A History of aromatherapy
History of aromatherapy is by no means a recent
development. Cave paintings discovered in France, dating back to
18000 BC depict the burning of aromatic plants for medicinal use.
Through the centuries aromatherapy has been used by many civilizations,
most notably Egypt, China, India, Rome, and Greece. Crude methods
of distilling the oils may have been present as early as 3000 BC.
The Egyptians used infusion techniques to derive
essential oils. They used these derivatives in many ways. Incense
was used in religious ceremonies, with different oils being offered
to different gods. Oils were used to combat mental illnesses such
as mania and depression. They were also utilized in hygiene and
communal baths, as well as massage. Perhaps most notably, oils were
a key element in embalming, the preservation of dead bodies. Recent
excavations of pharaohs’ tombs unearthed pleasant aromas,
centuries after burial.
History of aromatherapy with Greeks
The Greeks continued the use of aromatherapy,
with many of their practices based on Egyptian techniques. Hippocrates,
sometimes known as the father of medicine, was reported to have
said, “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented
massage every day.” Today, we would consider that a luxury!
Megallus, another Greek physician, formulated oil blends for assisting
in the healing of wounds. Dioscorides chronicled the uses of various
medicinal plants in a reference book entitled De Materia Medica;
many of these entries still influence us today.
History of aromatherapy with Romans
The Roman civilization continued the Greek zeal
for aromatherapy. Galen, an herbalist who lived around 30 AD, utilized
and expanded on Dioscorides’ text. Aromatics were used in
religious worship, but they were also popular with the common people.
Thousands of “fragrant watering spots” were scattered
around the streets of Rome. Of course, the Roman bath, incorporating
massage and oiling, is legendary to this day. The increase of trade
routes to Arabia and India brought new varieties of plants and oils.
Around AD 1000, a Persian physician and alchemist named Avicenna
refined the process of steam distillation. This process developed
over many years, but Avicenna is credited with significantly improving
it. The Arabs also were likely the first to distill alcohol, enabling
perfumes to be carried in a less oily substance.
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Western Europe also made use of medicinal plants.
Conquering knights brought herbs and oils to Europe. The Crusades
helped to spread the knowledge of techniques and procedures. During
the Plague epidemic, aromatic herbs were burned in the streets to
act as a disinfectant and to cover the odor of death. In the late
19th century, the use of medicinal plants began to fall out of favor.
Microorganisms were discovered and synthetic chemicals grew in popularity.
However, the power of medicinal plants could still be seen. The
tuberculosis epidemic in France was devastating. A population of
people remained strangely unaffected, those who worked in the flower
growing district. It is now believed that this was likely due to
the relative resistance offered by their exposure to medicinal plants.
Essential oils are known to have disinfectant effects, even being
bactericidal and virocidal in some cases.
History of aromatherapy from France
Gattefosse, a French chemist, has been credited
with becoming the father of modern aromatherapy. Even the word aromatherapy
was termed by him. His interest began after he dipped his severely
burned hand in lavender oil after a laboratory experiment accident.
He was amazed at how relatively quickly his burn healed, and with
minimal scarring. He went on to study both the cosmetic and antimicrobial
properties of essential oils. During World War I he used oils of
lavender, thyme, and clove to increase wound healing and to act
as an antiseptic among the wounded soldiers. He had good results,
as essential oils tended to be much gentler than other antiseptics
of the day. He stressed the usage of oils in their pure form, rather
than trying to separate out an “active ingredient”.
Margaret Maury, a 20th century French biochemist, is credited with
expanding the techniques of modern massage using essential oils.
History of aromatherapy with Indians
Many other examples of the use of essential oils
could be cited, from the Indian temples made with sandalwood, to
Montezuma’s extensive gardens with their vast offering of
therapeutic plants. The use of medicinal plants has certainly withstood
the test of time. We live in an era where the knowledge and practice
of medicine is astounding, yet we ought never to forget the important
lessons history can teach us.
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