Today is not uncommon to find aromatherapy oils in the modern home, today they are often found in the bathroom to offer help with common health ailments and used for relaxation. The history of aromatherapy dates back to around 4000 BC, although the term itself was not coined until the 1920's. Here in this article we shall look briefly at how this therapy has been used throughout the years.
It was the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Persian's that were first known to use aromatherapy oils. Plants were probably also used in Ancient China but there is very little known at this time period. Interestingly there are also references in the Bible of oils being used for healing and religion.
In Egypt plant oils were used for cosmetics and spiritual relaxation and most famously to aid the embalming process of their dead. On special occasions then Egyptian men and women would wear cones on their heads that released fragrances, much like incense today. Out of all the ancient cultures it was the Egyptians that loved aromatherapy plants and fragrances so much that they developed the industry more than any other.
The Greeks took many of the Egyptian techniques of healing and relaxation with aromatherapy oils. They also used them for cosmetic reasons and as medicines. The first known Greek physician to use herbs and plants in his surgeries was known as Asclepius. After that there were many different Greeks who used and experimented with plants and herbs for medicinal needs.
It was after the Catholic Crusades that many aromatics, herbal therapies and scented plants were introduced to Europe from the Middle East. Yet during the medieval era the church did reject aromatherapy remedies because they believed that every disease was sent from God as punishment. When the huge pandemic of the Black Death hit Europe, almost half of the population died and many botanical therapies were experimented with but with little success.
It wasn't until 1977 however when the first book on the history of aromatherapy and aromatherapy oils was published and written by Englishman Robert B Tisserand. Today in the western world aromatherapy treatment is now considered a fundamental alternative alongside holistic medicine and natural products are created for cosmetic and healing products. So the next time you return home after a hard day and pour some lavender oil into your bath to help soothe you, you will remember the colourful and long history that comes with this unique therapy.
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is a beauty therapist with many years of experience in the plant industry. Find out more about Aromatherapy Oils From Norfolk Essential Oils.
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