What is Aromatherapy? "Aromatherapy" is a simple term used to cover a very broad subject in an expanding field that we are just beginning to explore, which may well have a great impact on the well-being of mankind and life on this planet. Aroma is the oldest means of reaching and influencing the deepest human instincts. When we examin creation, we find that everything from dust to man has an odor. Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through inhalation. The response to aroma has been proven to be as quick as one to three seconds. Science is just now rediscovering the power of aromatherapy created by essential oils, which are the life blood of the plant kingdom. Essential oils are the subtle, volatile liquids that are distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. They contain oxygenating molecules, which transport the nutrients to the cells of the body. Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be assimilated, leaving us nutritionally depleted. Therefore, the oxygenating molecules in essential oils can help the body receive and assimilate nutrients to maintain helath. According to the translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using oils thousands of years before the time of Prophets. There are 188 references to oils in the Holy books. Some precious oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum., rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard, were used for anointing and healing of the sick. Islamic and Biblical prophets recognized the use of essential oils as a protection for their bodies against the ravages of disease. One might ask the question, "Why did Wise Men take the oils of frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child?" Clinical research now shows that frankincense oil contains very high immune-stimulating properties. The Egyptians were the first to discover the potential of fragrance. They created various fragrances used for the individual's personal benefits as well as in rituals and ceremonies performed in the temples and pyramids. According to records dating back to 4500 B.C., they were also using balsamic substances with aromatic properties in religious and for medicines. The Egyptian high priests understood the value of fragrances for opening the subconscious mind and elevating their ability to communicate with their spirit world. In 1817, the Ebers Papyrus was discovered, which was over 870 feet long and was referred to as a medicinal scroll. It dated back to 1500 B.C. and mentioned over 800 different formulations of herbal prescriptions and remidies. Other scrolls indicated that the Egyptians had a very high success rate in treating as many as 81 different diseases. Many mixtures contained myrrh oil and honey. Myrrh is still recognized for its ability to help with infections of the skin and throat and to regenrate skin tissue. Myrrh was used for embalming because of its effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth. When King Tut's tomb was opened in 1922, 350 liters of oils were discovered in alabaster jars. Plants waxes had solidified in a thickened residue around the inside of the container opening. leaving the liquified oil in excellent condition. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians believed that in order to reach a realm of higher spirituality, they had to be clean and beautiful. They practiced fumigation as a means for disbursing oils to purify the air around them, which they believed would protect them from evil spirits. The Egyptians were a vain people consumed with their looks and beauty. They discovered oils and the aromatic uses of oils for medicinal purposes long before the actual plant was studied and used in its herbal application and incoporated into the field of medicine. Anciently, the Arabian people began to study the chemistry of the aromatic properties that resulted in a refined development of distillation. This was first implemented in the extraction of rose oil water, which were very popular in the Middle East at that time. Various expeditions brought aromatic plants from one country to another. Kings would barter and buy land, gold, slaves and women with the oils that they extracted even with their crude methods. Thus, oils were more valuable than gold. The European community did not process essential oils until the 12th century. Altough Medieval Europeans lost touch with personal cleanliness, which helped bring on the great plagues of the 13th and 14th centuries, essential oils were still known and talked about in relationship to the thieves who robbed the bodies of the dead and were not infected. These robbers, known as spice traders and perfumers, bathed in such oils as pine, frankincense, balsam, clove, cinnamon and resemary. Throughout the Old Testament and up to the time of Christ, there are numerous references to the value of oils. Perhaps during the Dark Ages and the burning of the libraries in Alexandria and other places, much of this knowledge was lost; and only through the cosmetic and perfume industry did this valuable science start to resurface." | 
