12 0 obj He also prescribed aromatic treatments for fallen soldiers on the battlefields. << /Length 12 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode /Type /XObject /Subtype /Form /FormType The overall history of the creation of essential oils actually goes back to pre-historic times as cave paintings discovered in the Dordogne region of France that date back nearly 20,000 years shows the use of medicinal plants and the oils they created for everyday use. Among other things, he studied and documented the medicinal influence of over 300 plants, and is reported to have advised that “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.”. The Greek influence is most apparent in architecture and health care. In fact, Cleopatra’s legendary beauty is attributed to her extensive use of the customary Egyptian essential oils, fatty oils, clays and salts from the spa on the edge of the Dead Sea – gifted her by Marc Antony, and other naturally occurring treatments. The most exotic oils available were blended by highly skilled perfumers, creating celebrated fragrances. j)�|��xf 2 0 obj At the beginning of the 1990s, aromatherapy was still considered a fringe practice and the use of essential oils in the home was by no means widespread. endobj Much of the education that became part of Greek, Roman and Jewish culture was derived from the Egyptians. As early as 2000 BC, the ancient Egyptians were using essential oils for medicinal benefits, beauty care, spiritual enhancement, and in literally all aspects of their daily life. Sacred to Vishnu and Krishna Indian deities, it is said to strengthen faith, compassion and clarity. Included in that formula was cassia, cinnamon, clove, galbanum, myrrh, olive oil and spikenard. In fact, they’re the root of today’s pharmaceuticals. They have a very long past as cleansing herbs. ���� JFIF d d �� Ducky A �� &Adobe. 1 /BBox [263 285 349 405] /Resources 13 0 R /Group << /S /Transparency /CS jP
Believing that essential oils in the plants were protecting the workers, the first recorded lab test of the anti-bacterial properties of essential oils was performed in 1887. They’re also in important part of Chinese folk medicine. The earliest authentic description of an essential oil, produced by a method resembling conventional hydrodistillation, was compiled by Arnald de Villanova sometime during the late 12th or early 13th century (1235–1311 AD). Essential oils are gaining worldwide recognition for their versatility, but their use is not new. Since ancient times, and as near as we can tell, from the beginning of recorded history the plant kingdom has provided rare and powerful extracts and essences that have long been prized for their beauty enhancing, medicinal, spiritual, aromatic and therapeutic value. Essential oils have not only stood the test of time, they have proven their efficacy and effectiveness on every level. Since ancient times, and as near as we can tell, from the beginning of recorded history the plant kingdom has provided rare and powerful extracts and essences that have long been prized for their beauty enhancing, medicinal, spiritual, aromatic and therapeutic value. In fact, essential oils and other botanicals have been used in wellness practices as early as at least 5,000 years ago. He was amazed to see how the essential oils fought infection, crediting many lives saved due to the use of essential oils. History seems to point to the Monks of that era for secretly keeping plant medicine and wisdom alive and well, although the threat of persecution or being burned at the stake was ever-present. In the craft of alchemy, the soul of a plant is its oil, while its spirit is the plant's alcohol or tincture. << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI ] /ColorSpace << /Cs1 7 0 R of Essential Oils, the use of essential oils, together with the practice of aromatherapy in the West has undergone a radical transformation. The use of aromatic oils has a long and honored antiquity. When it comes to aromatics and health, more than any of the other cultures, the Romans used aromatic materials and essential oils with sheer extreme and decadence.