Comprehensive History of Aromatherapy
Since the beginning of life on Earth, mankind has had to experiment with plants to find out which were edible and which were fatal. Along the way, some were put aside for magic or medicine, and it is from these that the many folk remedies evolved.
By the time most of the ancient civilisations were thriving, therapeutic use of essential oils was part of everyday life. The Egyptians, in 4500 BC, used myrrh and cedarwood oils for embalming and, 6500 years later, perfectly preserved mummies are proof of their skills.
Modern research has shown that cedarwood contains a natural fixative and myrrh has strong antibacterial and antiseptic agents, which explains why most mummies look so good for their age.
The Egyptians were the first to distil plants in order to extract their essential oils. They used them medicinally, in religious ceremonies, as beautifying skin and face potions and perfumes, as well as for embalming. Oils were so highly prized they were offered to the gods. The high priests recorded the oils’ therapeutic uses and known properties on papyrus scrolls, along with the secret recipes that used them. Their knowledge was so accurate that it makes up the basis of modern aromatherapy.
The Romans, on the other hand, used essential oils for giving pleasure as much as for curing pain, and had leisurely, perfumed baths and massages every day. Emperor Nero’s love of orgies, feasts and fragrances is legendary. His most favourite oil was rose because it cured headaches, indigestion and lifted the spirits, thereby making it possible for him to keep on partying. Another Roman favourite was chamomile, used to treat skin complaints and help heal wounds, and now known to contain azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is why it has such a rejuvenating effect on skin.
In Greece, India, China and Arabia the use of aromatics thrived. But it wasn’t until the 12th century that perfumery and herbalism spread to Europe. By the time of the Great Plague in 1665, it was so well established that Londoners burnt bundles of lavender, cedar and cypress in the streets, and carried posies of the same plants as their only defence against infectious disease. And it undoubtedly saved thousands of lives, since these plants all contain powerful antiseptic agents.
Plants were used to make all medicines and remedies until the turn of the century, Herbalists and apothecaries dispened infusions, ointments and powders for everything from hair loss to impotence. But ‘modern’ medicine soon took over, with pharmaceutical scientists creating tiny, magical pills which made many of the natural remedies seem primitive and old-fashioned. By the 1960s, the world focused on the advances made in surgery, hospitals and doctoring while research into herbal cures took second place.
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Aromatherapy History
Aromatherapy is the practice of using scented plant oils known as ‘essential oils’ to enhance health and restore a feeling of wellbeing. These fragrant oils are blessed with many therapeutic-properties which help to prevent health problems and provide gentle relief for all kinds of symptoms.
The medicinal use of aromatic substances goes back to the ancient Chinese, Indian, Hebrew and Arab civilizations. Aromatherapy flourished with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. By the turn of the 18th century, essential oils were widely used in medicinal preparations.
The term aroma therapy was first used by the French scientist Rene Gattefosse in the 1920s. During a laboratory experiment he burned his hand badly; by chance, a bowl of Lavender oil was nearby. He plunged his burnt hand into this and, to his surprise, the pain subsided and his skin healed rapidly without scarring.
History of Aromatherapy
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in the art and science of aromatherapy. Legendary Chinese ruler Shen Nung is credited with discovering the medicinal properties of plants and writing the first herbal text, ‘Pen Tsao’ (c. 2700-3000 BC), a catalog of more than 200 botanicals. Today’s archeologists continually find evidence of therapeutic uses for essential oils in the civilizations of ancient China, India and the Middle East. Ayurveda, traditional Hindu medicine practiced throughout the world, utilizes herbal treatment with origins in the 2nd millennium B.C.
History of Aromatherapy
Ancient Egyptians used incense, waters and ointments and resins for various religious ceremonies. Queen Cleopatra kept massive gardens of hundreds of flowers and used their essences to perfume her body and surroundings. Terra cotta urns filled with aromatic oils accompanied Pharaohs to the afterlife. Roman soldiers treated wounds with honey and myrrh and emperors and scholars relaxed in legendary perfumed baths. The Old and New Testaments of the Bible contain detailed recipes using aromatic compounds.
History of Aromatherapy
Widespread use of essential oils throughout Europe coincided with the invention of glass distillation methods in the 16th century, the discovery of new trade routes and the invention of the microscope, which facilitated the study of bio-active compounds. These developments ushered in extraction of essential oil from plants such as French rosemary, Italian chamomile and lavender from England. Queen Elizabeth I used an abundant supply of English lavender oil throughout her life, a practice continued by Queen Victoria during her entire 64-year reign. The tradition was upheld in the latter 20th century by Diana, Princess of of Wales, who often was photographed enroute between Kensington Palace and her aromatherapist’s office. Her living quarters were kept naturally fragrant with essential oils throughout the year.