Aromatherapy: Returning to Our Roots. . . and
leaves, woods, seeds, and flowers

by Dianne Buhlinger

Traditional healing practices have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Early man was the original researcher in this field. He gathered roots, leaves and flowers as food, and to his amazement, discovered their healing properties when he applied them to his skin. This information was passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, these people burned trees and bushes, and the smoke gave off an aroma that made people ” feel ” differently. This smoking perfume was called ” incense”. Woods and resins from trees and bushes such as myrrh and frankincense were burned to exalt the spirit.

Man soon began to travel and trade spices. With increasing ease and speed of travel, they journeyed to new and unknown places for the first time in history. As people were exposed to new and different germs, viruses, and sexually transmitted diseases, they turned to spices to help combat these pathogens. The hotter spices, such as pepper, coriander, fennel, cinnamon and nutmeg were found to have properties that aided in digestion and helped to fight pathogens.

As society became more sophisticated, they began discovering and using essential oils such as ylang-ylang, patchouli, jasmine, vetiver, and sandalwood as perfumes to help mask body odors. In Persia, France, India, China, Babylon, and Egypt, essential oils were being used for medicinal purposes, embalming, holy anointing, and mummification.

Today, everyone can benefit from aromatherapy, an art traditionally reserved for Kings and Queens. We can utilize the collected knowledge of history and the current scientificresearch to experience the finest aromatherapy products available and help assist in the healing of ourselves as well as others and experience a physical prosperity which we have yet to know!

Dianne Buhlinger currrently resides in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and practices in the Healing Arts in the area of Aromatherapy by creating with her clients custom blends of essential oils. Contact Dianne at 479-253-5808