The History of Aromatherapy
Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Arabian Use of Essential Oils
More than a spa treatment, aromatherapy was used as medicine in Egypt, Arabia, Greece and Rome, and by healers in European monasteries in the Middle Ages.
For many people, the word “aromatherapy” conjures images of a quiet spa, or airy-fairy psychics spraying patchouli or lighting incense. Even those who have some experience of using essential oils may be surprised to learn that aromatherapy has history dating back to Ancient Egypt, Arabia, Rome and Greece.
Ancient History of Essential Oils: Egypt, Rome & Greece
EGYPT
The most comprehensive early records of essential oil use were left by the Ancient Egyptians, who distilled essential oils for cosmetic purposes as well as to treat all manner of illnesses. Oils were used in religious practices and in preserving dead bodies for the afterlife. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical texts, describes the medicinal uses of essential oils.
GREECE & ROME
The Greeks and Romans learned of – and bought – most of their essential oils from the Egyptians. Like the Egyptians, they ascribed the healing properties of the oils to the gods, and used the oils in their temples, political buildings and bath houses. Recipes of medicinal oils were found inscribed in marble in the temples of Asclepius and Aphrodite. Hippocrates is credited with having said: “the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage every day.”
Did Aromatherapy Exist Before Written History?
A primitive form of aromatherapy almost certainly existed before written history. Humans have conceivably always used plants – particularly those that smell good thanks to their essential oils – to treat illnesses and heal pain and wounds. But only with a certain level of technical sophistication could the ancient essential oil distilleries in Egypt, Israel, and elsewhere be built.
Further History of Essential Oils: The Middle Ages
ARABIA
With the fall of the Roman Empire, according to Linda Smith, RN, author of Healing Oils, Healing Hands, “many of the Roman physicians fled to Constantinople, taking with them their knowledge of essential oils along with their books by Galen, Hippocrates, and many others.”
The Greeks taught the Arabians about aromatherapy and the Arabs improved upon it with innovations such as the development by Arabian physician Avicenna of a refrigerated coil that improved the distillation process. The Arabians became famous across Europe and the Middle East for their perfumes. The most sacred fragrance in Islam is rose.
MEDIEVAL CHRISTIAN HEALERS
In the 12th century, healers in Europe, particularly those in the monasteries, began to distill small quantities of their own healing herbs and plants for their oils. In medieval Europe, all literary knowledge was in the hands of the nuns and monks, such as Hildegard von Bingen, who studied and recorded the medicinal uses of plants, tinctures and essential oils.
Read on:
- The Modern Divide between British and French Models of Aromatherapy
- “Essential Oils for…” article listing
Reference: Smith, Linda L. (RN, MS, HNC, CHTP/I). Sent to Heal and Anoint Student Notebook (2d ed.), Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry Program, January 2006.
