History of essential oils

 

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years.  Ancient writings tell of scented barks, resins, spices and aromatics that were used in rituals, temples, astrology, embalming, and medicine.  Hieroglyphics found on the walls of Egyptian temples depict the blending of oils and describe hundreds of recipes.  There are over 200 references to aromatics, incenses and ointments in the Old and New Testament.

In recent years, essential oils were "re-discovered" by several French physicians.  In the early 1900's, a French chemist, Dr. Gattefosse, was accidentally burned, quite severely.  He writes that, "just one rinse with lavender essence stopped the gasification of the tissue". During World War I, a French physician, Dr. Monciere, used them for their anti-bacterial and wound-healing properties.  And during World War II, Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils for battlefield patients when he had exhausted his supply of antibiotics.  To his surprise, they exerted a powerful effect against infection, and he was able to save the lives of many soldiers.