Essential Oil History
This is by no means a complete essential oil history. This is a brief explanation for those who want a general understanding. (For more in-depth historical information, please see the suggested reading at the end of the page.) Many people are unaware that essential oils have been around for many millennia. They are, in fact, known to be some of the oldest and most powerful substances on earth. They have an extensive history of being used in anointing and healing. Essential oils are mentioned numerous times in the religious texts of the Jewish and Christian faiths. Click to learn about Bible Essential Oils. Essential oils were well known to be natural antiseptics and were used to treat ailments of all kinds.
The Egyptians used many different essential oils for rituals, including cleaning their bodies and embalming their dead. Click to view a somewhat cheesy video clip about an Egyptian tomb. Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine), the Romans, Napoleon, European Crusaders, the Arabians (developers of distillation), and many, many others all have essential oils, herbs, aromatics, spices, etc mentioned in their histories. All of the essential oil history research suggests that the people of ancient times understood essential oils better than we do now.
The historical writings describe spices, resins, herbs, and oils and how they were used. The Ebers Papyrus, found in 1817, is a medical scroll which dates back to 1500 BC. It contains over 800 remedies from herbs. In short, essential oils were used for many different reasons, including:
Somehow, through wars... the dark ages... this knowlege became lost... forgotten...
It wasn't until the early 20th century that people began to rediscover essential oils. In France, during WWI, Dr. Moncière used essential oils in ointments because they were antibacterial and aided in wound healing.
In 1907 a French chemist, Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé, PhD (the Father of Aromatherapy), began his study of essential oils. He wrote a book, Aromatherapy, in 1937 in which he tells his famous account of healing a serious burn using lavender oil.
Dr. Jean Valnet, a doctor from Paris, used essential oils on patients during WWII. Two of his students Dr. Jean-Claude Lapraz and Dr. Paul Belaiche, examined essential oils for their antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties and determined that they have healing capabilities.
D. Gary Young, conducted research at Weber State University, which showed that most bacteria, viruses, and fungi die when put in contact with essential oils.
Essential oils are back!
Essential oil history is just that - History! The present includes documentation and research.
Suggested Reading for further Essential Oil History Information:
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