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While the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term Aromathérapie in 1928, the use of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS began anywhere between 5000 and 7000 B.C.
The recorded HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY is noted in the paintings and hieroglyphics left by the Egyptians. Everyone knows about their incredible embalming techniques using ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS and spices. They used oils noted for their fragrant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties; oils like myrrh, cinnamon, cedarwood, cypress and spikenard. Entire rooms were set aside in the temples for the preparation of the ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS used in offerings to the gods. The Temple of Edfou has a room which reveals detailed formulae inscribed on the walls of the many different perfumes required by the Pharoah and his family.
The Greeks used various spices, medicines, perfumes and incense. The temple priestesses burned bay leaves to induce trancelike states so they could tell the future.
The Romans are as well-known as the Egyptians in their use of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS and other fragrant spices. Their baths were an important ritual where the body was first cleansed then massaged with sweet smelling oils. The sense of smell and use of aromatics was so highly valued that Nero would have guests sprayed with particular oils to put them in the mood of his choice.
Using their individual properties for reference, the Chinese classified oils into six categories: Luxurious, Tranquil, Reclusive, Beautiful, Noble, and Refined. Geisha’s would use specific oils to create the moods they wanted from their clients.
The Japanese set up special schools to teach the art of perfumery, or Kodo, which still exist today.
In ancient Britain, the Druids favored herbs that induced mind altering states to enhance mystical experiences. Invaders brought their own medicinal remedies, which were incorporated into Celtic traditions. Because the monks were the main healers of the day, much of the knowledge of plants and their healing properties was cultivated by them; knowledge we still have to this day.
During the 14th century, the Bubonic Plague devastated most of England and Europe. Physicians would wear protective clothing filled with various spices, including cinnamon and cloves. They carried pomanders and wore garlic around their necks to protect themselves from the disease. They may very well have succeeded for garlic, cinnamon and cloves are renowned today for their antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the art of perfuming widened to include putting plant essences to darker uses. Catherine dé Medici took her perfumer with her when she married the king of France. He was skilled in the making of lethally poisoned yet fragrant gloves, which she sent to her enemies in her efforts to foil intrigues against her.
By the 19th century, synthetic drugs came onto the scene and the use of medicinal ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS declined.
Now we have seen a return to the use of medicinal oils and Science is able to back up many of the claims made through the centuries of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS. While it is interesting to know the HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY, what matters most is how you educate yourself. Learn the properties and uses of the oils before using and find what works best for you.
(This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA nor is it provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body. Rocky Mountain Oils assumes no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician or health care provider.)
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History of Aromatherapy 