History of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Aromatic plants and oils have been used for perfumes,incense, cosmetics, medicinal and therapeutic purposes. They have helped soothe the mind,body and soul since the beginning of history.
Aromatherapy may seem like a recent practice, but it evolved in ancient Egypt. The roots of Aromatherapy can be traced back over 3,000 years before the birth of Christ by using records discovered on Egyptian papyrus, temple carvings and manuscripts.
Egyptian records from 4500 B.C. describe the use of fragrant flowers, herbs and resins for religious rituals, medicinal treatment and aesthetic purposes. The Egyptians created various blends of oils to cater to individual needs. One of the largest pieces of evidence proving the existence of aromatherapy in ancient Egypt, was the discovery of the Ebers Papyrus. The document was over 870 feet long and was described as a medicinal scroll, dating back to 1500 B.C. This scroll included over 800 different formulas of herbal prescriptions and remedies.
Essential oils were also used in ancient Rome, Persia and China. There are even numerous references to fragrances and oils which are mentioned in the Bible. One of the best known stories is of the Magi presenting precious aromatics (frankincense and myrrh) to the baby Jesus.
Another modern day pioneer in aromatherapy was Dr. Jean Valnet a French physician. Dr. Valnet used essential oil successfully in World War II to help fight infections when his antibiotics supply ran out. Essential oils have been known to have anti septic, anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.
After the war, Dr. Valnet and his students continued to research essential oils. He published a book in 1964, “Aromatherapie” which is still used as a popular reference guide for aromatherapy. Today we recognize that essential oils have three different and distinct methods of action with regard to how they connect with the human body:
1. Pharmacological- how the essential oils reacts with the enzymes and hormones as they enter the bloodstream.
2. Psychological- the effect the oil has when it is inhaled and the body reacts to its scent.
3. Physiological- how the oil effects the body system…as a stimulant or sedative.
Society has turned from natural alternatives to synthetics, especially in the cosmetic and health care industries. In recent years aromatherapy has regained popularity. Many people, who have become concerned with the physical implications and side effects of putting man made chemicals into and on their bodies, are finding aromatherapy as a valuable alternative to modern medicine.
