Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that uses Essential Oils from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. This tradition has been prevalent across various cultures worldwide for centuries for its therapeutic properties.
From Egyptian Pharaohs to Modern-Day Spas.
When discussing the history of Aromatherapy, we must remember that the term came up in the 1930s. However, the ability of people to harness the power of essential oils is as old as civilization itself. Indeed, humans found ways to use aromatic plants to improve their lives long before extraction processes were discovered. Seeing how this ancient practice has evolved and become more widely accepted in modern times is inspiring.
The oldest written records documenting the therapeutic use of aromatic plants come from the ancient Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia from 5500 BC.
Similarly, the Babylonians, who inhabited the same general area from about 3000 to 600 BC, also left chronicles detailing the use of fragrant herbs as medicinal remedies. Other ancient cultures, such as the Assyrians (628 to 626 BC), also used aromatic plants in religious rituals and drenched their bodies in botanical perfumes.
EGYPT: THE CRADLE OF SCIENCE.
The Egyptians are the most well-known for their extensive use of aromatic plants among the early world civilizations. Indeed, one of the oldest known medical compilations, the Ebers Papyrus, describes more than 700 aromatic plants.
Throughout history, cultures have highly esteemed plants for their mystical properties. In particular, the ancient Egyptians were known for using plants in various forms, including cosmetics, perfumes, medicines, and religious rituals.
Egyptians believed certain plants possessed healing properties that could soothe the mind and body and were even used to prepare the dead for the afterlife.
AROMATIC OILS IN ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME.
The Greeks were also particularly innovative in using aromatic oils and ointments. Indeed, a Greek physician, Marestheus, was one of the first to recognize the therapeutic properties of scented flowers.
Another influential doctor, Aelius Galenus, holds a prominent place in the annals of scientific history due to his significant contributions to multiple disciplines. His impact extends to pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, philosophy, and logic. The profound influence of his work endures to this day, with his legacy continuing to shape the fields of science, medicine, and logic.
Galen wrote extensively about plant medicine and developed a set of principles for preparing and compounding drugs known as Galenic Formulations.
Also, Dioscorides, a writer in the first century AD, contributed significantly to herbal medicine with his book De Materia Medica, a standard reference work in Western medicine for over a millennium. Even Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine, advocated using oils in baths and massages.
Later, in the Roman Empire, aromatic plants were prevalent in daily life. These plants served both functional and aesthetic purposes and were ubiquitous in their presence. Fragrant herbs graced the gardens, while scented oils were famous for massages and perfumes, adding an extra dimension of beauty and luxury to Roman culture.
It’s interesting how certain traditions and practices can influence others and spread across different regions. Indeed, as the Roman army travelled across Europe and England, they introduced aromatic plants to these regions.
DID THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY CONTRIBUTE TO THE DECLINE OF ROMAN MEDICINE?
The role of Christianity in the dissemination of medical knowledge during ancient times is also a topic of interest, as it intersects with the history of religion and medicine in Rome.
Unfortunately, the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity led to the dispersal of many Roman physicians, who took their knowledge with them. As a result, the works of prominent figures in medicine and science, such as Galen, Hippocrates, and Dioscorides, were passed on to the Arab world.
Following the decline of the Byzantine Empire, Europe experienced a period often referred to as the Dark Ages, during which there was a decline in intellectual and cultural achievements.
DID YOU KNOW THAT EARLY CHRISTIANS CEASED WASHING THEMSELVES AND WERE PROUD TO REEK OF ‘HONESTLY’ DIRT AND SWEAT?
Personal use of fragrances was considered frivolous and LUXURIOUS, tending towards debauchery by church leaders. Indeed, the Puritan movement deeply feared anything they perceived as pagan or witchcraft-related.
Picture: The wiping out of women healers in medieval Europe.
Unfortunately, this fear led to the persecution of many cultural practices, including perfume and incense. The Middle Ages was a time of remarkable decline and barbarism. It is no wonder that many aspects of culture suffered during this time.
AROMATIC PLANTS: THE OLDEST TRADITION OF INDIA AND CHINA.
