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Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural extracts from aromatic botanicals to promote health & well-being. Essential oils were used by every ancient culture.
Bible
There are hundreds of references to essential oils in the bible.
In the gospel of St. Luke it is said that Mary Magdalene took ointment of spikenard (lavender) and anointed the feet of Jesus.
Ancient Indian and Tibetan Medicine
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system developed in India 3000-5000 years ago. Ayurveda incorporates aromatic plants and oils into healing practices.
Ancient Egypt
When King Tuts tomb was opened in 1922, traces of lavender and frankincense were identified. His tomb was sealed about 3,300 years ago.
Cleopatra seduced both Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar with perfumes including lavender, jasmine, and rose.
Ancient Greece
Theophrastus, a physician from the 3rd century BC, wrote about the healing powers of aroma.
The Greek military physician Dioscordes wrote of the medicinal powers of botanicals in AD. 77.
Ancient Rome
Romans used essential oils in baths to relax the body and relieve pain.
Pliny the Elder (ca. 2379 BC) prescribed lavender to help such ailments as menstrual problems, upset stomach, kidney disorders, and insect bites.
Roman warriors brought lavender to battle to disinfect wounds.
Ancient Africa
Some ancient African cultures anointed their bodies with botanicals and oils in preparation for wedding ceremonies.
Old England
In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth the First ate lavender conserves every morning, had it sprinkled on floors to perfume her castle, and drank lavender tea to quell migraine pain.
During the Great Plague of 1665, people used botanicals and essential oils to protect against the virus.
Druids burned lavender in birthing rooms and baptisms to offer peace and tranquility to the newborn child and mother.
During the World War I, when antiseptics were in short supply, the public was asked to gather lavender so the oil could be used to dress war wounds.
Aromatherapy in France
During the 18th century, essential oils were used in a world-renowned formula for beautifying skin.
During WWI, the French Academy of Medicine began studying lavender as an antiseptic for surgical procedures. The oil was used to treat wounds, abscesses, and burns.
French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse wrote of lavenders healing powers in the 1920s. After he burned himself in a laboratory experiment, he used lavender to treat his burn with amazing results. Gattefosse is considered to be the father of contemporary aromatherapy.
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