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Aromatherapy has a long and rich history, the use of scent to heal began thousands of years ago...
History of Aromatherapy
By JC ShannonWhile the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term Aromatherapie in 1928, the use of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL oils began anywhere between 5000 and 7000 B.C.
The recorded HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY is noted in
the paintings and hieroglyphics left by the Egyptians. Everyone knows about
their incredible embalming techniques using ORGANIC ESSENTIAL oils and spices.
They used oils noted for their fragrant,
antiseptic and antibacterial
properties; oils like myrrh, cinnamon, cedarwood, cypress and spikenard. Entire
rooms were set aside in the temples for the preparation of the ORGANIC ESSENTIAL
oils used in offerings to the gods. The Temple of Edfou has a room which reveals
detailed formulae inscribed on the walls of the many different perfumes required
by the Pharoah and his family.
The Greeks used various spices, medicines, perfumes
and incense. The temple priestesses burned bay leaves to induce trancelike
states so they could tell the future.
The Romans are as well-known as the Egytians in
their use of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL oils and other fragrant spices. Their baths were
an important ritual where the body was first cleansed then massaged with sweet
smelling oils. The sense of smell and use of aromatics was so highly valued that
Nero would have guests sprayed with particular oils to put them in the mood of
his choice.
Using their individual properties for reference,
the Chinese classified oils into six categories: Luxurious, Tranquil, Reclusive,
Beautiful, Noble, and Refined. Geisha?s would use specific oils to create the
moods they wanted from their clients.The Japanese set up special schools to teach the
art of perfumery, or Kodo, which still exist today.
In ancient Britain, the Druids favored herbs that
induced mind altering states to enhance mystical experiences. Invaders brought
their own medicinal remedies, which were incorporated into Celtic traditions.
Because the monks were the main healers of the day, much of the knowledge of
plants and their healing properties was cultivated by them; knowledge we still
have to this day.
During the 14th century, the Bubonic Plague
devastated most of England and Europe. Physicians would wear protective clothing
filled with various spices, including cinnamon and cloves. They carried
pomanders and wore garlic around their necks to protect themselves from the
disease. They may very well have succeeded for garlic, cinnamon and cloves are
renowned today for their antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic
properties.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the art of
perfuming widened to include putting plant essences to darker uses. Catherine de
Medici took her perfumer with her when she married the king of France. He was
skilled in the making of lethally poisoned yet fragrant gloves, which she sent
to her enemies in her efforts to foil intrigues against her.
By the 19th century, synthetic drugs came onto the
scene and the use of medicinal ORGANIC ESSENTIAL oils declined.
Now we have seen a return to the use of medicinal
oils and Science is able to back up many of the claims made through the
centuries of ORGANIC ESSENTIAL oils. While it is interesting to know the HISTORY
OF AROMATHERAPY, what matters most is how you educate yourself. Learn the
properties and uses of the oils before using and find what works best for
you.
(This article is provided for informational
purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA nor is it provided in order to
diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the
body. Healthyhuman.net assumes no responsibility for such use. Anyone
suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician or
health care provider.)
Bibliography
Bibliography