AROMATHERARY HISTORY

Page 1

Egypt
The Egyptians were the first true Aromatherapists. They were the first to extract essential oils from plants and use fragrance in all aspects of their lives. Priest
used essential oils in religious ceremonies. Egyptians in general used essential oils to fumigate sick rooms, in cosmetics, their daily baths and massages, in the embalming process of mummies as well as being left in beautiful alabaster jars and ebony coffers for the arrival of their dead into the "next world". Essential Oils were used in the mummification process because of the antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which helped, prevent decay and decomposition. The tombs of the Pharaohs were filled with jars of essential oils they believed would render the skin of the deceased supple when they arrived into the next world. In 1922 when archaeologist entered the tomb of Tutankahamen (King Tut) there was still a lingering fragrance from the pots of essential oils placed there over 3000 years before. The quality and expense of the Essential Oils used at the time of burial was symbolic of class and wealth of the dead.

Israel
During the Hebrew's exodus from Egypt, the Israelites brought with them the knowledge of the Egyptians. The Bible makes 188 references to various essential oils in both the Old and New Testament. The ancient Hebrews valued plant aromatics for medicinal, perfume and religious purposes. In one reference,God gives a recipe for anointing oil. "Then the Lord said to Moses, "Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of
cassia all according to the sanctuary shekel and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend the work of a perfumer. It will be a
sacred anointing oil." Exodus 30: 22-25. The following scripture again mentions essential oil in the bible, and its worth at that time. "Then Mary took about a pint
of pure spikenard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of perfume. But
one of his disciples, Judas of Iscariot, objected. "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." John 12: 35.
Frankincense and myrrh were offered by the three wise men to the infant Jesus, which again, gives a reference point of the value of essential oils in ancient
times.

Pages: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7