Have you ever wondered when the first time people started using essential oils was? Let's dive into the ancient world filled with natural essential oils!

Essential Oils have been used for a variety of purposes for thousands of years, but determining the exact date is impossible.

As old as time itself, some say, is the history of essential oils in India. The earliest Indians used essential oils in 3000 BC, according to archaeological evidence.

On the other hand, some say the use of essential oils began in China.
What's undeniably true is that the Egyptians had the first intelligent essential oil system, according to historians, at around 4050 BC.

Interestingly, they used fragrances in their rituals. There are three essential oils documented in Egyptian culture: Cedarwood, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

Steam distillation, as well as the painstaking effleurage method, were their extraction methods. Essential oils were also said to be used in religious ceremonies, beauty treatments, and even food preparation by the Egyptians.
As a consequence of Alexander the Great's leadership, the Greeks were exposed to Egyptian and Indian philosophy. They travelled as far as India and owned the great Egyptian Library in Alexandria. The Greeks learned about the power of essential oils from these cultures. Favourite Greek essential oils
include Sage, Marjoram, Cumin and Peppermint.

Moreover, 140 BC was a time of growth for the Roman Empire. The Romans studied the basics of essential oils as well and adopted all knowledge from the Greeks. There was a Roman tradition of distilling Rose, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Melissa.

The use of Lavender Oil particularly favoured their bathhouses. Known from the Latin word "lavare," which means to wash, Lavender was the most coveted aromatic both for bathing and many other purposes. In fact, as a means of healing wounds, Roman soldiers brought Myrrh into battle with them.

Arab philosophers and physicians such as Persian polymath Ibn Sin* (980–1037 A.D.) and botanist and physician Ibn al-Baitair (1197–1248 A.D.) advocated the use of herbs and essential oils.
Hildegard of Bingen, a German saint who lived in the 12th century, used herbs and oils in her practice as well!

There is no doubt that ancient cultures, including India, Egypt, Greece, Rome Israel and Persia valued essential oils and other plants on an enormous level.
What about us? Do we value essential oils today? Are we aware of their effects on our body and mind? 

Learn more about the benefits of essential oils here. 

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