The history of essential oils

In Ancient history plants were believed to be magical, and for thousands of years herbs were used as much for ritual as they were for medicine and food.

Since ancient times, and as near as we can tell, from the beginning of recorded history the plant kingdom has provided rare and powerful extracts and essences that have long been prized for their beauty enhancing, medicinal, spiritual, aromatic and therapeutic value.

Aromatic plants, essences and oils have been used for ages in ceremony, religious observances, beauty care, preparation of food as well as preservation, and as incense. Aromatic plants have also been the basis for botanical and herbal medicines and remedies for many of years. In fact, they’re the root pharmaceuticals today.

The wisdom of the Egyptians was absorbed by the ancient Greeks: the most well-known physician of that time, Hippocrates (c.460-377 BC) was a firm believer in treating a patient holistically and incorporated therapeutic massage in many of his therapies.

Ancient Egypt was the true birthplace of essential oils, as we have learned today.  The Egyptians cultivated plants for their oils and used them in their religion, in cosmetics as well as for medicinal purposes.  Aromatic essence and resins were also used in the embalming process. It is thought that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of solvent extraction method (enfleurage) using animal fat – however, distillation “pots” have also been found dating back about 3,500 BC.

Around the same time, China and India were exploring herbs and aromatic plants too, which would become an integral part of the Indian Ayurvedic medical system.

One of the most unique aspects about the history of essential oils is that they seemed to have been developed independently by different cultures as they saw their unique value.
In China, the first use of essential oils was recorded during the reign of Huang Ti, the Yellow Emperor around 2697 to 2597BC. The book that Huang Ti wrote on internal medicine contains several different aromatic oils and is still used as a guideline by many who practice in Eastern medicine today.

Romans, in turn adopted the Greek’s knowledge and were great believers in hygiene to promote health – aromatic baths being especially popular.

The modern history began in the early 20th century, when French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term “aromatherapy” and studied the effects of essential oils on many kinds of diseases.

Since the late 70’s and early 80’s a boom in the interest in natural medicine, and more recently the rise in environmental concerns has kept essential oils growing in popularity, both for health and healing, and practical uses to replace harmful chemicals in the home.

In the 1980s and 1990s, aromatherapy was rediscovered in Western countries as interest in complementary and alternative medicine began to grow. Aromatic plants in the form of oil and incense were elements of religious and therapeutic practice in early cultures worldwide

In Europe Today

Today, in France, Germany and England, it is common for doctors to offer a choice when prescribing medicines for a health condition. Patients can choose either or natural essential oils or prescription medications. Both are distributed through pharmacies throughout Europe.

Historically Proven

Essential oils have stood the test of time, and they have proven their effectiveness on all levels. Tradition and historical records supply proven insights and understanding of how essential oils were used in the past, and how they are beneficial in our lives today. With the renewed interest in essential oils, and the comeback of their use, there are numerous new scientific studies and publications documenting the efficacy and benefits.

Aromatherapy is now becoming a robust bridge between cultures, and health care professionals.