THE EGYPT

Before 3000 years B.C. the Egyptians were the first true aromatherapists, using essential oils extracted from plants for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Egypt was well regarded as the perfume capital of the world for centuries.  Essential oils were used to fumigate sick rooms, in cosmetics, and in their daily baths and massages.  In many pyramids large quantities of cosmetic jars have been discovered. Scents such as Frankincense were still discernable from these and there are records of Cedar and Cypress being imported.  An ancient papyrus discovered in the Temple of Edfu contained medical formulas and perfume recipes, which were used by the alchemist and high priests.  Hieroglyphics in Egyptian temples depict the blending of oils and describe oil recipes.

 

Essential oils were used in the embalming process of mummies.  Beautiful alabaster jars and ebony coffers were left in the tombs filled with oils in preparation of the arrival of their dead into the "next world". Essential oils were useful in the mummification process because of the antibacterial and antiseptic properties helped to prevent decay and decomposition of the bodies.  The tombs of the Pharaohs were filled with jars of essential oils which they believed would render the skin of the deceased supple when they arrived into the next world. In 1922 when archaeologist entered the tomb of Tutankahamen (King Tut) there was still a lingering fragrance from the pots of essential oils that had been there for over 3000 years. The quality and expense of the essential oils used in burial was symbolic of class and wealth of the dead.

 

Early Babylonian doctors made records of their formulas and prescriptions on tablets made from clay. They did not record the quantities which they used but they did give careful details of when the remedies should be prepared and taken. Merodach Baladan was the king of Babylon in 702 BC and was one of the Babylonian kinds who took a great interest in the planting and use of medicinal plants. In the gardens of Babylonian times it was possible to find garlic, fennel, saffron, thyme, caraway, coriander, juniper, myrrh and roses .. many of these names you will identify with the use of essential oils in today’s society.
In Babylonian texts like the laws of Hammurabi (1792-1750/43 BCE) it descibed the surgeon’s responsibilities and how much he should be paid. Pay was good, but penalties for mistakes harsh: “If a physician performs a major operation on a lord… and causes his death…. they shall cut off his hand”. Only wounds, fractures and abscesses were treated surgically. A Sumerian clay tablet (2150 BCE) describes wounds being washed in beer and hot water, poultices made from pine, prunes, wine dregs and lizard dung, and use of bandages (for a nose-bleed!). Other texts describe the symptoms and prognosis of epilepsy, bronchitis and scurvy. A list of 230 medicines using plant, animal and mineral ingredients was found in an Assyrian pharmacy and records of distillation of cedar oil prove that this was an earlier invention than previously thought.

THE GREEKS

Ancient Greece, as with Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt, played an important part in medical history. The most famous of all Ancient Greek doctors was Hippocrates. Hippocrates recommended aromatic baths and massages to promote and maintain good health.
By 1200 B.C., Ancient Greece was developing in all areas - trade, farming, warfare, sailing, craftsmanship etc. Their knowledge of medicine developed accordingly.
Gods dominated the lives of the Greeks. Natural occurrences were explained away by using gods. This, however, did not occur in medicine where Ancient Greek physicians tried to find a natural explanation as to why someone got ill and died.
The Greeks were practicing medicine 1000 years before the birth of Christ. In the ‘Iliad’ by Homer, injured soldiers were treated by doctors and the Greek leader in the tale, Menelaus, was treated for an arrow wound by a doctor-in-arms, Machaon.
The Greeks acquired much of their medical expertise from the Egyptians although they made many of their own discoveries. Olive oil was abundant and they used it to absorb the odour from flowers and herbs for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In Hippocrates writings references were made to a number of narcotics including opium, mandrake and belladonna as well as food plants such as quince and rhubarb. He wrote “Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine” – a principle which if applied would undoubtedly improve many people’s lives in today’s society!
Another Greek named Galen knew a wide number of “Simples” from which he prepared his remedies and he wrote a great deal about plant medicine. He invented the original “cold cream” which formed the prototype of virtually all ointments in use today.
Yet another Greek, Dioscorides was responsible for writing “Materia Medica” a vast volume detailing the attributes of medicinal plants. The works of these three men were translated into Arabic languages.

