The ancient Egyptians first burned incense made from aromatic woods, herbs and spices in honour of their gods. The roots of Aromatherapy can be traced back more than 3,500 years before the birth of Christ, to a time when the use of aromatics was first recorded in human history. The history of aromatherapy is inevitably linked to the development of aromatic medicine, which in the early days was itself combined with religion, mysticism and magic. Eventually, the development of aromatics as medicines would create the foundations that aromatherapy was built upon.
During the 3rd Dynasty (2650-2575 BC) in Egypt, the process of embalming and mummification was developed by the Egyptians in their search for immortality. Frankincense and myrrh the most valuable, and galbanum, cinnamon, cedar wood, juniper berry and spikenard are all known to have been used at some stage to preserve the bodies of their royalty in preparation of the after-life.
The Egyptians loved to use simple fragrances in their daily lives and did so at every opportunity and after bathing, they would anoint their bodies with oil to protect them from the drying effects of the baking sun and to rejuvenate their skin.
The Egyptians continued to refine their use of aromatics in incense, medicine, cosmetics, and finally perfumes during the period between the 18th and the 25th Dynasty (1539-657 BC). The Egyptian perfumery industry was the finest in the whole of the Middle East and beyond. Around 300BC when the Egyptian Empire crumbled into decline, Europe became the heart of empirical medicine, where new methods were steadily evolving into a more scientifically based system of healing.
The earliest known Greek physician was Asclepius who practiced around 1200 BC combining the use of herbs and surgery with previously unrivalled skill.
Hippocrates (circa 460-377 BC) was the first physician to dismiss the Egyptian belief that illness was caused by supernatural forces. Instead, he believed the doctor should try to discover natural explanations for disease by observing the patient carefully, and make a judgment only after consideration of the symptoms.
Hippocrates is said to have studied and documented over 200 different herbs during his lifetime. His treatments would typically employ mild physio-therapies, baths, massage with infusions, or the internal use of herbs such as fennel, parsley, hypericum or valerian. He believed that surgery should be used only as a last resort and was among the first to regard the entire body as an organism. Hippocrates is to thank for a concept fundamental to true aromatherapy.
Dioscorides (40-90 AD) was a Greek military physician who served in Nero's army. In order to study herbs, Dioscorides marched with Roman armies to Greece, Germany, Italy and Spain, recording everything that he discovered. A comprehensive 5 volumes of work called 'De Materia Medica', also known as 'Herbarius' was published and included the plants habitat, how it should be prepared and stored, and described full accounts of its healing properties. The volumes contained 1000 different botanical medications, plus descriptions and illustrations of approximately 600 different plants and aromatics. Dioscorides has been bestowed the accolade, the Father of Pharmacology.
Ibn Sina (980-1037), a Persian, was probably the most famous and influential of all the great Islamic physicians and known throughout Europe as Avicenna. At the age of 16 he began studying medicine and by 20 he had been appointed a court physician, earning the title 'Prince of physicians'. He wrote 20 books covering theology, metaphysics, astronomy, philology, philosophy and poetry, and most influentially, 20 books and 100 treatises on medicine.
The oldest surviving English manuscript of botanical medicine is the Saxon 'Leech Book of Bald', ('Leech' is an old English word meaning healer). It was written between 900 and 950 by a scribe named Cild under the direction of Bald, who was a friend of King Alfred the Great. This early text contains a mixture of herbalism, magic, shamanism and tree lore, and describes 500 plants, their properties, and how they can be used in amulets, baths or taken internally.
Crusaders returning from the Holy Wars brought back rose water, perfumes, aromatics and remedies that were previously unknown. Fragrant plants became more popular, with aromatic herb garlands decorating homes and rose water being used to wash the hands of those who could afford it. The availability and range of aromatic medicines continued to increase over the next few hundred years.
During the 13th and 14th centuries in Europe, medicine was almost entirely governed by the Catholic Church. They considered illness and disease to be a punishment from God, and the standard form of treatment administered by the priests was prayer, and perhaps a session of blood-letting. The basic Anglo-Saxon botanical remedies such as wearing sachets of dried lavender and amulets of thyme proved no match for the 'Black Death' first arrived in 1347.
In 1597 John Gerard published ' Herball, or General Historie of Plantes', Gerards book proved highly influential, (and is now considered as a herbal classic) and the apothecaries which had previously only sold the medicines prescribed by doctors, began to prepare and compound their own medicines too.
The second visitation of the Black Death in 1603 hit almost as hard as the first. It was reported the workers involved in aromatics and perfumery were the only people not to succumb to the plague, and this is undoubtedly was due to the highly antiseptic properties of the essential oils.
Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) was one of the most influential herbalists who also introduced the concept of astrological herbalism. Other notable herbalists such as Joseph Miller and John Parkinson would also leave a rich botanical legacy, paving the way for later generations to expand upon.
