what are essential oil and what are they for

The French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé May have been the first to use the term Aromathérapie in 1928, but the use of Therapeutic Essential Oils began much much earlier around 7000 B.C.to be precise.
The early Egyptians are well renowned for their incredible use of Therapeutic Essential Oils and spices in embalming. Oils like myrrh, cedarwood, cypress and spikenard were used. Essential Oils noted for their fragrant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The preparation of the therapeutic Essential Oils was highly important. there were rooms set aside for this purpose in each of the Egyptian temples. the Therapeutic oils were then used as offerings to the gods. The Pharaoh and his family had complete formulas drawn up for the different perfumes they required.
The Greeks used various Essential Oils, spices, perfumes and incense. The temple priestesses burned bay leaves to induce a trance like state in which they were allegedly able to discern the future.

The Romans are equally well-known as the Egyptians in their use of therapeutic Essential Oils and other aromatic spices. Bathing was an important ritual where first the body was cleansed and then massaged with perfumed oils. The sense of smell and use of Essential oil was so highly valued that Nero as guests would visit would have them sprayed with particular esential oils to enhance their mood in the direction of his choice.
The Chinese classified oils into six categories: Luxurious, Tranquil, Reclusive, Beautiful, Noble, and Refined Using their individual properties for reference.
The Japanese created special schools to teach and develop the art of perfumery, or Kodo, which still exist today. Geisha in Early Japan would use specific Therapeutic Essential Oils to create the moods they wanted from their clients.
During the 14th century, the Bubonic Plague devastated most of England and Europe. Physicians would wear protective clothing filled with various spices, including cinnamon and cloves. They carried pomanders and wore garlic around their necks to protect themselves from the disease. They may very well have succeeded for garlic, cinnamon and cloves are renowned today for their antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the art of perfuming widened to include putting plant essences to darker uses. Catherine dé Medici took her perfumer with her when she married the king of France. He was skilled in the making of lethally poisoned yet fragrant gloves, which she sent to her enemies in her efforts to foil intrigues against her.
By the 19th century, synthetic drugs came onto the scene and the use of medicinal Therapeutic Essential Oils declined.
Now we have seen a return to the use of medicinal oils and Science is able to back up many of the claims made through the centuries of Therapeutic Essential Oils. While it is interesting to know the HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY, what matters most is how you educate yourself. Learn the properties and uses of the oils before using and find what works best for you.