Six thousand years ago, just as man had started to learn how to farm lands, the importance of oils had already been known to the Egyptians. A papyrus dating back to 1555 BC had been found to contain recipes that could be use for remedy of certain ailments. When the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened in 1922, it was also found to contain jars of oils.
The use of essential oils was clearly documented in the Ebers papyrus which was discovered in 1817. This 870-foot long papyrus dates back to 1555 BC and contains more than 800 herbal recipes for different ailments. They used myrrh extensively in embalming their dead. The Egyptians also grew herbs not just for their oils but also to burn them as part of their offerings to their deities.
Since Egypt had close connections with the Greeks, the use of the essential oils and aromatherapy in general had reached them. Aesculapius was one of the few Greeks who, early on, began to use herbs and oils in treatment of different maladies. Hippocrates even went to Egypt to study the different uses of essential oils. Not to be left behind by the Greeks, the Romans improved the make-up of essential oils. They imported ingredients from the Arabia and India and used these oils for their baths and for massages. They would also diffuse oils in their buildings. The Arabs were the ones who were able to refine the distillation process of the oils. They were able to distil alcohol and were able to do away with heavy, oil-based perfumes. The Aztecs in South America also used herbs and oils for various ailments. They would extract the oils from the numerous plants that grow in their forests. The interest in essential oils died down during the dark ages. It was re-discovered when Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé accidentally discovered the healing properties of Lavender oil. It was his research work that started people's interest in the clinical use of essential oils. Today, various people swore by the effects of different essential oils - from Lavender to Ylang-Ylang to Chamomile. These oils have helped countless people to heal from wounds, headaches, and even depression.
Rosita Alicea is the President of Mijas Incorporated, the brains behind Essential Feel Goods. She is an expert in Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Spa Treatments both for men and women. Article Source: |  |
