The term "aromatherapy" did not appear in North America until the late 1980's and early 1990's. It is widely thought that Egyptians began using aromatherapy more than 6,000 years ago. Not only did Egyptians of ancient use essential oils for embalming purposes, they also used them after bathing and to help heal illnesses. Later, the Greeks used aromatic oils as cosmetics and medicine.

How Aromatherapy works:

Each essential oil is a complex mixture of organic compounds. When used in esthetic treatments, most oils fall into one of these categories: Antiseptic oils or Astringent oils. Antiseptics help destroy bacteria and heal skin eruptions; clove eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood and thyme. Astringent oils temporarily tighten tissue and reduce secretions; alum root, comfrey, horse chestnut, lemon, rhubarb, sage, sandalwood and witch hazel.

Aromatherapy can be used for: *ANTI-INFLAMMATORY purposes with chamomile, patchouli, cinnamon,    lavender, myrrh, eucalyptus. *ANALGESIC castor, rosewood, juniper and geranium *ANTIOXIDANT thyme, oranges, tea tree *HEALING aloe, chamomile, comfrey, elder flower, peppermnt and  rosemary *MOISTURIZING chamomile, rose petals, leaves and orange blossoms *SOOTHING aloe, almond, comfrey, chamomile, rose, rosewood, lavender, neroli and ylang-ylang *STIMULATING eucalyptus, rosemary, basil, peppermint, juniper, thyme, wintergreen, spearmint and sandalwood

...be sure to research the oils that are right for you and your clients.

Cite: Salon Fundamentals Esthetics