Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of
essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative practices of medicine and certain
spiritual beliefs.

The Buddhist of Tibet developed their natural remedies from oils that came from the bark of trees,
stems, flowers and many other plants, including the roots or seeds. Over time, these remedies
became known as aromatherapy and were used to aid in healing the body and mind.

The people that came to know what certain types of plants worked best for specific illnesses,
were known as healers. Very much respected among their people, some were considered to
be doctors; others were called Medicine Men, or Shamans.

The search for the properties of plants are still being researched today and is for the most
part the main ingredients for many medicines that we have today. These natural resources have
different properties that are used for healing, such as antibacterial, antibiotics, antiseptics,
and anti-fungi properties. Some of these natural remedies are also used for sleep aids, insect repellents,
health and fitness. Drinking teas that are brewed from certain plants are also advertised to aid in healing,
relaxation, and stress reduction.

Today aromatherapy is used in many different ways. Although essential oils are usually the best,
because they are rubbed directly into the skin, you can buy it in sticks or in cone form also, which will
still work. Some of these scents are used regularly, not just to make your home smell good, but to
relieve stress or to change a person's mood. There are scents used to increase sexual drives, others
are used to heal conditions such as arthritis or colds. Plants like Aloe Vera are used to heal by rubbing
the gel like substance onto the burn or cut. This results in healing faster and reduces the chances of
havinga scar from the injury.

Aromatherapy has become very popular in our culture, due to the result of such a holistic lifestyle
that we lead. We are just beginning to realize the importance of combining our spirit, our minds,
and our bodies, to achieve the best health we can. We seek answers for the illnesses and stresses
that our modern life as given to us.

With the growing cost of health care and the quality of conventional medicine, we are beginning to
turn to nature for help in the illnesses we have. We have to take the responsibility upon ourselves
to educate ourselves to living more balanced lives.

Natural remedies, alternative medicines, and aromatherapy can teach us just that.

Author's Bio: 

Linda is the creator of the Self-help-alternatives4healing.com website and is passionate about using alternative therapies instead of popping pills for your aches and pains.
Click here for more information on aromatherapy and other alternative therapies.