A History of Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling or applying to the skin derivatives of aromatic plants for therapeutic purposes. Many parts of the plant can be used, including the flower, leaf, bark, berries, or stems. The product is a highly concentrated substance called the essential oil. Because it is purely plant derived, without any synthetic additives, it embodies the true nature of the parent plant. Essential oils are used in many different ways, but the theory behind their usage is to enhance the body’s inherent healing mechanisms by indirect stimulation of the immune system. Psychological benefits also result from the use of essential oils in various ways. Aromatherapy can be seen as a science, but it is also an art, since every individual is affected by it in a unique way. An individual’s response may even vary from day to day.

The purity of essential oils is a vital thing to remember in the selection of aromatherapy products. True aromatherapy products are100% plant-derived. This is in contrast to synthetic fragrances and perfumes,which can result in an unnatural or even offensive smell. Synthetic products do not carry the same therapeutic benefits as pure essential oils. You can imagine why a manufacturer of perfume would choose the synthetic alternative when you consider how much easier and cheaper it is. As an example, it takes 4 million jasmine flowers to produce one kilogram of pure jasmine oil!! However, you will agree the extra effort and expense is more than worth it. Capture the essence and experience of natural essential oils and you will not want to go back to anything inferior!

Aromatherapy is by no means a recent development. Cave paintings discovered in France, dating back to 18000 BC depict the burning of aromatic plants for medicinal use. Through the centuries aromatherapy has been used by many civilizations, most notably Egypt, China, India, Rome, and Greece. Crude methods of distilling the oils may have been present as early as 3000 BC.

The Egyptians used infusion techniques to derive essential oils. They used these derivatives in many ways. Incense was used in religious ceremonies, with different oils being offered to different gods. Oils were used to combat mental illnesses such as mania and depression. They were also utilized in hygiene and communal baths, as well as massage. Perhaps most notably, oils were a key element in embalming, the preservation of dead bodies. Recent excavations of pharaohs’ tombs unearthed pleasant aromas, centuries after burial.

The Greeks continued the use of aromatherapy, with many of their practices based on Egyptian techniques. Hippocrates, sometimes known as the father of medicine, was reported to have said, “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.” Today, we would consider that a luxury! Megallus, another Greek physician, formulated oil blends for assisting in the healing of wounds. Dioscorides chronicled the uses of various medicinal plants in a reference book entitled De Materia Medica; many of these entries still influence us today.

But are there really medical benefits from plant oils? Some confusion has been generated by the use of artificially derived fragrances which are FALSELY called aromatherapy. Because these products are not pure, they do not impart the true nature of the plant and their therapeutic benefits are greatly diluted. While the use of true aromatherapy should NEVER be substituted for modern medical practice, it can certainly be a valuable adjunct treatment. Essential oils have been helpful in wound healing, skin diseases, hair conditions, and other cosmetic purposes. Psychologically, over one hundred different oils and combinations of oils have assisted in combating many forms of mental strain, such as stress, fatigue, and depression. While aromatherapy makes no claim at curing chronic disease such as AIDS or cancer, the judicious and educated use of aromatherapy can greatly improve quality of life.