Under the Roman Empire, Egyptian physicians and Greek masseurs spread the knowledge of aromatic oils and their healing properties even further, and this wisdom was retained in the east when Rome fell. In the late 10th and early 11th centuries, the great Arab scholar Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna) described methods of distillation and the effects on the human body of more than 800 plants. This knowledge was brought back to the west by the Crusaders, but languished until the 16th century when the English botanist, William Turner, classified plants according to their effects on the human body. Thereafter, interest in the medicinal properties of plants was rekindled and by the end of the 18th century essential oils were widely used by physicians.

Advances in chemistry then started to produce new and powerful remedies and the older, plant-based wisdom fell more and more into disuse. The modern enthusiasm for essential oils began in the 1920s, when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist working in the laboratory of a perfume factory, accidentally burned his hand and immersed it in a nearby dish of lavender oil. He was surprised by how fast his hand healed, and was inspired to enquire into the healing properties of other oils, especially for use in dermatology. In 1928 he published a book on the subject, and in it the term ‘aromatherapy’ was used for the first time. During the Second World War, a French doctor, Dr Valnet, used essential oils to treat burns and other wounds, but also used aromatherapy later in the treatment of emotionally disturbed ex-soldiers. His work was published in 1964, and in the same year Mme Maury, a biochemist, published her research into the rejuvenative powers of essential oils, and their effects on the nervous system.

The benefits of essential oils may be experienced in a number of ways:

Essential oils are powerful and should not be placed directly on the skin, but diluted appropriately in a base oil before application. Certain oils should not be used during pregnancy. They are: Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Citronella, Cypress, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary Sage, Star Anise and Summer Savory. 

The following oils may cause irritation and should be used in greater dilutions: 

Always carry out a patch test to check for allergic reaction if using an oil for the first time.

Avoid alcohol and do not drive when using Clary Sage.

Citrus oils should not be used on skin exposed to the sun.

If accidentally swallowed, seek urgent medical attention - DO NOT induce vomiting.

Avoid contact with the eyes or the area around the eyes. If this occurs, wash eyes thoroughly with water. If stinging persists after 10 minutes, seek medical attention.

Abide by these precautions and you will find that essential oils are perfectly safe and beneficial for you and your family.

 

Alternative Therapies Centre