What exactly is "aromatherapy"?

Aroma means scent, and therapy means treatment. Aromatherapy, then, is the use of the fragrant parts of aromatic plants to improve your health and general well being. First, of course, aromatherapy offers pure enjoyment. Aromatherapy has many other benefits, too. Inhaling the appropriate fragrance can reduce stress, lift a depression, hasten a good night's sleep, soothe your soul, or give you more energy. Massaging aromatic oils into your skin is another way to benefit from aromatherapy. That's because essential oils, the compounds responsible for a plant's fragrance, offer a multitude of healing benefits in addition to their individual scents. A pungent liniment such as Chinese Tiger Balm, for instance, eases aches and pains. And the latest fragrant shampoos and body oils will improve the health of your complexion and hair while at the same time inducing a particular mood. Aromatherapy, then, is very versatile and can be used in many different ways to treat a wide range of physical and emotional problems. Aromatherapy is so easy to use! Who wouldn't welcome a prescription to bathe with scented oils or to receive an aromatic massage?