Interesting History on the Origins of Aromatherapy

Much of the ancient use of aromatherapy developedmonks of the 12th century used the healing oil of
from the scented smoke that rose from ancient firesplants in their concentrated studies.
of leaves, wood, flowers, roots and tree sap. If youFor protection of the black plague, many people used
close your eyes and imagine sitting at a campfire, andan application of herbal oils in the middle ages. The
inhaling the different scents as they burn, you canuse of herbs were very popular at that time, and
understand how natural it must have been to wantevery well to do family kept distilled herbs and used
to learn more about the smells arising from an ancientthem daily form may purposes, such as personal,
fire, since certain scents can be neutral, depressing ormedicinal and household uses. Although, unfortunately
uplifting to those exposed to them.the use of healing oils took a downward spiral during
Aromatherapy has been around for a very long time,the time of snake oil tradesmen and fake medicine
whether we study the ancient Egyptian, Asian,men. As the use of essential herbs and oils seem to
Greek, Roman, Indian and many other cultures.almost disappear when modern medicine, gained a
People have been using the essence of plants fortoehold in healing procedures. However, natives of
many different reasons and in many different ways.many lands have used herbs and aromatherapy for
However, more than likely it, they did not call itcenturies, for their spiritual and healing purposes.
aromatherapy in those times.Nevertheless, back in the 1920's a scientist burned
They had other names for it, no doubt, or just ahimself badly and immediately put the burn area into
phrase for using the herbs they used naturally on aa container of lavender oil, this was the birth of
daily basis. For instance, the Egyptians distilled theiraromatherapy, since he found the oil to not only
essential oils for their many cosmetic and perfumesooth the pain, but it had an unusual quickness in
purposes, as well as using forms of aromatherapy forhealing the afflicted area. Aromatherapy uses variable
healing and spiritual purposes and for their embalmingessential oils of plant compounds to influence the
procedures. The Romans and Greeks learnedmood and health of a body in a positive manner.
aromatherapy from the Egyptians; they soonAlthough, aromatherapy has gone through its
recognized the influence and precious use of herbs indifferent stages of growth and decline over the
honor of their deities in their temples and the healingyears, there are millions of people who have enjoy
properties in their bathing and body massage.the natural use of herbs and aromatherapy in their
The Greeks eventually took their knowledge oflives for spiritual, healing, cosmetic and perfume
aromatherapy to Arabia, where they added theirproducts, of course today these products use carrier
own knowledge and innovations, which increased theoils such as rosehip seed, citrus, almond and olive.
popularity of perfumes from the east. Nuns and