MODERN DAY

What do you think of when you hear the word 'Aromatherapy'? For many folks, it conjures an image of plastic Glade Plug-In air fresheners; for others, a bottle of flowery dish soap. For a fortunate few, a pleasing bath with natural soothing scents comes to mind; for even fewer, a cold-air diffuser releasing a fine mist of pure Rose petal oil throughout their home. The rarest concept of Aromatherapy in these United States is one of highly potent medicines, effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, with further uses including relief of arthritis pain, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, and a host of other conditions. If this is a new idea, read-on and enter the wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy and therapeutic use of essential oils.

The word 'aromatherapie' was first used in 1937 by the French cosmetic scientist Rene Maurice Gattefosse after accidentally discovering Lavender oil's healing effects on burns he sustained in his lab. He was so impressed by the oils medicinal actions, he wrote a book it that began the modern aroma-'therapy' revolution. Medicinal use of essential oils is widely accepted in France today, where one can receive a prescription for a blend from their doctor, and have it filled as we do with pharmaceuticals here. The inhalation of essential oils to make one 'feel good' - is truely just one aspect of the practice; Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of medicine using volatile (easily evaporated) aromatic compounds naturally occurring in plants. Some consider the most important actions of essential oils to not even be associated with the sense of smell. Beyond acting on through the olfactory senses, essential oils have been shown to have effects ranging from broad spectrum anti-microbials and anti-virals to inflammation reducers and even tissue regenerative properties.

Essential oils effects on the nervous system an psyche through the olfactory sense is not to be discounted, however. Studies have shown repeatable results in essential oils' ability to lift the spirits and sharpen the attention. Students inhaling Lemon and Rosemary essential oils while studying have scored better on tests; other subjects have slept better while inhaling Lavender (one article proclaimed these results with "Lavender Works Better than Benzodiazepines !"). The 'aromatic' effect of essential oils is a result of the intimate wiring of the smell sense with certain control systems of the brain. The olfactory system is the only one of the five senses directly connected to the bulk of your grey matter - the rest are routed first through the thalamus. This direct connection has powerful implications for physiological as well as psychological effects.

The olfactory sense is closely tied to the limbic system, which is the center of emotions, plays a significant part in the formation of memories, and affects our sexual responses. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which in-turn controls the entire hormonal system through it's influence of the pituitary gland. One can easily imagine an olfactory sense receptor being stimulated by the mist of an essential oil resulting in downstream stimulation of the brain in a certain way - stimulating, sedating, relaxing, or otherwise - depending on the molecular form of the oil.

Though we shouldn't get distracted by the wonderful possibilities of aromas! The physiologic effects of essential oils are far more extensive than if used through the smell sense alone. Medical aromatherapy includes topical application, oral ingestion and natural suppository use of aromatic oils as well. Due to their molecular shapes and sizes, essential oils are remarkably compatible with human physiology. They are easily absorbed and well tolerated, for the most part, in small amounts. Essential oils are not cure-alls however, or placebo-effect-inducing nice smells - they are potent plant medicines, each with significantly different actions. Oregano oil is one of the most broad spectrum anti-microbials known; at the same time, it takes knowledge and skill to employ it properly as it is a strong skin irritant. Melissa oil has been hailed as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer's of motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal parasites - but not to those with the Herpes virus. The list goes on; the take-home message is that oils CAN be effective if used properly, and improper use can not only be ineffective but even dangerous. That doesn't mean essential oils are something to be afraid of - they deserve the respect given to any powerful medicine. Consult a qualified professional for ANY serious condition, and consider using essential oils if and when appropriate.

Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the established medical community, and qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies available to you!

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