India and China have a rich cultural heritage when it comes to the use of aromatic plants. Both countries have been using them for centuries, not just for their pleasant fragrance but also for their therapeutic properties.
Ayurvedic Medicine has a rich and extensive history dating back several millennia, making it one of the oldest medical systems in the world.
Derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘Ayur,’ meaning life, and ‘Veda,’ meaning science or knowledge, it focuses on herbal medicines to enhance overall wellness.
Maharishi Charaka, an ancient Indian physician and scholar, is credited as the father of Ayurveda for organizing its principles and practices. His compilation, the Charaka Samhita, covers anatomy, physiology, and diagnosis. It also describes treatment methods, shaping the understanding and practice of this ancient healing system.
Ayurvedic medicine is a widely respected and practiced traditional healthcare system in India and has also gained significant popularity in other regions. Many individuals are drawn to the holistic and natural approach of Ayurvedic medicine, and it remains a vital part of various cultures and communities.
CHINA ALSO BOASTS A RICH AND CAPTIVATING HISTORY OF USING AROMATICS.
Emperor Huang Ti, dating back to 2500 BC, authored The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which illuminates the use of Aromatherapy. Indeed, one of the most noteworthy contributions made by Huang Ti was the incorporation of various citrus species, which remain relevant and prevalent in modern times.
Later, in 1579, after twenty-six years of study, Li Shih-Chen published a comprehensive manual called Pen Tsao. It recorded 2000 herbs and 20 essential oils.
Picture: Ben cao gang mu (Compendium of materia medica) by Li Shizhen during the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD-1644 AD). National Museum of China.
In summary, using scented plants is deeply ingrained in India and China’s cultural and traditional practices, and their appeal is enduring.
THE EVOLUTION OF PERFUMERY: HOW ISLAMIC SCHOLARS PAVED THE WAY.
The appreciation and understanding of aromatics experienced significant growth during the spread of Islam in the Middle East. For example, Yakub al-Kindi, a leading figure of the time, wrote The Book of Perfume Chemistry and Distillation. This manuscript contained valuable information on the medicinal properties of essential oils and detailed instructions on extracting rose oils. Additionally, the book provided formulations for no less than 107 unique perfumes.
The significant contributions made by the Persians to the field of essential oil distillation are worth noting.
The renowned physician Al-Razi (865-925) was among their influential figures. He advanced the field of medicine and invented various tools, such as flasks, mortars, phials, and spatulas. All those tools remained widely utilized in pharmacies until the 1900s.
Another Persian, probably the most famous and influential of all the great Islamic physicians, was Ibn Sina (980-1037). Avicenna was the first to distill the essence of roses. He, along with other notable scholars, wrote The Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine, which remained essential textbooks in the field of medicine for centuries.
Ibn Sina, commonly known in the West as Avicenna, was a preeminent philosopher and physician of the Muslim world, flourishing during the Islamic golden age.
Islamic culture was vital in connecting the ancient world and medieval Europe. Indeed, it paves the way for the growth of holistic plant-based medicine. The Persian legacy is truly remarkable and continues to inspire advancements in medicine and pharmacy.
FROM ALCHEMY TO AROMATHERAPY: THE EVOLUTION OF HERBAL MEDICINE.
At the end of the Middle Ages, individuals held many superstitious beliefs and were susceptible to contagious diseases. Consequently, they turned to aromatic herbs for their antiseptic properties to combat the spread of illnesses. Herbal practitioners recommended the periodic burning of pine and frankincense to purify the air, while cleaning floors with rose water and vinegar became a widely adopted practice. Furthermore, monasteries established gardens for growing aromatic herbs, which monks utilized to cure common ailments.
Picture: The plague of Florence in 1348, as described in Boccaccio’s Credit: Wellcome Library, London.
A CATALYST FOR SOCIETAL CHANGE
However, by the time of the Renaissance, the advance of chemistry extended essential oils to the cosmetics and perfumery industries. As a result, the production of balms, aromatic waters and aromatic oils increased considerably.
