Why Aromatherapy?

Why Aromatherapy?

In the literal sense of the word “Aromatherapy,” aromas play an important role in this form of therapy. Call it psychosomatic, but they do make us feel better, and feeling better can have a tremendous therapeutic influence on physical symptoms. So much physical illness is, in fact, to some degree, stress related. No other form of therapy involves the sense of smell as uniquely as aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is also unusual in that its remedies may be applied either externally or internally when treating internal disorders. In the words of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, the pioneer of modern aromatherapy: “The products are externally applied, but their penetrative power is sufficiently great for them to act on the organs subjacent to the areas to which topical applications are made.”

Aromatherapy is not only psychosomatic. The essential oils work on the physical body in various ways, and they are among the most potent antibacterial agents known to mankind.

The science of aromatherapy goes back hundreds of years. When the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened in 1922, a number of scent pots were discovered. These had been placed in the tomb when it was sealed in 1350 BC, over 3,000 years ago! The contents of the pots had solidified and were later revealed to contain frankincense and something resembling Indian spikenard. The scent, though understandably faint, was still detectable.

From time unknown, our ancestors have used plants and their essences in different forms to treat ailments. We have all heard our dadi/nani telling us to drink tulsi water with honey for a cold, burn camphor and neem leaves to repel insects, apply heeng on the navel, and apply haldi on minor cuts—the list goes on.

Aromatherapy, while being a treat for the senses, uses essential oils extracted from different parts of plants through various methods, such as steam distillation, rind pressing, etc. These essences are like the soul and chemical personalities of those plants in a much more potent form. For ex - It takes up to 2,000 kg of rose petals to extract 1 kg of rose oil. It takes 150 kg of lavender flowers to extract 1 kg of lavender oil.

When these different essential oils are blended, they emerge as a unique, potent combination with its own capabilities and characteristics. It is as much an art as a science.

At Greenatva, we are in awe of these beautiful, aromatic, and potent gifts of nature to humans. We hope you will give these time-tested blends a chance to harness the power of nature within you.

Please remember that a body that has been ravaged for years by alcohol or tobacco, by junk food or anxiety, by overwork or neglect will simply not be capable of responding overnight to any kind of natural remedy. True healing takes time. Give it time, and we will get there 😊.