The History of Aromatherapy is Longer than You Think

Since the dawn of civilization, the history of aromatherapy has shown the use of plant oils as beneficial to our minds and bodies. It is believed that humans used plants to treat sickness, heal wounds, and relieve pain long before there were written records.

French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950) working at his family’s business coined the word 'aromatherapie'. When Gattefosse stuck his hand into a jar of lavender oil after severely burning it, he instantly noticed a reduction in swelling. The oil sped up the healing process and left behind no scar.

Ancient Egypt - The Beginning of Aromatherapy

The history of aromatherapy started in Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians burnt offerings to their gods with incense made from herbs and spices. The development of aromatic medicines led to the creation of aromatherapy. The Egyptians refined their use of aromatics in perfumes and cosmetics.

The Egyptians preserved the dead with a mixture of oils of nutmeg, cedar wood, cinnamon, clove, and myrrh. To add fragrance and stay refreshed during the heat of the day, they placed a solid cone of perfume on top of their heads that gradually melted and kept them covered. (24-hour deodorant protection- old style)

Greece - The Father of Medicine Smells the Aroma

Hippocrates (460 BC –370 BC), the “father of medicine” made his mark on the history of aromatherapy by using it for medicinal purposes. He suggested that everyone should take an aromatic bath and have a scented massage daily for good health. Hippocrates used physiotherapies, oil massage, and herbs to treat illness. His medical research documented around 200 different herbs.

Megallus, a Greek perfumer, created a scent, for its anti-inflammatory effects and to heal wounds, which included myrrh in a fatty-oil base.

Rome - Aromatherapy Becomes Essential

A Roman physician, Discorides (ca. 40-90) wrote a book that detailed the healing properties of nearly 600 plants. It is thought that Discorides studied distillation. During this time, distillation focused on extracting not essential oils but aromatic floral waters.

The Romans received their knowledge and most of their supply of essential oils from the Egyptians. In Rome, they used aromatherapy in their political places, temples, and bathhouses. Medicinal oils recipes were discovered inscribed in the sacred temples of Aphrodite and Asclepius.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, (476-480) many of the physicians escaped to Constantinople, taking the practice of essential oils with them.

Middle Eastern Aromatherapy

The Arabians have their place in the history of aromatherapy too. They were well known in the Middle East and Europe for their perfumes. The Arabs supplied the Egyptians with herbs and spices for aromatherapy.

One of Persia's greatest doctors, Al-Razi (865-925) contributed to aromatics, writing over 200 books and papers on science. He made fundamental advances in the fields of medicine and alchemy through his own discoveries.

The Arab physician Avicenna (981-1037) is credited with inventing a refrigerated coil to improve the distillation of oils. His invention made a major impact on the improvement of aromatherapy by making the extraction process easier using a steam method. Known in Persia by the name, Ibn Sina, this famous Islamic scholar wrote the standard medical text for many medieval universities containing nearly all known information about medicine in his “The Canon of Medicine“.

Nearly everyday we are making new discoveries about the wisdom from the past. As we look back at the history of aromatherapy, we see its future benefit in effectively fighting stress and helping to restore our well-being.