History

It is unclear how far back in history the practice of aromatherapy for healing purposes began, but many believe it dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians have been credited with designing the first distillation machines to extract the oils used to embalm the dead. Using aromatherapy to enhance moods, however, is thought to have roots in Ancient Greece and China and was first used for healing purposes in France in the early 20th century.

Oil Extraction

Similar to the process used in ancient Egypt, the most popular method of extracting oils from plants today is distillation, which occurs in a three-step process. First, plants are steamed, which helps the plant to release its liquids. Then, the liquid, which is a combination of oil and water, is cooled, and the essential oil is separated from the water. Finally, the essential oils are either bottled as is or mixed with lotion or other types of oil.

Health Benefits

Believers in aromatherapy claim endless benefits from either inhaling essential oils or applying them directly to the skin (mixed with lotion or other oil). Examples of mood benefits include relaxation and anxiety reduction from essential oils like lavender. Other essential oils are thought to help with many physical conditions. For instance, peppermint is thought to help with nausea and eucalyptus to help with arthritis.

Health Risks

In spite of aromatherapy being rooted in nature, it is not safe for all people. Pregnant women are advised to steer clear of essential oils as many may induce labor. It is also important for aromatherapy users to know that pure essential oils cannot be applied to the skin without being mixed with lotion or oil and should never be swallowed.

歷史

雖然無法確定在歷史上，芳香療法是何時開始被用來治療，但是許多人相信，芳療源頭可一路追溯到古埃及。埃及人被認為是首先設計出蒸餾器來萃取精油，以防止屍體腐敗的民族。然而利用芳香療法來調整情緒，則是源自於古希臘和中國。至於首次用於醫療疾病用途，則是要到二十世紀初的法國。

精油萃煉

現在最常用來萃取植物精油的方式，就是類似埃及時代的「蒸餾法」。過程分為三階段，第一階段是將植物用蒸氣加熱，蒸發出植物內的液體。之後冷卻混合著水和油的液體，分離出精油和水。最後將精油瓶裝，或者加入乳液或其他種類的精油。

對健康的好處

相信芳香療法的人宣稱，不管是用聞的，或將（混著乳液或其他精油的）精油直接塗在皮膚上，都有數不盡的好處。舉例而言，對於情緒調整的好處，包括了可用薰衣草精油來放鬆壓力和減緩焦慮。其他精油也被認為對許多生理症狀有幫助，例如薄荷可以減緩噁心，尤加利有助改善關節炎。

對健康的威脅

儘管芳香療法取自於天然的東西，但並非所有人都適用。一般會建議懷孕婦女避免使用精油，因為許多精油可能導致早產。此外，使用芳香療法的人，也要曉得沒有加入乳液或油質的純精油，不能擦在皮膚上，也不能食用。