Neolithic Beginnings
It’s tough to tell the exact date of practicing the art of aroma therapy but to give a reference of time, we can say that it goes back as far as 7000 BC when Neolithic man combined olive and sesame oils with plant fragrances to produce ointments.
Early Documentation
The use of aromatic oil is documented in the earliest Chinese writing and some evidences are found through the escalation of Greece, Rome and Persia which shows that they knew the power of mysterious pungent and mood-enhancing plant essences.
Egyptian Influence
The conviction that the ancient Egyptians had in plant essences was evidenced by an anecdote when Cleopatra strewed her room knee-deep in rose petals to capture the heart of Mark Anthony believing that when petals were crushed underfoot the devastating aphrodisiac properties of the oil contained within the petals would be unleashed.
In a quest to ensure that the afterlife was as comfortable as the earth bond lives, the ancient Egyptians entombed the dead bodies with precious object.
When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened 3000 years after his death the calcite pots with which he was buried still gave off a faint fragrance of spices such as frankincense when opened.
Greek and Roman Practices
Priestesses at Delphi (Greece) used burning bay leaves to induce a trans-like state which enabled them to foretell the future while the athletes in ancient Olympic games anointed their bodies with the scented oils before competing.
The sense of smell was highly valued and exploited by the Romans. When guests arrived to see the emperor, Nero, he had them spread with particular oils to put them in the mood of his choice.
Aromatic Traditions in China and Japan
The ancient Chinese believed that by extracting the oils of a plant they were liberating its soul. They classified the oils into six categories according to the mood they induce. These were luxurious, tranquil, reclusive, beautiful, noble, and refined.
The ancient Chinese were engaged in research to ensure mortality through perfumes. The Japanese set up a special school to teach the art of kodo (perfumery) which still exists today.
Aromatherapy in Ancient Britain and Europe
Ancient Britons believed that the causes of fitness were attributed to the evil spirits entering an unsuspecting person and hence exorcism was the only cure. The smoking out of these evil spirits with powerful aromatic herbs was widely used.
Medical Use during the Plague
In the 14th century, a devastating plague spread throughout Europe destroying more than a third of the population. The physician treated patients with various spices like cinnamon and cloves. The Aroma of cinnamon and clove have antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties.