The use of essential oils dates back to the era of ancient civilizations. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians extracted fragrant essential oils from plants (eucalyptus, lavender, rose, tea tree oil... the list goes on) to use in their wellness and beauty regimens. Queen Nefertiti is said to have offered essential oils to the gods. And Paris is rumored to have given Helen of Troy a decadent massage using drops of ylang-ylang, clary sage, and chamomile.
Aromatherapy—the therapeutic use of essential oils inhaled or absorbed through the skin—is extensively practiced throughout the world today. (The term was technically coined by French chemist René-Mauric Gattefossé in the 1930s.) Practitioners in India and China use it to heal both body and spirit. Western science has deemed it an effective treatment for pain, as well as a positive therapy for depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and other ailments. It's a staple in wellness routines and a holistic beauty treatment. And because it taps into our sense of smell, one of the most primal parts of ourselves, aromatherapy can been known to evoke strong memories and potentially enhance our short-term memory.
One of the many benefits of using essential oils is that they are non-habit forming and entirely natural. And the possibilities and effects are abundant. Different oils provide different results, whether it be relaxing lavender to induce calmness or uplifting lemon to invigorate the mind and senses. You can apply oils directly to the skin through massage or inhale them by adding a few drops to a hot bath, steam diffuser, or piece of cotton on your bedside table.
Psychological and physical wellbeing are intricately tied together—and one can influence and sway the other, sometimes without our even realizing it. Given that our mood and mental state can vary frequently because of life and environmental stressors, aromatherapy offers a consistent, natural, non-invasive treatment that alleviates stress.
Incorporating aromatherapy into our daily lives is simple. It neatly fits into our morning or evening routines. At UMA we've crafted our wellness blends to naturally enhance your wellbeing. Whether you're seeking a better way to unwind, a natural mood elevator, stress relief, or a healthy alternative to caffeine, each of our oils are pure lusciousness for skin and aromatherapy for senses, proving that an ancient therapy is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
