A Brief History of Aromatherapy

Although the modern practice of aromatherapy originated within the last hundred years, the use of essential oils to heal the mind, body and spirit can be traced back to early civilizations. It was used as far back as ancient Egypt through the use of fragrances in their preparations for beauty and the afterlife. Egyptians used aromatic oil to protect their skin from the sun and the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered to have many aromatic preparations. Aromatics have also been used across the world throughout history in places such as China, the Middle East, Greece, Europe, and India.

Aromatics have been referenced throughout the ages. The Chinese used medicinal herbs in their treatment of diseases, the Old Testament in the Bible makes several references to aromatics, and the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, used aromatic herbs in times before Christ. References to aromatics are seen in the New Testament of the Bible when the three wise men brought Jesus the gifts of Myrrh and Frankincense and when Mary Magdalene poured fragrant ointment on Jesus’s feet.

The Romans have used aromatics in their baths and perfume to scent their hair and massage their bodies. During these times, aromatics were stored in alabaster bottles inside ivory boxes.

Herbal medicine dominated Europe until the Middle Ages, where many preparations consisted of aromatics, such as cream used in the cosmetics of today. Herbs were also extensively used during the Black Plague of the Middle Ages, such as pine wood, and the incense of gums and resins to protect against contagion.

The Arabs had a part to play in the history of aromatherapy. They commenced trading exotic aromatics from India and China such as Jasmine and Sandalwood between the Far East and Europe. The Arabs also discovered the art of distillation, still used today as a method to extract oils from the plants.

England in the 17^th century saw the production of many herbs and books regarding aromatics. The 18^th century saw the discovery of toilet water. Eau de Cologne, is known today for its cooling, refreshing deodorant and antiseptic properties. Eau de Cologne is made from essential oils such as Lavender, Bergamot, Rosemary and Neroli.

In 1928, the first book on aromatherapy was published in France by a Chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé who worked with essential oils for their medicinal use. While working, he burned his arm and plunged it into a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in an article where he supported the use of essential oils.

In 1964, a French doctor by the name of Dr Jean Valnet used essential oils in his treatment of his patients and wrote a book on aromatherapy. The sixties also saw an Austrian biochemist Marguerite Maury studying the way aromatics worked physically and emotionally on people while using essential oils in massage.

Today, there has been an increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet, increasing the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.