The history of aromatherapy – how essential oils became an important part of natural medicine

The healing properties of essential oils have been known for almost as long as anyone can remember and have formed the basis of aromatherapy. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans made use of these benefits. Aromatherapy developed alongside knowledge of essential oils. Today, it is a form of therapy that has a beneficial effect not only on the body but also on the mind. The art of aromatherapy is now available worldwide and enjoys ever-growing popularity.

What is aromatherapy and how does it work?

Aromatherapy is a field of alternative medicine, that utilises the therapeutic and preventative properties of natural essential oils. Aromas are obtained from various parts of plants, mainly herbs, fruits and flowers, through a process of distillation. Essential oils are extracted through distillation, solvent extraction or pressing.

Plants used in aromatherapy exhibit versatile activity: biochemical, pharmacological and physiological effects on the human body. Essential oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties, are highly effective for upper respiratory tract infections, and also stimulate the immune system. In addition to their health-promoting properties, they also have a positive effect on sensory experiences and well-being: they reduce feelings of anxiety, have a relaxing and calming effect, whilst at the same time refreshing the mind, sharpening the senses and improving concentration. Aromatherapy is not only aimed at improving general health. It is also a way of maintaining harmony between mind and body.

Essential oils can be applied in many ways: via the respiratory tract in the form of inhalation or an aromatherapy diffuser, and through the skin and mucous membranes via massages, compresses, baths and showers.

• Aromatherapy inhalations – this method is particularly effective for upper respiratory tract infections and psychological issues. Essential oils are extremely volatile substances, but in order to inhale them, they must be released into the air. To do this, simply add a few drops of oil to warm water, cover yourself with a towel and inhale the vapours for 5 to 10 minutes. We can also sprinkle a few drops of oil onto a handkerchief and inhale the aroma from time to time.
• Aromatherapy baths – involve bathing in warm water with a few drops of essential oil added.
• Aromatherapy massage – is nothing more, than a massage with oil containing essential oils, applied to the whole body or to a selected part, where we feel discomfort.
• Compresses and poultices – are particularly recommended for skin problems.

Massage, like a bath, acts directly on the skin and is simultaneously inhaled via the vapours. Therefore, it can be used for skin problems, internal ailments and psychological issues.

The history of aromatherapy and interesting facts

The first references to aromatherapy date back 5,000 years. This refers to a document from Mesopotamia, dating from the 3rd century BC, which was inscribed on a tablet in cuneiform script. It contains recipes for medicinal plant-based mixtures, used for aromatic treatments. It contains information on myrtle, thyme and olibanum. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils were already known in ancient Egypt. At that time, they were used not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for embalming bodies. When Tutankhamun’s tomb was uncovered in 1922, the scent of the essential oils used to embalm his body was still detectable. Similarly, Cleopatra had all her clothing, all her rooms, and even the sails of her ships soaked in rose and jasmine oils. In Assyria, temples were built from cedar wood, as its health-promoting oils acted as a kind of disinfectant. Their purpose was to protect against the spread of disease and prevent epidemics.

The father of medicine,, Hippocrates, also made use of the therapeutic properties of natural aromas. He used essential oils for baths and massages. Furthermore, he discovered that burning aromatic substances, thanks to their antiviral and antibacterial properties, protects against infectious diseases. Theophrastus of Eresos, a Greek scholar and philosopher, now regarded as the father of botany, c. 270 BC wrote a work, which constitutes a vast treasure trove of knowledge for aromatherapy, entitled " Historia plantarum" (Studies on plants). In ancient Rome, essential oils were often used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Pliny the Elder also wrote about oil-bearing plants in his work entitled "Naturalis historia", in which he provided around 80 recipes for preparations. "Naturalis historia" (Natural History), where he provided around 80 recipes for medicinal preparations using them.

A turning point in aromatherapy was undoubtedly the discovery by the Arab physician Avicenna Ibn Sina (980–1036 CE) of an innovative method of cold distillation of essential oils. This meant that the process itself became more efficient and the oils richer in valuable medicinal substances. In the Middle Ages, the distillation of essential oils was mainly carried out by monks. They used them to make medicinal liqueurs and tinctures, as well as aromatic oils to remove unpleasant odours and repel insects. The Renaissance saw the industrialisation of methods for extracting essential oils, and, consequently, the widespread distribution of the products themselves.

A very important figure in the history of aromatherapy is René Maurice Gattefossé, who in the 1920s and 1930s conducted research into the properties of essential oils —antibacterial,, antiviral,, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It was he,, in 1937, who first used the term ‘aromatherapy’ in his book entitled "Aromatherapy – Essential Oils – Plant Hormones". Subsequently, Jean Valnet continued the work on the benefits of essential oils. Thus, from the 1950s onwards, there was a great leap in the development of aromatherapy and its popularisation, spreading from England and France across the globe.

What to bear in mind in aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is based on 100% natural essential oils. This means, that we should pay particular attention to the products, we intend to use in therapy, to ensure they are of high quality. There are contraindications to the use of aromatherapy in the case of pregnant women, children and people who are allergic to ingredients that may be contained in a given oil. To fully enjoy the sensory experiences offered by aromatherapy, let us use blends of essential oils whose scents we find pleasant. Let us remember that we can use more than one oil in therapy, but let us not exceed a total of five at any one time.

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"The Secrets of Aromatherapy. The Fragrant Pharmacy", Władysław S. Brut, Iwona Konopacka,, MA Publishing House, Łódź 2008

"The Therapeutic Properties of Aromatherapy", Justyna Marwicka, Kornelia Niemyska, Sara Podraza, [in:] "Aesthetic Cosmetology" No. 6/4, Wrocław 2015.