Aromatherapy has existed for thousands of years. People have used aromatherapy to help them cope with stress and psychological problems or as a cure for pain and diseases. It is important to note that everyone is different in their attitudes, stress levels and bodies. Just because a particular oil seems to help you with a problem that you have, don't be surprised if a friend of yours seems to see little benefit after using that oil for the same problem.

Aromatherapy is often used to help out in areas involving fear, anxiety, stress, the immune system, the respiratory system, energy, the digestive system, skin blemishes, cuts, arthritis and other pains. It is not effective as a cure for major health issues such as cancer, although using it may help alleviate some of the pain or symptoms of diseases such as this.

It is impossible to say that a particular oil is a tried and true cure for any particular ailment. There are too may other factors to consider. Take for instance one person who professes a physical healing by using an oil and another person may not be healed of the same problem after using that same oil. What is the overall health of the two people? What is their diet like? What is their attitude during the test? How do they react emotionally? There are thousands of physical and emotional variations between two people that are not even visible or measurable by any observers.

That being said, there are particular oils that are used with specific health benefits in mind. Ylang Ylang is used for its emotionally relaxing effect, while White Fir is used as an antiseptic. If you have a particular problem in mind that you would like to try to help, look for an essential oil that is suggested for that purpose and give it a good try.