The ancient art of Aromatherapy has its roots in most ancient healing practices. The plants, which we now derive essential oils from, have been used for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found traces of many plants of known medicinal value in burial places and living sites of early humans.
The Egyptians were using aromatics 3,000 years before Christ for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The ancient Greeks acquired much of their medical knowledge from the Egyptians. Hippocrates still revered as the father of medicine mentions a vast number of medicinal plants in his writings. He wrote, "Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine".
French hospitals used to burn Thyme and Rosemary in wards as a disinfectant. Other ancient civilisations who have used essential oils are the Chinese and the Indians. In England in the 17th century, pomanders of orange and cloves were used to ward off the Black Death.
Aromatherapy in England has become widespread and a valued form of holistic therapy.