Evolution of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy: The history

The origin:
Aromatherapy, as it is practiced today, began with the Egyptians, who used the method of infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants, which were used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as embalming. The revival of the use of essential oils is believed to be credited to a Persian physician and philosopher known as Avicenna who lived from 980 AD to 1037 AD. The Arabs initiated a method of extraction known as distillation and study of the therapeutic use of plants once again became popular in the Universities. At a similar time, ancient Chinese civilizations were also using some form of aromatics. Shen Nung's herbal book (dating back to approximately 2700 BC) contains detailed information on over 300 plants and their uses. Similarly, the Chinese used aromatics in religious ceremonies, by burning woods and incense to show respect to their Gods - a tradition that is still practiced today. The use of aromatics in China was linked to other ancient therapies such as massage and acupressure. Aromatherapy has also been used for many centuries in India. Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, uses dried and fresh herbs, as well as aromatic massage as important aspects of treatment.

The Greeks acquired most of their medical knowledge from the Egyptians and used it to further their own discoveries. They found that the fragrance of some flowers was stimulating while others had relaxing properties. The use of olive oil as the base oil absorbed the aroma from the herbs or flowers and the perfumed oil was then used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The Romans learned from the Greeks and became well known for scented baths followed by massage with aromatic oils. The popularity of aromatics led to the establishment of trade routes, which allowed the Romans to import exotic oils and spices from distant lands such as India and Arabia.
By 1200 AD, essential oils were being produced in Germany and were based mainly on herbs and spices brought from Africa and the Far East.

The discovery begins….
When the conquistadors invaded South America, even more medicinal plants and aromatic oils were discovered, and the wide variety of medicinal plants found in Montezuma's gardens provided a basis for many new and important remedies and treatments. Throughout the northern continent, Native American Indians were using aromatic oils and producing their own herbal remedies, which were discovered when settlers began to make their way across the plains of the New World. Although herbs and aromatics had been used in other world cultures for many centuries, it was not until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on humans. It was French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse who discovered the healing powers of lavender oil after burning his hand in his laboratory. He published a book on the anti-microbial effects of the oils in 1937 and the term "Aromatherapy" was born.

Scene today
Although it has been practiced for thousands of years, Aromatherapy has only recently become popular in our culture. This is a result of a return to a holistic lifestyle, recognising the importance of combining the mind, body and spirit to achieve optimum health and wellness. Modern day scientific research has been and continues to be performed, which verifies not only the emotional but also the physical benefits that aromatherapy, provides. Through research and awareness we have come to better understand and appreciate what nature has to offer us. We are all seeking answers for the illnesses that pervade our society, and the stresses that this fast paced modern life place on us.

Conventional medicine has given us some of those answers in the form of prescription drugs and surgery, but still, we ask for more. We have realised that we must take personal responsibility for our health and strive to educate ourselves on living more balanced lives.

Aromatherapy is one such example and a very powerful one, of a complementary therapy widely practiced today. For some of us, we don't even know we're doing it. When you burned that scented candle last week, you were practicing Aromatherapy. In fact, virtually all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of Aromatherapy. This is one of the reasons Aromatherapy is so popular today. It is easy to practice, readily available and effective as a therapy. The information you need to get started is right at your fingertips.