It has been suggested that the history of aromatherapy may go back as far as 40,000 years, but the earliest written record dates to 2650 when a book called "The Art of Aroma Therapy" was penned by Tisserand.

However, some sources credit ancient Egyptians for using plant oils in healing between four and six thousand years ago. They used the oils from plants for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, including bathing, perfuming, healing and even embalming. The history of aromatherapy also documents its use in cleansing and beautifying as well.

The credit for oils and perfumes goes to Europe to the crusaders when trade routes began to flourish. Since much of the Roman's medicinal knowledge came from the Greeks, Rome became known as the bathing capital of the world once they perfected the use of oils.

Healing Properties Soon Realized

During the plague in Europe in the middle ages, the health benefits of essentials became part of the history of aromatherapy as there effects on healing and the immune system were first seen. It wasn't until the 19th century that scientists of Europe began investigating the healing properties of oils.

The term aromatherapy has been credited to Rene Maurice Gattefosse who, in a book, wrote about the anti-bacterial affects of essential oils. However, it wasn't until French Biochemist Madame Margaret Maury came up with massages using the essential oils of plants as a healing practice did the history of aromatherapy become realized.

California became part of the history of aromatherapy in the 1980's where it was introduced and health food stores today offer a wide range of oils and products as do a multitude of internet web sites. Based on the history of aromatherapy, many massage therapists, chiropractors and psychologists incorporate it into their practice.

While Europe has regulated the use of aromatherapy requiring prescriptions for oral doses and licensing procedures for aroma therapists, the United States has no licensing standards. However, many aroma therapists are working to achieve just that. They believe knowledge in botany, chemistry and physiology should be attained instead of just being able to rub people with oils.

While the history of aromatherapy has been a long one, people have been slow to embrace it as a part of medicinal health. However, today's aroma therapists believe that licensing standards will help the practice grow as more and more people understand and acknowledge the healing potential of essential oils.

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