About Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils and aromatherapy has become a major part of alternative and holistic health systems, and has a huge following across the world. Some modern day applications include banks in Japan that perk up their keyboard operators working in large buildings by diffusing the aroma of lemon into the working environment during the afternoon. Another includes cases where restaurants and retail outlets pump aromas into the atmosphere to make people relaxed so they feel like staying longer while spending more money during the visit.

Oil Blends

In general, combinations of essential oils work better than single oils because of combined or synergistic effects that the body perceives from the blend. In this way and depending which oils are used, a broad variety of historical applications can be targeted. View our chart of historical blend uses for more information!

Why use SweetScense products

Traditionally, shopping for AROMATHERAPY has left many customers feeling very confused.  Just the word AROMATHERAPY itself can be very intimidating!  What is it for?  How do I use it?  How do I choose from the hundreds of essential oils available?  How much of each oil and which do I mix together?  What do you mean I have to dilute it in a carrier oil?  Then what do I do?  Are the oils natural or synthetic?  These are very common questions and the very basis for the development of the  SWEETSCENSE AROMATHERAPY line:  To make AROMATHERAPY SIMPLE and EASY TO USE for EVERYONE.

All SweetScense Aromatherapy products are preblended and ready to use.  No guesswork or studying required.  We use ONLY therapeutic grade NATURAL, ORGANIC, and WILDCRAFTED  essential oils with the most beneficial properties as well as the most appealing aromas. 

The Simplicity Of Using SweetScense Products

Original Aromatherapy Line:  

1. Choose WHICH of our ten aromatherapy blends have the features you desire (there may be more than one).    View our chart of historical blend uses for more information!

2. Decide which METHOD OF USE will suit your needs best:

The ORIGINAL SOLID AROMATHERAPY JAR for continuous release of the aroma and overnight use.  Simply open and breathe in the aroma.

Refillable TRAVEL SIZED INHALER TUBES for purse, pocket or use in our necklaces.
Simply open and breathe in the aroma.

DROPPER VIALS for use with cold mist diffusers, in steam showers, or to refill our tubes

PILLOW & BODY SCENTS for direct application to the skin or pillow (dries quickly, non-staining, & non –greasy)

3. Decide on the aroma of the blend that you like the best.  If you would like more information on each of our blends, please click here.

The History of Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils dates back to the ancient Egyptians. They not only used essential oils and aromatic herbs in their religion, cosmetics and medicine but also made the use of aromatic essences and resins oils .

The Chinese made use of herbs and aromatic plants as part of their medicinal practices. In India, herbs and aromatic plants became an integral part of their "science of life and longevity" called Ayurveda - the World's first holistic system of health maintenance, based on lifestyle, diet and herbs.

The knowledge of the ancient Egyptians was passed on to the Greeks who used holistic methods to treat their patients - including massages utilizing aromatic oils. As the power shifted to Rome so did the medical practices of the day, with the Romans continuing to build on what the Greeks learned by embracing practices that promoted health and hygiene.

With the fall of the Roman Empire isolated monasteries kept the art of using herbs and aromatic essences alive. Thank goodness for the anti-bacterial and anti-pesticide properties of aromatic oils during this time as bathing was an event only practiced by heathens and heretics! This was very evident in the Victorian times of jolly old England, where Lavender essential oil was used in large quantities to camouflage the unwashed bodies of the Royalty!

It was also interesting to note that during the plague, perfumers had a statistically lower incident rate of catching the disease. It is theorized that their constant exposure to the essential oils, which are now known to have anti-bacterial and anti-infectious properties, protected them from this terrible disease.

With the Dark Ages gripping most of what we know as Europe, the Arabian Empire flourished. The Persians not only drew upon the knowledge left by the Romans and the Greeks, but blended this knowledge with the teachings from China and India. It is believed that the Persians are responsible for perfecting the distillation process - a critical method needed to extract essential oils from plants.

With the passing of the Dark Ages, The Renaissance started bringing science and art to the forefront. Along with this was the redevelopment of some of the Hippocratic practices involving the holistic treatment of illness. No longer were practitioners of folk medicine burned at the stake as witches, but instead these basic herbal methods were built on.

Over the ensuing years the practice and art of using essential oils gained popularity as natural health movements took hold. It gained momentum and acceptance after a French chemist by the name of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse observed the curative capabilities of essential oils to treat wounds during World War I. In 1928 he coined the term "Aromatherapie" and in 1937 published a book under that name.

During the 1950's, Marguerite Maury is credited with developing aromatherapy as a holistic therapy by combining specific essential oils diluted in vegetable carrier oils to provide aromatherapy massages tailored to an individual's health needs.

Books on Aromatherapy

1) Worwood, Valerie Ann, "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy", San Fafael, CA: New World Library, 1991, ISBN: 0-931432-82-0

2) Worwood, Susan, Worwood, Valerie Ann, "Essential Aromatherapy - A Pocket Guide", Novato, CA: New World Library, 2003, ISBN: 1-57731-248-1

3) Lawless, Julia, "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy", Great Britain: Element Books, 1997, ISBN: 0-00-713108-9

4) Wildwood, Chrissie, "Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy", London, UK: Bloomsbury, 1996, ISBN: 0-7475-2085-2

5) Sellar, Wanda, "The Directory of Essential Oils", Essex, UK: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd., 1992, ISBN: 00-9190-6679

6) Wilson, Roberta, "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty", Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1995, ISBN: 0-89529-627-6