A brief history of aromatherapy is described here. The common herbs used and the simple relaxing massage steps are also included for those who are interested. Natural remedies have become a trend for replacing unnecessary modern medicine. Here, White Flower International would like to introduce the healthy, natural way that we have insisted over years.
What do you know about aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is an old natural regime with an 8000 year history. Medicine for chronic diseases, pains and infections in 19th century were all made by plant derivatives, which were believed to have magical healing power. The aroma emitted by these medicines can alleviate discomfort and bring delight to the patients. The amazing healing power is also confirmed by scientific analysis. Aromatherapy is as much as an art as a medicine.
Modern aromatherapy
Modern aromatherapy was founded by French chemist Gattefosse, who discovered its healing power by treating burns using lavender essential oil. He proposed that different essential oils go to different organs after permeating the skin and then cast influence on their corresponding physiological systems, such as metabolic, neural, digestive, endocrinal systems. He coined the term aromatherapy in 1928.
The biochemist, Maury, developed systematic aromatherapy to relax the stressed neural system and practice skin care.
Micheline and Madame-Arcier combined aromatherapy with modern medicine. During World War II , many wounded soldiers were treated by aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has become a fashion with a mystical touch during the 1950's in England .
Ancient legends
According to anthropologists, aromatherapy was originated from the Stone Age, when Neanderthals became the first people studying herbs.
Human remains belonging to a priest with great knowledge about herbs 60,000 years ago and his accompanying yarrow, weeds and hyacinth pollens were exhumed in Iraq .
Iraqis today still keep the legacy of such ancient herbology.
The excavation in North and Mid Central America also showed herbs and the farming tools for the herbs from 3000 B.C..
The Great Ancestor of Yellow Emperor of China described the pharmaceutical properties of poppy, Chinese rhubarb and pomegranate in the book his Medical Canon written around 2000 B.C..
According to hieroglyphic records, ancient Egyptians used herbs in medicine and religious rituals. They exploited the antiseptic effects of resin for mummification, preserving human bodies in an unrepentantly intact manner.
Greek alchemists employed distillation to preserve the aroma of the plants and then discovered their amazing healing power.
Ancient Greek physicist Theophrastus was the founding father of aromatherapy, he discussed the effects of aroma on thoughts, perception and health in his book.
Ancient Romans enjoyed fragrance on entertaining occasions. Rome was also known as The City Of Bath in 3000 B.C.. There were 1000 aroma bath halls distributed over around the city.
