Title: History of Aromatherapy | HowStuffWorks
Headings: History of Aromatherapy
History of Aromatherapy
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The Fragrance Trade
Babylonian Beginnings
The Scent of Royalty
A World Market
Redolent Wealth
Linking East and West
Exploration and Colonization
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The Rise of Incense and Solid Perfumes
Purification
Versatile Aromata
An Intoxication of Mind and Emotions
Religious Uses of Incense
The Art and Practice of Scent
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The Invention of Body Oils
Religious Use of Fragrant Oils
Ancient Egyptian Scents
Bathed in Fragrance
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Liquid Perfumes
Maria Prophetissa's Invention
Aromatic Waters
Eau de Cologne
Chemistry and Cosmetics
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The Return of Aromatherapy
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Citation

Content: IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider. Advertisement
Contents
The Fragrance Trade
The Rise of Incense and Solid Perfumes
The Invention of Body Oils
Liquid Perfumes
The Return of Aromatherapy
The Fragrance Trade
In ancient times, as now, commonly used essential oils such as frankincense, eucalyptus, ginger, patchouli, and rosewood came from the furthest reaches of the globe. These vital components of religious ceremonies, medicine, food, cosmetics, and aphrodisiacs were in great demand and were more costly than precious metals and jewels. Although each region could produce clothing, shelter, and food from the resources in its immediate territory, people of all nations craved rare, exotic odors that literally added spice to their lives and lent an air of mystery to their ceremonies. The demand for aromatic materials, coupled with their portability, led to the establishment of long distance trade. Fortunately, seeds and herbs could be dried, gums rolled into beads, and fragrances infused in oil or solid perfumes while retaining or even improving their properties. This made them extremely portable and relatively impervious to damage.