Aromatherapy literally means “fragrant healer” and refers to the use of essential oils from aromatic plants for the purpose of enhancing health and beauty. When a plant leaf or stem is torn, a clear liquid will come out. The plant releases this clear substance in order to clean the break, kill bacteria and start the regeneration process. This plant liquid, called an essential oil, contains trace elements of nutrients, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antibodies, along with anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, and anti-oxidant properties. And using essential oils on a regular basis will enhance your overall health, beauty and psychological well being, as well as help your body build a stronger immune system. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and give you more energy, as well as improve your complexion and treat skin irritations. The History of Aromatherapy - Throughout history, aromatherapy has been used in one form or another all over the world. It is believed that the use of fragrance through essential oils began as long ago as 7000 B.C.  For centuries, essential oils were used for exotic fragrances, healing, medicine, and embalming(because of the restorative and preservative qualities) Essential Oils were mixed with vegetable oils such as olive, sesame, castor etc. to anoint the body and create fragrant ointments for sacred religious ceremony or service.  In the bible it says that incense was used every day before the High Priest could enter into the presence of God.  Oils were burned as resins to alleviate anxieties, increase spiritual experience, eliminate sorrow and act as a general antidote for toxins and sickness. Other therapeutic uses included alleviation of headaches, congestion, rheumatism and indigestion. Essential oils were also used for skin ailments, such as burns, cuts, and abrasions.  However, by the 19th century, chemists endeavored to produce chemical copies of the fragrance of essential oils. These synthetic fragrances were much cheaper to produce, but they lacked the medicinal and therapeutic properties of the authentic essential oils. Today it is much more common to find synthetic fragrances in skin care products than it is to find the use of pure essential oils.