Since ancient times, plants have been closely linked to human physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The healing traditions of some of the oldest medical systems in the world—such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda in India, ancient Egyptian medicine, the medical practices of Mediterranean civilizations, Roman medicine, spagyric alchemy, and the knowledge of traditional healers in remote regions—have long used plants both as therapeutic agents and as a means of connecting with profound wisdom. Plants have accompanied healing processes whenever balance has been lost.
For thousands of years, essential oils and other aromatic substances—such as resins and plant macerations—have been used in religious rituals, to treat illness, and to address both physical and spiritual needs. Records dating back to 4500 BCE describe the use of balsamic substances with aromatic properties for ritual and medicinal purposes. These substances were also used to scent spaces and create environments of well-being.
Even in ancient times, various methods were developed to obtain these aromatic substances. One of the oldest extraction techniques was known as enfleurage. Enfleurage involved crushing raw plant material—usually stems, leaves, foliage, bark, or roots—and mixing it with vegetable oil or animal fat.
Other traditional extraction methods included:
- Soaking plant parts in boiling water
- Cold pressing
- Alcohol infusion
- Steam distillation, in which steam passes through plant material and is then condensed to separate the oil from the plant
The reintroduction of essential oils into modern medicine began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and research continues to advance today with increasingly refined techniques.
Essential oils are volatile aromatic liquids extracted from shrubs, flowers, roots, trees, bushes, and seeds. They have an extremely complex composition: each oil may contain hundreds of unique chemical compounds. Due to the distillation process, they are highly concentrated.
The method of extraction can significantly alter an essential oil’s chemical composition and therapeutic effects. For this reason, it is essential to choose certified therapeutic-grade oils if we want reliable and safe results. These oils are extracted from plants grown under optimal conditions and undergo rigorous quality testing. They are free from contaminants, synthetic additives, and dilutions, and are obtained using methods that preserve their properties, such as steam distillation or mechanical pressure.
Likewise, oils obtained from second or third distillations of the same plant material are generally less potent than those extracted during the first distillation.
Another important factor is temperature. When oils are exposed to excessive heat during distillation, their chemical composition becomes simpler, as many aromatic compounds—some of which are responsible for therapeutic effects—are broken down or destroyed.
The knowledge passed down through ancient medical traditions regarding the medicinal use of plants is invaluable. Throughout history, perfumed oils and spices have played a central role in daily life.
At La Bohème, we offer our guests a selection of essential oils for diffusion in our rooms. We also use diluted essential oils to clean and disinfect various areas of our rural guesthouse, striving to minimize the use of chemical-based cleaning products as much as possible.
Some of the benefits of the essential oils we offer at La Bohème:
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Lavender and chamomile are known for their calming properties, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Improved Sleep: Oils such as lavender can promote restful sleep and help combat insomnia.
- Pain Relief: Eucalyptus and peppermint oils may help relieve headaches, muscle tension, and joint pain when applied topically or used in massage (always diluted with vegetable oils).
- Antibacterial Properties: Tea tree and oregano oils possess antibacterial qualities that can help treat minor skin infections (always diluted with vegetable oils).
- Respiratory Health: Eucalyptus and peppermint oils can help relieve congestion and support respiratory health when inhaled or applied topically (always diluted with vegetable oils).
Plants are the bridge that connects us to nature. For this reason, at our rural guesthouse we wish to honour this ancient wisdom and offer our guests the opportunity to connect with the therapeutic power of plants—promoting rest, balance, and well-being throughout their stay with us.