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Aromatherapy Origin

Accounts differ as to how and when aromatherapy initially came into use, but we understand without doubt that it was a minimum of 6,000 years ago.

Ancient Uses
"Archeologists" discoveries present indisputable evidence of aromatherapy uses. For example mummified body cavities were commonly filled using herbs and spices such as 'cedarwood', 'cloves', 'myrrh', 'nutmeg' and 'cinnamon'. These discoveries are the first known methods of embalming.

Ancient Egyptians had a way of making themselves smell good which consisted of a perfumed plant matter and was also used for the foundation of their cosmetics. In addition, they burned gums and resins to produce "incense" for their spiritual ceremonies. For instance, they burned frankincense at dawn as a gift to the gods.

At a point in time, it appeared that oils such as sesame and olive were added to aromatic plants and then applied as a rubdown on the body.

We understand that in 3,000 BC Egyptians were importing the extremely fragrant myrrh. We also understand that the "Egyptian god of healing" Imhotep, prescribed aromatic oils to rub on the body also to bathe in, and as previously mentioned, embalming.

Aromatherapy was also practiced by the Greeks and Romans. Not only was Hippocrates alleged to have fought the "Black Death of Athens" using fumes but was also considered to be the father of modern medicine as he used aromatherapy in healing.

In ancient "China" aromatherapy was practiced as well. In fact they burned "incense" to form unity and stability in the ambiance of an enclosed area.

As exchange routes opened to comprise Africa, southern Arabia, and India, and civilization as they knew it spread, explorers when returning frequently brought by means of their voyages 'aromatic plants', 'woods', 'grasses', 'resins' and additional substances, expanding the foundation of materials applied in extracting essential oils. Furthermore, they were using the existing information from their countries and giving it out to different regions along with treatment secrets.

Families of the mid-eastern hemisphere and Mediterranean regions began utilizing: 'camphor', 'cinnamon', 'pepper', 'sandalwood', 'true Yemenite frankincense', 'roses', 'sweet flag', 'orris root', 'narcissus', 'saffron', 'mastic', 'oak moss', 'cardamom', 'nutmeg', 'ginger', 'costus', 'spikenard', 'aloe wood'.

Of all the Eastern hemisphere countries, Egypt is well-known for creating aromatic oils and 'incense'. There is an image of 'King' Thothraes carved into the Giza Sphinx displaying him presenting 'incense' and oils to the gods. Several of these aromas continue to cast their scents thousands of years later. Calcite containers packed with spices preserved in fatty substances were so powerful that when 'King' Tutankhamen's grave chamber was opened, the fragrance still lingered. This was 3,000 years following their original placement. There were paintings on the walls of dancers and musicians using solid forms of spikenard and odorous substances on their heads. As they performed the ointments would liquidize and ultimately coat their head and bodies.

A favorably-known scent from Egyptian times was named kyphi and is translated as greetings to the gods. They applied it to generate spellbinding trances. Besides using it in spiritual ceremonies, it helped early insomniacs sleep, ease nervousness, arouse 'dreaming', cure those affected by distress, assist asthmatics breathe, and remove toxins. One of the oldest verifiable recipes blended 'calamus', 'henna', 'spikenard', 'frankincense', 'myrrh', 'cinnamon', 'cypress', 'pistachio' or 'terebinth', and others.

Pliny, in the 1st century AD wrote an account named "Natural History", in which he talks about remedies for various ailments. They included 'roses', 'lilies', 'violets', and 'pennyroyal'. Amarakinin treated hemorrhoids and troubled digestive systems and helped women in the midst of menstrual problems. A lotion made from spikenard helped remedy coughs and laryngitis.

Aromatherapy in the far Eastern Hemisphere
In addition the Chinese were helpful in creating what we understand at present to be aromatherapy. All through the 'tang' dynasties which ran from the 7th century AD till the Ming reign began in the 17th century, individuals from the privileged classes added fragrance in their baths, houses, and temples, and furthermore scented the air in their houses, and temples. They in addition wrote by means of perfumed ink on aromatic paper, had fragrant cosmetics, and carried sachets stashed in their garments. Huge likenesses of Buddha were carved in camphorwood, and the ribs in their fans were made with aromatic sandalwood. Festivity goers would toss extra sachets at dances and ceremonies.

Throughout early times in 'China' there were a number of instructions published on the subject of aromatherapy. In the 16th century a notable journal talked with reference to 2,000 distinct herbs and how to use them. There was a part dedicated to essential oils. A number of examples discussed applying jasmine as a complete stimulant, rose for digestive, liver, and 'blood' problems, chamomile for headaches, faintness and colds, and 'ginger' for malaria and coughing.

The 'Middle' Ages
As Islam broadened over the nation, so did additional use of scent. Rose fragrant 'water' is a significant component of Moslem traditions. It cleansed mosques, made gloves aromatic, and was added to foods such as sherbet and Turkish pleasure. Rose water was sprinkled on men and women as they worshiped in their mosques, and there was an enjoyable fragrance released as those praying handled their prayer beads which were made up of rose petals and gum arabic.

The 12th and 13th centuries saw additional information and wider uses for aromatherapy. In the 14th century a huge occurrence happened; 'Black' 'Death' hit and hundreds of thousands died. Studies following, affirmed that majority of fragrance makers eluded its havoc. By the 15th century, the existing plant matter foundation for essential oils had expanded. Those that are continued to be used are 'juniper', 'rose', 'sage', and 'rosemary' and by that point, new books were printed on the topic and physicians were by means of herbal remedies, capable of treating illnesses and injuries. As the years went by, the differences between perfumes and applying scents for healing purposes grew further diverse.

Aromatic oils and herbs were applied in 'medicine' for thousands of years by now, but they were in addition defined as a cosmetic improvement. In the 16th and 17th centuries fragrance makers created their own commerce and the healers their own.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided here or elsewhere on this site is not intended to constitute professional medical advice for treatment. We encourage you to consult your personal physician with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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