History of Aromatherapy - Thousands of Years Old

Aromatherapy History - Since Before Christ

Aromatherapy is derived from two words, ‘aroma’ meaning fragrance and ‘therapy’ meaning treatment. It is a healing art combined with nature. The history of aromatherapy goes back before the time of Christ when the Egyptians used incense and herbs to honor their gods. The Egyptians used plants in religious rituals, believing that smells could raise consciousness. Frankincense and myrrh are mentioned in the Bible. No one was better at embalming bodies than the Egyptians and essential oils and other aromatics had a great deal to do with that knowledge. By 1800 BC, they had already used aromatic substances for medical and cosmetic purposes. The Egyptians also used aromas and oils in their cooking. They understood that herbs and plants aided with digestion and protected the immune system.

In ancient Chinese writings, it was said they used essential oils that may have predated the Egyptians. The Indian culture has practiced Ayurveda for over 3000 years. One of the biggest aspects of Ayurveda uses aromatherapy oils in massage.

The Greeks took the knowledge and aromatherapy history to greater development. Hippocrates was Greek, and also known as the Father of Medicine. He wrote extensively about the benefits of aromatic baths and advocated using olive oil infused with flower essences in a massage. During the 1600’s in England, the Black Death visited many. It was said that the only people who did not succumb to the plague were the ones involved with aromatherapy. During the Crusades, a physian, Avicenna, processed and distilled the essence of a rose. About this same time, Arabs discovered how to distill alcohol. When the two are mixed together, perfume is produced without the heavy oils it once took.

Aromatherapy has been more popular in Europe than in America. The French have also contributed to the study of aromatherapy. In 1928, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term ‘aromatherapie’ after being burned on the hand. He used lavender oil on the burn and it healed relatively quickly. Jean Valnet also used essential oils to treat psychiatric patients. In the 40’s Madame Marguerite Maury studied Dr. Valnet and pioneered a holistic approach to aromatherapy and essential oils. This re-energized the use of these aromas in healing the mind and body.

Today, aromatherapy is considered one of the most popular of all the alternative therapies. The last two decades of the twentieth century have seen a remarkable interest in and practice of natural healing methods through aromatherapy oils. Plant medicines were seen as somewhat outdated, but there has been resurgence of late. Is aromatherapy just a fad used by people out of desperation, or is it something more? There are so few side affects of using aromatherapy oils that people are taking notice. People are open for a return to nature. Alternative therapies in general are increasing in popularity as people are realizing that western medicine doesn’t have all the answers and often treats symptoms only. Aromatherapy is becoming more popular ever year and it is often combined with reflexology, chiropractic massage and more. Ask a certified Aromatherapist in your area for more information.