The History Of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use

The History of Aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils.

Exploring the history of aromatherapy and why essential oils are still such a popular form of natural medicine today. The use of aromatherapy, essential oils in ancient medicine, and modern pharmaceuticals.

If we look back at the earliest origins and the history of aromatherapy, we can see evidence of the use of essential oils and aromatherapy around different parts of the world as far back as over 6000 years.

The History of Aromatherapy By The Egyptians

The Egyptians are known for their wide use of various essential oils especially resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh which were found in tombs. Frankincense has been widely used in embalming throughout centuries and is still today used today as an anti-aging ingredient in many skin-care products. It is believed that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of effleurage (solvent extraction method) using animal fat. History Of Essential Oils FGB Natural Products

The History of Aromatherapy By The Greeks

According to Greek Mythology, even the Greek Gods valued the therapeutic properties of natural perfume and fragrances. The Greek physician Hippocrates and Galen used different aromatic herbs and plants. Hippocrates actually suggested daily massage and scented baths using aromatic plants to improve health. He widely used Chamomile to treat fevers. While Galen was known to promote Cypress to reduce stomach problems. Myrrh ointment was used by soldiers in battle to prevent and heal infection. He also used Cumin, Peppermint, Marjoram, Saffron, and Thyme.

History Of Aromatherapy In China

Chinese Medicine has also used aromatic plants and essential oil resins since between 2697-2597 B.C.E during the reign of Huang Ti. The Yellow Emperor used Sandalwood to treat Cholera.  The ‘Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine’ is said to date back at least 2000 years B.C.

History Of Aromatherapy In India

Ayurvedic Medicine which originated in India has used Cinnamon, Ginger, Myrrh, and Sandalwood. Sandalwood has been used to treat different ailments including healing wounds and it was also burned for exorcism rites for centuries.

History Of Aromatherapy In Italy

During the Middle Ages, Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) was an ingredient used in Italian Folk Medicine. Essential Oil of Neroli was named for Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Princess of Nerola, Italy. The princess used Neroli in her gloves, bathwater, and hair.

The History Of Essentials Oils In The Middle Ages

Avicenna both physician and philosopher introduced distillation, the extraction process where we get essential oils from herbs, plants, and fruits. He also created in-depth instructions on how to use plants essential oils, and massage to support health. In the 14th Century, Pine and Frankincense were burned during the Bubonic Plague.

The History Of Aromatherapy In England

Nicholas Culpeper an English physician published his own herbal which became a common reference for different plant remedies. In England, during Victorian times a bride’s headdress would be made of Neroli blossom. This was said to represent chastity and to help soothe the bride’s nerves.

The History Of Aromatherapy In France

Experimental studies on the use of essential oils as anti-viral were undertaken in France by Chamberland as early as 1887.5 Cadeac and Meunier would publish the results of their research (Annales de l’Institut Pasteur 1888). In 1938, René-Maurice Gattefosse described the already considerable advancement of this research in his book, Antiseptiques Essentiels.

The Term Aromatherapy

The term “Aromatherapy” was introduced when French perfumier, and chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of Lavender Oil. He burned his hand in his lab and stuck his hand in the nearest liquid, Lavender Oil. F

rom here he started to explore the properties of a wide range of essential oils and began to treat soldiers using essential oils during World War 1.  By 1928 he documented his evidence on Aromatherapy in a medical research paper.

A French scientist Dr. Jean Valnet would continue the medical research into the therapeutic and antiseptic properties of essential oils. His teachings were then divided into several schools and teachings, which allowed thousands of doctors to get familiar with new anti-infectious approaches previously not acknowledged by medicine.

The History Of Aromatherapy In Austria

Marguerite Maury an Austrian Biochemist found that essential oils were absorbed by the skin. She would bring massage using pure essential oils to the UK. The Secret of Life and Youth was published in 1961, this helped pioneer the modern use of aromatherapy and essential oils in massage.

Modern Use of Aromatherapy

Since the late 70’s aromatherapy and essential oils have been increasingly popular not just in the use of aromatherapy massage, and the purchase of pure essential oils.

However the huge use of essential oils in the cosmetic, skincare, and pharmaceutical industry. Some of the most common essential oils used in the cosmetic and skincare industry include Chamomile, Lavender, Rose,  Tea-Tree. Essential oils widely used in the pharmacy industry include Aniseed Oil, Benzoin, Bitter Orange Oil, Cajeput Oil, and Peppermint.

When purchasing aromatherapy products and essential oils for therapeutic use you want to ensure you purchase high-quality products. As a qualified and experienced aromatherapist and aromatherapist teacher, I can highly recommend pure essential oils from NYROrganics. Please note the links above are to my Online Store.