The term 'aromatherapie' was named by a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950) who studied the medicinal properties of essential oils for many years whilst working in his family’s perfumery business. When an explosion in his laboratory caused a severe burn to his hand, he had the opportunity to personally test his innovative theories. He plunged his hand into a vessel of pure lavender oil which immediately reduced the swelling and helped accelerate the healing process and most impressively, he was left with no scar. He was a prolific writer covering many subjects, but it was his passion for researching essential oils that eventually led to the publication in 1937 of his ground-breaking book, 'Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones vegetales'.
Jean Valnet a French doctor followed the work of René-Maurice Gattefossé, and whilst working as a surgical assistant during World War 2 he used essential oils of chamomile, clove, lemon and thyme to treat gangrene and battle wounds. After Jean graduated as a surgeon at the end of the war, he continued to use essential oils to treat illnesses, and was the first ever to use them to treat psychiatric conditions. His inspirational book, 'Aromathérapie - Traitment des Maladies par les Essence de Plantes' was released in 1964, and in 1980 translated into English and released under the new title of 'The Practice of Aromatherapy', putting aromatherapy on the English map.
Madame Marguerite Maury (1895-1968) was an Austrian born biochemist who became interested in what was to become aromatherapy, she is responsible for introducing the concept of mixing a personal aromatic complex for patients based on an in-depth consultation and examination, which is now standard practice in aromatherapy.
The work of Valnet and Gattefossé stimulated and influenced Englishman Robert Tisserand, who in 1977 wrote the very first aromatherapy book in English entitled, 'The Art of Aromatherapy'. This book became the inspiration and reference for virtually every future author on the subject for almost two decades. Micheline Arcier, studied and worked with Maury and Valnet and their combined techniques created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over the world.
Description and benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic medicine and is used not only to treat acute and chronic stages of illness or disease but used as a preventative approach as well. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. Therefore during a treatment essential oils are used to stimulate the powerful sense of smell to help promote good health and wellbeing. For the body to absorb the oils, the oils are used during massage, in steam treatments, bathing, and compresses or through inhalation.
It can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to harmonized, balance, and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. A qualified Aromatherapist will be able to recognise the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process. By using a variety of oils each with its own healing properties, a wide variety of ailments can be treated. As aromatherapy heals through the use of the olfactory nerves, the nerves immediately send the oil vapors to nerves that facilitate the healing process. Aromatherapy can benefit the body in a number of ways as listed below;
- Aromatherapy can relieve muscle tension, over-fatigue and pain.
- It treats skin infections or diseases.
- Aromatherapy calms the mind so gives relief from depression, anxiety, negativity and psychological illnesses.
- It improves health as a whole.
- When essential oils are used during massage, it can enhance the body’s physical appearance.
- Facials and massages relax the skin and clean’s skin pores.
- Aromatherapy can clean, disinfect, act as an antibiotic that can kill and prevent the spread of fungi, boosting the immune system.
- It can also clean the environment and purity the air by killing toxins or pollutants in the air.
- It increases hormones and balances the body and improves living.
- Essential oils can heal cuts, bruises, wounds, insect bites, and skin diseases as well as relieves respiratory and circulatory illnesses.
- It conjures up a sense of emotional and mental soundness.
- Aromatherapy is a form of spiritual guidance.
The whole body will benefit from aromatherapy, healing on all levels including the physical, emotional, mind and spirit.
Popular Aromatherapy Oils
Essential Oils (Aromatherapy Oils) are the highly concentrated, volatile, undiluted aromatic essences extracted directly from a variety of plants, flowers, fruits, leaves, barks, roots, herbs and spices. All the countries of the world provide essential oils, making aromatherapy a truly global therapy.
Extraction is generally by steam distillation, this process involves a particular part of the plant to be heated with steam or water, which drives off the essential oil. Solvent extraction, another method to extract the oils is done by using environmentally friendly solvents.
The purest essential oils come from carefully cultivated and wild grown plants from climatic and geographic regions throughout the world. The synergies of essential oil constituents in their natural state are easily adapted to human physiology and when safely used are free from undesirable side effects.
Listed below are some of the commonly used essential oils with their descriptions;
|
Plant & Fragrance |
Plant Properties |
Uses & Cautions
|
|
Lavender –
Sweet floral herbaceous scent. |
Relaxant, Sedative, anti-depressant,
Antiseptic, pain relieving, anti-nausea. |
Relaxation, burns, skin problems, head aches, menstrual problems.
Avoid in early pregnancy/may irritate skin |
|
Tea Tree –
Fresh spicy and medicinal scent. |
Deodorant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, stimulant, anti-viral and anti-septic. |
Cold sores, infectious conditions, cuts, sores, ulcers, bites, muscular pain, colds, flu, dandruff, shock, skin problems, panic.