In 1551, William Turner published the first part of Herbal, a renowned book on medicinal herbs that contributed to further knowledge on the topic. During the 17th century, an abundance of literature on the subject of herbal medicine and essential oils became prevalent, leading to the golden age of English herbalists, including esteemed figures such as Culpeper and Parkinson.
Nicholas Culpeper was a 17th-century English physician, herbalist, and astrologer. He is best known for his book “The English Physician”, which was a popular guide to herbal medicine and natural remedies.
Regrettably, the popularity of herbal medicine also led to the rise of fraudulent individuals, resulting in a loss of respect for the practice. This division caused a rift between physicians who preferred chemical drugs and those who remained dedicated to herbs’ healing properties.
HOW HAVE SYNTHETIC SUBSTANCES CHANGED THE FACE OF MEDICINE?
Aromatherapy became unfavourable with the advent of modern science, which focused on chemical and active components rather than the entire plant. Consequently, natural essential oils, prized for generations, were replaced by synthetic essences in cosmetics, perfumes, and food.
Throughout the 19th century, numerous scientific breakthroughs contributed to the decline of herbal therapy.
With the ability to artificially replicate many substances, the production of essential medications became more accessible. For instance, aspirin, a naturally occurring substance found in willows, could be synthesized, significantly reducing the use of essential oils.
The art of Aromatherapy experienced a rebirth, primarily attributed to the pioneering efforts of French chemist and perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. After suffering a severe burn on his hand, he treated it with lavender oil, which surprisingly resulted in rapid healing and left no scar. This experience catalyzed Gattefosse to investigate the therapeutic potential of essential oils further.
The word “aromatherapy” was first used in the 1920s by French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé, who devoted his life to researching the healing properties of essential oils after a lucky accident in his perfume laboratory.
Gattfosse deserves full credit for his vision of Aromatherapy. However, he was not the only one at the time who perceived the benefits of essential oils. Another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valnet, began to use essential oils as antiseptics to treat war wounds with great success. He convinced himself of the benefits of medicinal plants and developed an unprecedented practice of Aromatherapy.
Later, in the 1950s, the Austrian biochemist Madame Marguerite Maury established the first aromatherapy clinics in Paris, England, and Switzerland. She started using essential oils in beauty therapies. Indeed, her methods sought to treat her clients’ health problems with personalized scents.
Maury published her famous book The Secret of Life and Youth in 1964, restoring Aromatherapy’s reputation.
AROMATHERAPY IN MODERN TIMES
Recently, interest in aromatherapy has blossomed with new experts on the subject. For example, Robert Tisserand has written several books on the healing and medicinal effects of essential oils. He is also the founder of Tisserand Institute, the leading organization for research and education in the art and practice of Aromatherapy. Another author, Marcel Lavabre, born in the lavender-growing region of southern France, has compiled extensive information and co-founded the American Aromatherapy Association.
The scientific community has successfully developed fragrances resembling essential oils.
However, their attempts to synthetically replicate the therapeutic benefits of essential oils have yet to be successful. As such, essential oils remain the most reliable source of authentic chemical compounds that can significantly contribute to our physical and emotional well-being.
References
Beverley Hawkins, Aromatherapy 101, West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999.
Dr. Miller L. & Dr. Miller B., Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing, Lotus Press, 1996.
Gabriel Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: A Guide to Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance Through Essential Oils, Henry Holt & Co., 1996.
Joy Bowles, Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils, Allen & Unwin Academic, 2003.
Joy Bowles, The A to Z of Essential Oils, Barron’s, Hauppauge, NY, 2003
Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: A Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatics in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well-Being, Element Books Ltd.,1992.
Patricia Davis, Aromatherapy an A-Z. 2nd edition. The C.W. Daniel Company, Saffron Walden, 1999.
Roberta Wilson, Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty, Avery Publishing Group, New York, 1995.
Robert Tisserand& Tony Balacs, Essential Oil Safety, Churchill Livingstone, London, 1995.
Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Perfect Potion (Aust) Pty Ltd., Virginia, Q, Australia, 1997.
Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook, Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993.
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Tampa, FL, 1995.
