Essential Oil 101 (1)：Wisdom from the Past
Plants not only play a vital role in the ecological balance of our planet, but they have also been intimately linked to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of mankind since the beginning of time.
The Mysteries in Plants
Essential oils and plant extracts have been woven into history since the beginning of time and are considered by many to be the missing link in modern medicine. They have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses and to combat insect, bug, and snake bites in addition to treating all kinds of mysterious maladies. Oils and extracts simulate tissue and nerve regeneration. Essential oils also provide exquisite frangrances to balance mood, lift spirits, dispel negative emotions, and create a romantic atmosphere. Therefore, it is believed and relied upon in the field of alternative treatment.
The Ancient Records
From ancient writings and traditions, it seems that aromatics were used for religious rituals, the treatment of illness, and other physical and spiritual needs.
Records dating back to 4500 BC describe the use of balsamic substances with aromatic properties for religious rituals and medical applications.
The Egyptians were masters in using essential oils and other aromatics in the embalming process. Historical records describe how one of the founders of "pharaonic" medicine was the architect Imhotep, who was the Grand Vizier of King Djoser (2780-2720 BC). Imhotep is often given credit for ushering in the use of oils, herbs, and aromatic plants for medicinal purposes.
The Egyptians were masters in using essential oils and other aromatics in the embalming process. Historical records describe how one of the founders of "pharaonic" medicine was the architect Imhotep, who was the Grand Vizier of King Djoser (2780-2720 BC). Imhotep is often given credit for ushering in the use of oils, herbs, and aromatic plants for medicinal purposes.
In addition, the Egyptians may have been the first to discover the potential of fragrance. They created various aromatic blends for both personal use and religious ceremonies. Many hieroglyphics on the walls of Egyptian temples depict the blending of oils and describe numerous oil recipes.
An example of this is the Temple of Edfu located on the west bank of the Nile River. On the walls are ancilisting recipes for these aromatic perfumes:
Kyphi, is a blend of of incense that contained frankincense, myrrh, honey, raisins soaked in wine, sweet flag, pine resin, and juniper.
Another blend is Hekenu, with wood pitch, fresh frankincense, dry white frankincense, and acacia flower, used to anoint "divine limbs" of the gods in the temple. Similar medicinal formulas and perfume recipes were used by alchemists and high priests to blend aromatic substances for rituals.
In 1817, the Ebers Papyrus, a medical scroll over 870 feet long dating back to 1500 BC, was discovered. The scroll included over 800 different herbal prescriptions and remedies. Other scrolls described a high success rate in treating 81 different diseases. Many of the remedies contained myrrh and honey. Myrrh is still recognized for its ability to help with infections of the skin and throat and to regenerate skin tissue. Because of its effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth, myrrh was also used for embalming.
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Source：
Life Science Products and Publishing Essential Oils Desk References (8th Edition) Life Science Products and Publishing
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