The Origins of Aromatherapy


Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to trace, the use of aromatherapy goes back at least 4,000 years, possibly beginning with the ancient Egyptians, who were known to have used aromatic botanicals in many different ways. The Egyptians used a number of herbs and spices for soothing massage, medicine, cosmetics, and even in their embalming practices.

Centuries later, it was Hippocrates who may have been the first high-profile advocate of aromatherapy. More than 2,000 years ago, the creator of the physician's creed that bears his name was an outspoken believer in the benefits of aromatic massage for both physical and emotional well-being.

In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunk potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

America currently lags behind the French and English in the use of aromatic medicine, but as more and more people experience the healing properties of aromatherapy, its use will continue to gain popularity in the United States.

Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology.


More Resources

ReFidolize: The Majic Missy Mix Includes Medicinal Mushrooms
Autoimmune disorders, lupus, Sjogrens, MS, IBS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia / cancer, and many autoimmune diseases, may have a bacterial or fungal related etiology. Ask the so-called medical specialists.
The Truth About Your Health
BEWARE OF THE CULTURAL HYPNOSISWe live in a cultural hypnosis that has taught us that we are fragile. It has taught us that things are happening to us.
Demystifying Hands On Healing
While hands-on healing is probably the easiest of skills to learn, it is also one of the most misunderstood of subjects. In this article, I thought to cover some of the basic elements of hands-on healing and one of my attempts to validate its effectiveness.
Eucalyptus: The Way to Smoother Breathing
The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first introduced to the world by the aborigines as a treatment for many kinds of ailments. Its uses range from treating wounds, suppressing colds, relaxing the mind to repelling insects.
Heart Healthy
"Open your heart to me, my own," whispers Grandmother Growth so softly you aren't certain you hear her. "Open the wisdom way of compassion here in your heart and draw me inside.
Reduce the Effects of Fears and Phobias with Hypnosis
Hypnosis is very useful in the treatment of fears and phobias. Hypnosis is perfectly natural and allows you to experience deep physical and mental relaxation.
Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief
"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So far there's very little that science can do about it.
Fixing it with Hypnosis
There are many fears and misunderstandings about the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and the myths and mystery that surround it are totally undeserved. This page will help you to understand the enormous life-enhancing potential of this ancient therapy.
Treat Osteoporosis Naturally
Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man or woman. Women are more prone to getting this after menopause, but men can also have "porous bones.
Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality
How many of us wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, happy and full of energy? How many of us, after a few hours in the office, still feel full of energy? Why certain environments uplift our spirits and make us breathe deeper, while others drain our energy? We seem to have forgotten how deeply connected we are with the space we live in and how important is for our well being to live in a balanced environment.As our lives are certainly not getting easier, the need to create a healthy and vibrant home environment cannot be overestimated.
Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health
What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful self-healing under guidance. This is often done with measuring devices to train for relaxation.
Green Bamboo: Strength in Flexibility
Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" would be familiar with the imagery of bamboo: flexible yet firm, delicate yet strong. These unique qualities make the bamboo fit snugly into ancient Chinese philosophy and endow the health benefits of the bamboo with an air of wisdom and grace.
Some Alternative Health Strategies
CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into them here.
Reiki
REIKI is a form of natural healing through direct application of Universal Life Force Energy, or CHI (the term used by Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying Universal force, otherwise, energy). Through Reiki, energy is thought to be effected by thought.
About Child Bedwetting
Bedwetting also known as nocturnal Enuresis is a common problem that is encountered in children below 6 years. Many of the children bed wet since they have no control over the bladder.
Herbal and Home Remedies that Prevent Memory Loss
Even a single family member who is senile or afflicted with Alzheimer's is enough to make anyone dread the possibility. Since women have always lived longer than men, the Ancient Grandmothers have a thing or two to tell us about how to keep our memory sharp until the day we die (at 100+).
Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body, and Spirit - Sandalwood Essential Oil
For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a significant part in Eastern culture as a material for art and artifacts, a medicine, and a divine aroma. Sandalwood products are obtained from the sandalwood tree (Santalum album), which is a member of the Santalaceae family native to southern tropical Asia.
Crystal/Gemstone Therapy
Using crystals in the context of healing has a very long history (primitive paintings dating back to 25,000 BC). Evidence shows that the ancient Egyptians used crystals for therapeutic purposes.
Using Chinese Techniques For Your Health and Strength
Chi Kung and T'ai Chi are only two of the keys to self trust and to physical harmony. With the use of these techniques you can succeed with many accomplishments, without having to put yourself through great psychological or physical efforts, violent conflicts or aggression.
Use Fresh Herbs In Your Cooking
Many common herbs that you might use in cooking are well known for there healing properties. Using them in cooking is a great way to incorporate the healing attributes of natural herbs with your meals.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

