A Quick Look At The History Of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy isn't as new to the world as you may believe. The practice of using herbal oils for medicinal purposes goes back well into the early days of humankind.

Aromatherapy And Ancient Civilizations

In early times, aromatherapy was linked to religion and magic. The effects of plants' essential oils were known, but not well understood. Through trial and error, early civilizations discovered the benefits of these herbs, and they imbued them with spiritual significance.

The Egyptians are known to have burned essential woods, herbs and spices. They believed that the smoke went up to the gods in heaven, carrying their prayers with it. Ancient texts also show that the Egyptians used oils for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. They distilled the oils from plants in much the same way as aromatherapy does today. They also used essential oils when embalming the dead.

On the other side of the earth, the Chinese were also discovering the uses of herbal oil remedies. Texts that date from around 3000 BC show a catalog of hundreds of plants and their uses. They used these essential oils by burning them in incense and using them for massage. Chinese aromatherapy practices are believed to be the oldest in the world, predating the Egyptians and other ancient civilizations.

The Greeks inherited Egyptian aromatherapy practices and combined them with their own. Hypocrites is known as the father of modern medical science, and he was known to use herbal aromas for medical purposes. This knowledge of plant lore was borrowed by the Romans, and was passed down through the ages in Europe.

The European Apothecaries

During the middle ages, treatments for various illnesses were given by "apothecaries." These were men who had studied all sorts of shamanism, herbal lore, primitive medicine and ancient knowledge. There are texts surviving from this time, such as "The Leech Book Of Bald," written around 900 AD, that teach these practices.

The Crusades brought even more herbal knowledge to Europe. Returning soldiers brought with them not only new herbal remedies, but new ways of fumigating. Coiled pipes and other devices from Persia and the Middle East were used to burn herbal oils, and these came into use in Europe. Also, new distillation techniques were brought back.

Around 1300 AD, the Catholic Church gained total control over Europe. They believed that all illness was the punishment of God. This ushered in a dark age for medicine. Most medicine was treated by bleeding and prayer. Herbal treatments, as well as other natural treatments, were thought of as pagan and banned. For many years, these practices were driven underground.

The science of aromatherapy would have to wait many centuries to be fully explored. In the 17th and 18th centuries, various herbs were used for wigs and other cosmetic purposes. In the 19th century, there was some limited scientific research on certain herbs' ability to treat illnesses. But, it wasn't until the early 20th century that aromatherapy was born.

Aromatherapy In The Modern Age

Today's aromatherapy was invented by a French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He coined the term "aromatherapy." During an experiment, he accidentally burned his hand and immersed it in lavender oil because it was all he had on hand. He was then amazed at how quickly the wound healed.

This discovery led to a change in his career. He turned his focus to exploring the uses of plants and their essential oils. He used these techniques to treat wounded French soldiers.

Since Gattefosse's time, aromatherapy was left on the fringes of medical science. Doctors believed it was new age hocus pocus. Until recently, the medical establishment has largely ignored holistic treatments, which pose a threat to the use of chemical medicines. But in recent years, they have been unable to ignore the benefits and results of natural treatments.

There has also been a boom in consumer acceptance. Aromatherapy was not widely practiced until the last few years. Now, everyday people are heading to the health foods store looking for all-natural treatments for stress and other troubles.

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