The use of essential oils has existed since the ancient times, going back 4000 years. The ancient Egyptians used them in their embalming process and also added them to cosmetic preparations. In India, it has been a part of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing. Ancient Indian texts contain records of essential oils, their medicinal usage and even their cosmetic benefits. The ancient women of Indian used many of these to beautify and perfume themselves. Essential oils form the ingredients of many Ayurvedic prescriptions and formulations, along with herbal extracts. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, in fact, contains vast information on the properties of thousands of plants, their methods of extraction and their practical applications.

Apart from being used in inhalations and as bath additives, essential oils are also used in massage, in combination with carrier oils. They have wider applications too, because they are absorbed by the skin and have local, as well as systemic effects. They have been incorporated in medicinal and cosmetic formulations, as active ingredients and also as fragrances.

Aromatherapy massage has greater efficacy, because essential oils are absorbed more efficiently by the skin. They also bring about a greater degree of relaxation. The point worth noting is that aromatic oils were used to treat psychosomatic and psychological problems during the ancient times, as the aromas were said to influence the nervous system and induce relaxation. The fragrances of rose, sandalwood, lavender, orange flower, brahmi, etc., have been used since the ancient times for their natural sedative and calming effects. Brahmi is a popular ingredient in hair oils, as its aroma has a calming effect on the nerves. It has been incorporated in hair tonics to control stress-related hair loss. Therefore, Aromatherapy has acquired great relevance today, as stress is considered a contributory factor in many diseases and even in skin and hair problems, like acne, pigmentation, skin sensitivity, dandruff, hair loss.

The specific healing actions in massage are in terms of cleansing and decongestion, improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation, rejuvenation, reduction of muscular tensions, reduction of mental stress and so on. It must be mentioned however, that essential oils have to be used with caution, as their action can be highly potent when applied directly on the skin. For massage, they are diluted with other oils, like almond, olive or sesame seed oils, which are called "carrier" oils. Two or three essential oils can be used in combination with such carrier oils, to achieve specific cures or benefits.

We have incorporated essential oils in formulations, like creams, lotions and tonics for skin, hair and body treatments. Sandalwood, for instance, has been a popular ingredient in India. The oil of sandalwood is used as a fixative in some of the world's best perfumes. It has many curative actions too. It is a natural antiseptic and also helps to soothe inflammatory and eruptive conditions. It has a protective action too. It has been added to liquid moisturizers, sunscreens, rich body shampoos, skin fresheners, after-shave preparations and even baby-care products.

Similarly, oil of rose has its origin in India. It was a favourite cosmetic of the Mughal queens, due to its powerful tonic properties. Oils of basil, margosa and mint have been in popular usage in India. Basil is stimulating and has been added to bath oils, body shampoos, hair cleansers. Mint and margosa too have been incorporated in skin tonics and in ointments and lotions for problem skin, to eliminate toxins and relieve skin congestion.

Shahnaz Husain's Aromatherapy Bar, which is based on Ayurveda, comprises of several formulations, like anti-stress bath oil, muscle relaxant oil, Shapeace, as well as anti-cellulite oil. Shapeace is not for massage. It has to be applied locally on specified parts of the body, to bring about relaxation and tranquility of mind. The Anti-Stress bath oil contains essential oils of basil and cinnamon, while the Muscle Relaxant oil helps to remove muscular tension and promote blood circulation. The Anti-Cellulite oil is for the treatment of cellulite. Like the other oils, it is a combination of carrier oils and essential oils. It helps to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, aiding the removal of toxins and wastes. It keeps the skin soft and smooth by improving texture and preventing infections and dehydration. The carrier oils in the formulation are olive, almond and sesame seed oils, while it has essential oils of neem, ashwagandha, shankhpushpi, devdaru and sandalwood. Neem purifies the skin by facilitating the removal of toxins, while ashwagandha is a tonic and stimulant. Shankhpushpi has a soothing effect on the skin, while Devdaru is a powerful skin tonic and also tightens the skin. Sandalwood induces relaxation and protects the skin. The entire combination is most helpful in relieving skin congestion. The carrier oils help to restore the normal balances, tone the skin and muscles and are extremely nourishing. They also have healing actions.