You’ve probably seen a lot of promotions recently for essential oils and wonder if they are a new trend. However, essential oils have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. Here’s a little background on what they are and how they’ve been used through time.
What Are Essential Oils?
A variety of plants cover the Earth in different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. Many of these plants contain compounds that typically can’t be seen with the naked eye—they hide within the roots, flowers, seeds, bark, or other areas of the plant. These compounds are known as essential oils.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, making them extremely potent. Also referred to as volatile aromatic compounds, essential oils give a plant its aroma, protect it from harsh environmental conditions and insects, and even play a part in plant pollination.
The use of plant extracts and plant-based products is deeply rooted in traditions of the past. Ancient civilizations used plants for things like aromatherapy, personal care, health care practices, religious ceremonies, beauty treatments, and food preparation. Here are some ways that past civilizations from around the globe have used essential oils:
- Egypt: Egyptians used plant-based products in beauty treatments, food preparations, burial rituals, and religious ceremonies.
- Greece: In ancient Greece, men like Homer and Hippocrates explored the aromatic uses of plants, building on discoveries made by early Egyptians.
- Rome: Ancient Romans often used plant extracts for massage, perfume, and scented baths.
- Iran: In medieval times, people in the region of Iran often used and traded spices or resins for perfumery and maintaining health.
- India: Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system native to India, has developed over the span of 5,000 years and includes the use of aromatic and plant compounds.
- China: For centuries, traditional Chinese practices have included the use of plant materials to promote wellness.
- France: Rene Gattefosse, a French chemist, is credited as the first to coin the phrase “aromatherapy” as he studied and researched essential oils thoroughly in the 19th century.
So, now you know—when you use essential oils, you’re taking part in a long-held tradition relied on by humankind throughout time for better health and wellness!
For Better Wellness, Let dōTERRA Essential Oils Help
For better wellness, let dōTERRA essential oils help. Frani Pisano is passionate about the power of dōTERRA essential oils and loves educating her customers around the globe. To discover more about how health coach Frani Pisano and how dōTERRA oils can help your life, visit her site, or contact her at frani@franipisano.com.