Recognized for thousands of years for its tremendous benefits on an individual’s overall health and well being, the rich history of essential oils has played an integral part in the evolution of numerous cultures and civilizations. Intertwined with the human’s relationship with the natural world and its effects on the five senses, we are seeing a resurgence in the popularity of essential oils and herbs as additional benefits and curative effects are discovered. Today, these oils can be blended to provide pain relief, enhance emotional health, love and passion, harmony and relaxation, vitality and concentration…but it didn’t happen overnight.
It is widely believed that primitive man used essential oils long before history was recorded. The Egyptians were among the earliest recorded users, and their many uses ranged from purification and embalming, to medicinal, religious and cosmetic applications. The Ebers Papyrus, among the most important medical papyri of ancient Egypt, dating back to about 1550 BC, contains some 700 herbal formulas and remedies used by the Egyptians. Hieroglyphics on the walls of Egyptian temples not only show the blending of oils, but also depict specific recipes for their use. There was even a sacred room in the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, where the emotional clearing ritual of "Cleansing the Flesh and Blood of Evil Deities" was performed by cleansing with particular essential oils and oil baths for a required three days.
Essential oils or “aromatics,” as they were originally known, were considered some of the most valuable treasures of the ancient world and often utilized for trading purposes. The opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 revealed 350 liters of oil in alabaster jars. When the tomb was robbed, the essential oils were stolen prior to the gold and treasures found within, providing a good indication of its significant value.
In China and Persia, the concept of using plant extracts and oils for therapeutic and religious applications is also recorded back many hundreds of years. India was the fragrant garden of the world, and oils were used in rituals of bathing and in the art of seduction. Fragrances and spices were cremated, along with the body, to hide the smell of death.
The Bible references essential oils hundreds of times. It was a common practice to anoint people and objects with oil. The “Song of Songs” mentions oils and fragrances numerous times; God gave Moses a recipe for essential oils in Exodus 30; the Three Wise Men brought frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus; and Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil in John 12, to name a few examples.
Physicians from Greece came to Egypt to learn about holistic medicine. The most well known physician of the ancient Greeks, Hippocrates (460 BC – 370 BC), deemed the “father of medicine,” was a firm believer in using holistic medicine and aromatherapy massage as treatments. Nearby, the Romans made great use of essential oils, using them as scents in their temples and buildings, as well as incorporating them into their daily life in Rome.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, when Europe was plunged into the Dark Ages, the Monks were the only people who could use herbs and oils for rituals and treatments without being looked upon as witches. Due to the European belief in the perils of bathing, essential oils were used primarily for perfumes. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that herbalism was somewhat revived.
Extensive research on the healing properties of plant extracts by French cosmetic chemist Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé was the start of their use in clinical applications. After severely burning his hands in a 1910 lab explosion, Dr. Gattefossé, known today as the father of aromatherapy, inadvertently immersed his hands in lavender. Much to his amazement, he found that the lavender helped his hands to heal without leaving any scars.
Dr. Gattefossé’s research was later followed up by Dr. Jean Valnet, who used therapeutic-grade essential oils on wounded soldiers during World War II. After the war, Dr. Valnet recorded his studies in his book, “The Practice of Aromatherapy,” and went on to share his research with his student Daniel Pénoël, M.D., who co-authored “L'aromathérapie Exactement.” This was the first medical textbook on the chemistry and clinical applications of essential oils.
The process of diluting essential oils with carrier oils began in the 1950s with Austrian-born Marguerite Maury. Her patients reported better sleep and less pain after massages with these mixed oils.
In 1989, scientists discovered that the amygdale gland, which plays a major role in the storing and releasing of emotional trauma, only responds to the sense of smell. The fragrance of essential oils affects this gland, leading to the release of emotional trauma. This becomes especially important for those dealing with feelings of anger, sadness, depression and pain.
With decades of documented history outlining the advancement of essential oils, it is exciting to project what the future holds for its proven natural benefits on the mind, body and soul. And as Seren captivates essential oil users from around the globe with its pure, natural and aromatic oils, perfectly blended to infuse an entire experience, there’s no doubt it’s only a matter of time before Seren writes itself into the history books with its unique combination of essential oil blends.
