History of Aromatherapy
“Aromatherapy” word comes from two words: “Aroma”, meaning fragrance, and “Therapy”, meaning treatment. Aromatherapy had been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The history of Aromatherapy dates back at least to 4000 BC. Aromatherapy probably began before recorded history, when man discovered that certain plant aromas had soothing, healing effects when they were crushed in the palm of the hand or burnt on the fire. Tribes that had little contact with modern man until quite recent times retained the knowledge of the uses of plants in their areas.
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 Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance. Aromatherapy has also been used for many centuries in India. Greeks borrowed many healing and relaxation techniques from the Egyptians. They used herbs and aromatherapy oils for medicines and cosmetics.
The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils and used them medicinally and cosmetically. Asclepius (circa 1200 BC) is the first known physician in history who experimented with herbs and plants in his surgeries. The invasions of South America by the conquistadors brought about the discovery of more medicinal plants and aromatic oils. The Aztecs were well known for their plant remedies and the Spanish were amazed at the wealth of medicinal plants found in Montezuma’s botanical gardens. The North American Indians also used aromatic oils and produced their own herbal remedies.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of vital oils on bacterium in humans. Essential oils are really expensive to develop, some more then than others, payable to the labour intense procedure and the amount of the plant required to develop the oil. Aromatherapy continues to increase in popularity throughout the southwestern reality and beyond. From the later 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing revival to utilise much normal products including vital oils for curative, cosmetic and fragrant welfare. The consumption of vital oils never ceased.
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History of Aromatherapy / Author: Juliet Cohen
