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AROMATIC & MEDICINAL PLANTS

 

Aromatic plants are used to make essential oils for aromatherapy.  There are over 300 flowers, leaves, bark, stems, roots, fruits and resins that are able to produce essential oils.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for improving and maintaining health and beauty.  Essential oils have the ability to strengthen our immune system and stimulate our body’s natural healing abilities.

Many ancient cultures (Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India) used aromatherapy for physical and mental well-being.  Egyptian papyrus manuscripts dating back to 2800 B.C.E. record the use of medicinal herbs. The Nile Valley became known as the Cradle of Medicine, and among the plants brought to this area were cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon.

The average person can tell the difference between 4,000-10,000 smells. When a smell is detected, the olfactory gland sends a message directly to the limbic area of the brain. If the limbic brain “remembers” the smell, images, thoughts, and emotions are evoked. Our reactions to smells have been shown to affect our moods and behaviour.

Enjoy the images of these beautiful ancient holistic remedies … perfect for reconnecting to a natural lifestyle.