History of Aromatherapy
The Renaissance – 1400-1600
Italy became the leader in European aromatic oils. The Italian influence swept through France with the help of Caterina de Medici’s marriage to France’s Prince Henri II. At this time French aromatic oils and perfumes became popular and extravagant. The French used fragrance for everything. By the 16th century many of the essential oils in use today had been isolated and distilled for common use. At this time perfume and aromatic oils moved away from the original religious and medicinal practices and became a symbol of extravagance and luxury. During the 16th century Europeans believed bathing was unhealthy, and perfumes were used to cover offensive body odors. During the 18th century the French discovered that tuberculosis bacillus could be killed by clove oil, and that thyme helped rid the Typhus bacteria so prevalent at the time.
Golden Age – 1600 -1700
Known as the Golden Age of the English Herbalists the 1600s gave us the great astrologer physician, Nicholas Culpepper, and herbalist, John Parkinson. During this time there was a split between herbalists and conventional medical doctors. Both were known to use essential oils though herbalists used essential oils less than herbs. The dosage amounts for essential oils had been established by this time with the need for dilution, and the methods of application clearly known. The healing properties of essential oils were recognized.
Europe 1800-1900
The common use of essential oils and plant aromatics for health was established. With the return of the bubonic plague the demand for aromatic oils substantially increased. It was during the great plagues of Toulouse (1628-1631) that a formula was reported by four thieves caught stealing from plague victims. This began the story of the Four Thieves which was recorded in the archives of the Toulouse Parliament. To have their sentence canceled the thieves reported their secret formula after which they were hanged. Over the next few centuries essential oils were analyzed and their properties and applications were recorded.
In 1868 the first synthetic fragrance oils were produced. These synthetic fragrances were unsuitable for medicinal use. In 1887 Parisian physician published the first modern documented research of the antiseptic properties of essential oils. Chamberland’s research confirmed that essential oils kill viruses, bacteria and fungus. Before WWII essential oil research attracted as much research attention as conventional pharmaceuticals. Nobel prizes were awarded to Otto Wallach and Adolf von Baeyer for their contributions in essential oils research. Then chemists began to isolate the active ingredients within aromatic plants and manufactured them synthetically. As this science became more sophisticated herbs and essential oils were replaced by synthetic drugs. It was discovered that chemical drugs, which acted more powerfully, could be produced more easily and were cheaper.
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KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years. She is the Director of PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy and a specialist in formulating aromatic blends for healthy living. KG can create the perfect synergy blend for you! More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, Ashland, OR (541) 941-7315. Mahalo!
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