The History of Aromatherapy The Egyptians The story of aromatherapy probably has its origins in Egyptian history. The Egyptians had a well developed social structure 5,300 years ago. From these early times they developed their knowledge of aromatic plants which could be used to make ''unguents''. Unguents are fragrant infused oils which when rubbed onto the body help to make it smell more attractive. Unguents were made by mixing aromatic plants and gums with oils or fats in large trays which were placed in the sunlight. The aromatic compounds in the plants slowly diffused into the oil and fats, thus producing the prized fragrant unguents, which were also known as "anointing oils". Some of the plants used to make fragrant unguents, for example Chamomile, also have useful therapeutic properties, so the ancient Egyptians probably also discovered the simplest form of Aromatherapy. Early Egyptian history spans the time from about 5,500 years ago to the time of the Roman conquest in AD 30. About 5,100 years ago, Upper and Lower Egypt were united, 4,500 years ago the great pyramids were built. 3,550 years ago saw the expansion of trade and great developments in culture and in the arts. As the 18th dynasty dawned 3,336 years ago, Pharaoh Tutankhamun ruled Egypt from Amarna. 2,525 years ago Egypt was invaded by King Cambyses of Persia, and in 332BC, (2,332) years ago, Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great which was the start of the Ptolemaic period, culminating with Queen Cleopatra. After AD30 Egypt became a Roman colony.  King Zozer and Imhotep 5,000 years ago, King Zozer had built the step pyramid at Saqqura. It was designed and its construction supervised by a his architect, who was called Imhotep. Imhotep was indeed a great man, for not only was he King Zozer's physician, he was also a great architect, and a scribe. Because he was able to write, Imhotep was able to record all that he had learned about medicine and of the preparation of aromatic oils. Unfortunately his actual writings have not survived, but it is thought that they have probably been incorporated into later works such as the "Papyrus Ebers" which was written 3,550 ago. When Imhotep died, he was deified as the Egyptian "God of Medicine".
King Zozer was buried at Saqqara. Near by there is also a tomb known as the Physicians tomb, (which is not the tomb of Imhotep - the location of which has not been discovered). Upon the walls of the physicians tomb is a painting which shows a 'patient' receiving on his hands and feet, what looks like some form of massage, or perhaps an early form of reflexology This painting indicates that the Egyptians living at the time were aware of how massage may be of value in treating certain conditions. It is also known that the Egyptians made use of therapeutic properties of infused oils and aromatic unguents.
The Ebers Papyrus
The Ebers papyri is probably a compilation of earlier Egyptian writings, possibly including the writings of Imhotep, who wrote some 1,700 years earlier. It contains details of treatments for many conditions, some of which are remarkably similar to treatments in use today. Also it describes the making of infused oils.... Aromatic plants, resins and gums were used to make aromatic oils by infusing them. The plant tissue were placed in oil or fat in a large flat vessel and left in the sun for a few days, the heat caused the aromatic compounds in the plant tissues to be "dissolved" or infused into the oil thus transferring the therapeutic properties of the plant material to the oil. The mixture would then be placed in a cloth bag to which a tounique was applied so that the mixture could be squeezed and filtered through the weave of the cotton bag. In this way the oil was separated from the remaining plant tissue which was then discarded. The resulting oil was very suitable for use as a massage oil. The fatty oil used was probably caster oil. Ricinus communis, Euphorbiaceae, which is still found growing on the banks of the river Nile
SOURCE: Glynn Woods - Sheffield University
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