What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a term that refers to the therapeutic use of botanical essences. When used in aromatic baths, massage or skin care, the essential oils derived from a variety of herbs, flowers, bushes and trees are said to stimulate, exhilarate, relax, calm or soothe, depending upon the essences used. Although the term aromatherapy was coined in the 1920s, the medicinal and cosmetic use of plants and their essences dates back to the ancient Egyptians and has evolved to regain attention and respect today.