Avoid on very sensitive skin as it can cause irritation. |
|
Eucalyptus –
Powerful, sweet and woody scent. |
Anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, stimulant, pain reliever, uplifting. |
Respiratory tract problems, nasal congestion, muscular aches, joint pain, flu, chest infections, urinary tract infections, mood uplifting, insect repellent, lethargy.
Avoid in early pregnancy, massage and its toxic if consumed. |
|
Peppermint –
Distinctive menthol like scent. |
Stimulant, digestive, anti-septic, pain-relieving, nerve tonic, anti-spasmodic uplifting. |
Indigestion, nausea, itchy skin conditions, clears the mid, bruises, flatulence.
Avoid in early pregnancy and make sure it’s well diluted when using on skin. |
|
Rosemary – Piercing fresh herbaceous scent. |
Stimulant, tissue warming, anti-septic, pain relieving, anti-spasmodic, astringent, tonic, refreshing. |
Muscular aches and stiffness, arthritis, headaches, oily skin, water retention, poor circulation, mental fatigue.
Avoid in pregnancy and with epilepsy or high blood pressure. |
|
Ylang Ylang –
Heavy floral, jasmine like scent. |
Relaxant, calming, anti-septic, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, deodorant, helps to reduce blood pressure. |
Skin problems, stress, depression, hyperventilation, anxiety, negative emotions
Avoid in early pregnancy. Use well diluted as can cause nausea and headaches. |
|
Clary Sage –
Herbaceous, hay like, warm and musky scent. |
Relaxant, anti-depressant, anti-septic, astringent, sedative. |
Depression, shock, panic, anxiety, menstrual and menopausal problems, skin disorders, stress and muscular tension.
Avoid using in large amounts in one application as can cause drowsiness. Also avoid during pregnancy. |
|
Geranium –
Sweet, floral scent. |
Sedative, relaxant, anti-depressant, anti-septic, tonic, circulatory, stimulant. |
Balancing hormones, menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, skin problems, relaxation, building up confidence and self-esteem.
Can cause skin irritation. |
|
Sandalwood –
Sweet, woody and balsamic scent. |
Relaxant, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, sedative, tonic, |
Skin problems, throat and chest infections, stress, worry, fear, negative emotions, and urinary infections. |
|
Lemon –
Fresh citrus scent. |
Stimulating, anti-septic, tonic, expectorant, cleansing. |
Respiratory problems, muscular aches, joint pain, bruises, arthritis, colds, warts, verrucas, skin care, anxiety.
Avoid in steam inhalation, can irritate the skin. |
|
Roman Chamomile –
Fruity pungent herbaceous scent.
|
Calming agent, relaxant, anti-bacterial, sedative, anti-inflammatory. |
Stress, tension headaches, insomnia, skin problems, joint pain, bronchitis, nervous tension, menstrual problems, digestive problems, allergies.
Avoid during pregnancy and can cause skin irritation. |
|
Bergamot –
Fresh lively citrus scent.
|
Relaxant, anti-depressant, anti-septic, refreshing. |
Improving moods, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, acne, oily skin, grief.
Can cause skin irritation and photosensitization. |
|
Jasmine –
Rich floral sweet heady scent. |
Relaxant, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-septic sedative. |
Impotence, depression, mood uplifting, skin problems, menstrual problems.
Avoid in pregnancy, use well diluted and it can cause skin irritations. |
|
Rose –
Intense floral rosy scent.
|
Anti-depressant, relaxant, anti-septic, nerve tonic, sedative. |
Skin care, skin problems, anxiety, negative emotions, insomnia, fears, nervous palpitations, depression.
Avoid during pregnancy. |
|
Frankincense – Warm spicy and slightly peppery scent |
Sedative, anti-septic, pain relieving, general tonic, comforting, relaxant. |
Skin care asthma, coughs, colds, fear, confusion, menstrual problems.
Avoid in early pregnancy. |
Governing bodies of Aromatherapy
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofits organization dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of true aromatherapy.
The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) was formed on 1st April
2002 as a result of the joining together of members from three leading associations: –
The Register of Qualified Aromatherapists (RQA),
The International Society of Professional Aromatherapists (ISPA)
and some members from the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA).
The IFPA is now the largest aromatherapy specific organisation in the United Kingdom and is
a respected voice within the world of complementary medicine.
The Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) is the UK governing body for aromatherapy, is a democratic organisation representing 12 professional associations, their 115 or so accredited training establishments and their 6000 therapists.
Aromatherapy & Allied Practitioners Association (AAPA) this is an Association dedicated to the welfare and development of its member’s, undertakes to represent the best interests not only of its members but also the profession and is actively involved in both of these, is committed to professionally led regulation
|
