The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

The Power of Scent: Essential Oils

Essential oils are liquids that are extracted from aromatic plants and then used for healing and therapeutic practices, known collectively as aromatherapy. These fragrant oils are what draw bees to flowers and cause you to stop and smell the roses. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were the first to use aromatic plant oils in baths and massage for healing and therapeutic purposes, and these practices are still widely used in modern aromatherapy.

The French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881—1950) is considered the father of aromatherapy. His fascination with essential oils began in the early 1900s when he was working at his family’s cosmetics company, which is still in business. He later used essential oils to treat the wounds of soldiers during World War I. The Austrian-born biochemist Marguerite Maury (1895—1968) subsequently developed massage techniques incorporating essential oils that are still in use today.

Essential oils are powerful, highly concentrated substances, and most have to be diluted in a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or grape seed) before use. Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, while others should only be used for their aromas. Always follow the instructions on the bottle, making sure not to exceed the recommended number of drops in each application, and don’t ever swallow essential oils. To maximize their shelf life, keep oils in a cool, dark place, either at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you keep them in the fridge, place them in a sealed container to prevent the fragrance from affecting food. On average, essential oils will keep for six months to a year if kept cool. If oil becomes cloudy or begins to smell sour, throw it away.