New Foot in the Sand Technology can Solve Many Health Problems
A vast array of after-market insoles has been merchandised through the years. Most of these consist of a bed of cushioning foam with only hints of accommodation for foot anatomy.
How To Use Cascara Sagrada as a Constipation Remedy
Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the buckthorn tree. It stimulates your colon to produce stronger contraction than normal.
Constipation Remedy Using Apples and Other Juices
Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for a mild case of constipation and for a chronic case of constipation.Apple and Pear JuiceIf you have a mild case of constipation, you can use this remedy to get results.
Why Detox?
For most of my life I considered myself fairly healthy. I was not overweight, very slim infact.
Why Your Mattress May Be Killing You
The organic movement, which started with organic food, is moving to the bedroom in a big way. "The bedroom? " you say.
Roundworm and Parasitic Infections
A parasite is an organism that lives off, and generally within, a host body. This can include your body, or the body of an animal, like your pet.
Voice Care for Recovery from Colds and Vocal Strain
Every singer, no matter how careful they are of their instrument, has times when they have cheered a bit too much for their team, or had three weeks of cold and flu, and feel plain vocally awful.Here are some tips that will bring you back to health and ensure complete healing for your voice.
Martial Arts
Martial arts are currently studied worldwide from a variety of cultures. Martial arts can improve your fitness levels and muscular condition immensely.
Reflexology
Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians. Reflexology is a science founded on the basis that areas of the feet, hands and ears are comprised of zones and reflex areas that correspond to all glands, organs, and bodily systems.
Detoxify Your Body and Treat Your Health Ailments
If you are like most of us, you're tired, maybe overweight, caffeine addicted and stressed out. You just don't feel your best.
About ADD ( Attention Deficit Disorder ), its Symptoms
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a condition that is usually characterized by behavioral and learning disorders. ADD generally diagnosed in children, mostly affects the boys than the girls.
Mental Anchors
Have you ever noticed when you remember something pleasant in your past, that your current mood changes to a happy mood? Or when you remember a troubling thought, you become more agitated and your mood becomes full of negative thoughts?When you are in a highly emotional state of mental thoughts and feelings, your mind creates "links" or "anchors" to things that you may see, hear, feel, touch or any other sense you can imagine. If, for instance, you are in a loving, caring mood, feeling loved, feeling great and you hear a song a few times, your mind links or anchors that song to those feelings.
Natural Prevention & Treatment For The Flu: What Your Doctor May Not Know
Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S.
Ginseng: Root of Immortality
Translated to mean man root in Chinese, the name ginseng premises on the belief that the roots, with their attached limbs, resemble a human being. Due to its perceived kinship with the gods, the Chinese named it the root of immortality.
Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle
What we do is just as powerful as what we eat to keep ourselves operating at our very best health. This applies to taking care during allergy season as well.
Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda
Definition:Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men.
Treatment Options for Hand and Foot Eczema
There are many kinds of eczema, and too few people who can tell you how to cure them. Scientists are trying get a better handle on the causes of such eczema as hand and foot eczema, but they may still have years to go before they find a tested and sound way to prevent the condition.
Back Pain and Pain in Other Extremities: If Nothing Else Has Worked, Try Doing Visualizations
(*In this group are included pain in the back, neck, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, leg, knee, ankle, foot, and other extremities.)If you've had back pain or pain in an extremity for more than 90 days and haven't seen a doctor, you need to do so right away.
Laughter, Why Its so Good for You
For hundreds of years, we've known that 'Laughter is the best medicine'.Laughter makes you feel good for a reason.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal Therapy, also referred to as Herbalism, is one of the oldest healthcare means known to mankind. Herbal therapy is the utilization of herbs for various therapies, remedies or medicinal purposes.