with the spirit world.

Pure aromatic essential oils are made from plants and flowers, and serve as the "blood" of the plant, protecting the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi and other microorganisms, and help to heal wounds. These unique characteristics make pure essential oils highly beneficial as healing tools.

When pure essential oils are applied topically, taken orally, or micro-diffused they benefit the physical body, providing anti-fungal, antibiotic and analgesic benefits, and more. When essential oils are diffused and inhaled, aromatherapy benefits the the mental and emotional bodies. The scents can stimulate the limbic system of the brain, which is the emotional center. Then, neurotransmitters are released, and are known to reduce pain, promote euphoria and bring peace of mind. They can calm, stimulate and balance. There are many other ways to use essential oils including in the bath, through massage, and some may be used as a dietary supplement or used in cooking.

There are many grades of essential oils sold in the United States, including very pure therapeutic grade oils made from organically grown plants and state of the art distillers that preserve the healing constituents, which I use exclusively. Other oils are impure, made from chemically grown plants using chemical extraction that carry their toxins into the body and can do more harm than good. Many are also diluted with other chemicals and synthetic substances. Most perfume grade oils and oils sold in drug stores and supermarkets are impure and toxic, including many products said to contain essential oils such as candles and body care products. Buy your essential oil and aromatherapy products from a reputable source and look for labels that say Therapeutic Grade (the highest grade possible) or Certified Organic.

Essential oils are powerful substances and should be used with caution, especially with children and animals. There are times when certain essential oils should NOT be used at all, and times when certain oils should not be used for certain medical conditions. Oils can be very toxic to cats and birds, who metabolize the constituents very differently from people, dogs and horses. There are safety precautions that must be followed when using essential oils, so be sure to consult a professional before using them. There are also excellent reference books available with aromatherapy guidelines.