Evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use essential oils. They developed distillation techniques and pioneered the discovery of medical and other uses of essential oils. At about the same time, the Indians and Chinese were also developing the use of plant materials in healing. Knowledge of oil use was passed on to the Greeks, as the famous doctor Hippocrates pioneered holistic therapies. The Romans continued this process. After the Roman empire fell, a Persian physician named Avicenna (approximately 1,000 A.D.) is credited with perfecting the distillation process.
During the Dark Ages of Europe, bathing was frowned upon and people used essential oils and herbals on the skin to cover bad odors as well as for their antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Church monks became educated herbalists and oil users during this time period, and monasteries became repositories of healing literature. During the Renaissance, the famous physician Paracelcus revived holistic therapies and used natural means as a cure for leprosy.
Modern oil usage dates to a French chemist and perfumer named Rene Maurice Gattefosse who is known for his accidental discovery of lavender oil’s ability to assist in the healing of burns. During the the second World War, another pioneer named Jean Valet used oils in the treatment of wounded soldiers. As research ensued, many properties of essential oils and plants were categorized and isolated. This process continues today with the pharmaceutical research of essential oils, which makes up a large part of botanical research globally. Recently, at the University of South Dakota, a student received her doctoral degree for pioneering work in ethnobotany, which examined veterinary essential oil use. American veterinary practitioners, such as Dr. Nancy Brandt and Dr. Melissa Shelton, are working to better codify oil use in animals.
Oils have been shown to have many possible desirable effects such as reducing anxiety and inflammation, fighting oxidative processes, battling toxins and fighting infections by inhibiting bacteria, fungi and viruses. Oil odors can also be used to affect mental states and memory. Modern doctors are looking for agents that will assist in management of resistant infections and cancer, and these natural products may well hold the key to several major advancements.
Essential oils contain a host of biologically active and powerful compounds. Used correctly, they are an indispensable part of integrative medical care. However, they can cause undesirable and even dangerous side effects, and people using oils medically should seek specialized training.
