It was the 1920's. Inside a perfume laboratory, a French chemist was deeply engrossed in his work. Suddenly, by accident, one of his arms caught fire. Thinking quickly, he tried to look for the nearest cold substance to put the fire out. He saw a vat of lavender oil and forced his burning arm into it. To his amazement, not only was the fir extinguished, his burns healed without scarring, too. From then on he used the word "aromatherapy" to describe the healing that he experienced.

The chemist referred above was Rene Maurice Gatefosse.

Have you tried using different types of oils on your body, as well as candles, and other scented materials in your bedroom or bathroom, Or better yet, have you tried going to a spa at your local mall?

If you have, then, you have had a close encounter with aromatherapy just like Rene Maurice Gatefosse.

To understand aromatherapy better, here are some facts about it:

Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using essential oils and other aromatic compounds from plants which are believed to help in the healing process of a person's mind, body, and spirit. It was used in ancient Egypt, India, and China.

The essential oils, derived through steam distillation or mechanical removal from the plant and considered as the heart of all genuine aromatherapy products, have been used since the ancient times in the production of aromatherapy candles, spiritual ceremonies, natural healing, as well as cooking flavorings and incense.

Juniper, rosemary, and sage are some of the common aromatherapy plants. Don't think, however, that because essential oils come from such lovely plants, they are completely harmless. A moderate amount of essential oil in products is okay, but a highly concentrated amount may cause allergic reaction to some. When ingested wrongly, they may also be toxic and cause death. Pregnant women and those recovering from surgery are also advised not to use essential oils since they are susceptible to allergies and infections.

Aroma therapy does help a lot of people on many different and various conditions, problems and illnesses, some try aroma therapy after giving up on all kind of traditional and conventional medicine. Aromatherapy can help, and in many cases ease much of the suffering of many diseases and conditions, sometimes even mental and spiritual ones.