May 30, 2007
History Of Aromatherapy Has A Long Road
The use of aromatic oils in perfumes and in healing dates back over a thousand years but the term aromatherapy did not appear until 1918, credited to Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who coined the term in an article supporting their use without breaking them down. His accidental discovery of their use for medicinal purposes came when he severely burned his arm. He pushed his arm immediately into the nearest liquid, which turned out to be lavender oil. His arm headed quickly and left no scar.
Previously, oils from plants were used mainly as perfumes but the history of aromatherapy also shows the Egyptians used the oils from Cedar wood and other plants, including clove and cinnamon as embalming fluid. During the 19th century, perfume was a growing industry and chemists worked to isolate the essential oils of plants and vegetables.
In the next century the different parts of essential oils were separated to make synthetic drugs with many believing that by separating, the essential oils could have a profound effect on medicine. Along with the use of this new modern medicine, came synthetic fragrances and the perfume industry began to detract from the oils' use in medicine. This was a slow period for the development of the therapeutic use of oils during the history of aromatherapy.
Additional History Of Aromatherapy Traced To China
It is believed that the Chinese culture embraced plant oils for their therapeutic value and burning incense, made from essential oils, was believed to offer healing properties as well as to create harmony. Different aromas were thought to help balance different emotions, much the same as today. With a history of aromatherapy in the background, naturalists and holistic healers have a firm faith in its benefits.
India has used aromatherapy for centuries for therapeutic massage and still today, their traditional medical system uses fresh and dried herbs in treatment. The Greeks learned most of their medicine from the Egyptians and they used perfumed oils for cosmetics as well as for medicinal benefits.
The Romans were famous through the history of aromatherapy for their scented baths, with a massage with oils typically following, to reap the benefits of the aromatic oils. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, during what is called the dark ages, the history of aromatherapy almost vanished.
Throughout history, man has learned many aspects of survival and learning to use whatever was available in his surroundings led to many modern day inventions. Aromatherapy is only one aspect of human culture that has not only endured, but has grown over the years.
Aromatherapy supply wholesale products have been used to complement holistic healing as well as alternative medical practices. The formulation of each aromatherapy supply wholesale product is a tedious process and for this reason, you need to choose carefully to ensure only the best quality aromatherapy supply wholesale products to use.
When selecting aromatherapy supply wholesale, there are some things you need to consider. First, you need to find out for what purpose the aromatherapy supply wholesale is going to be, whether it is for skin care or aesthetic, for emotional or psycho, for holistic or spiritual healing, or for medical or healing.
The Dos and Don'ts of Aromatherapy Supply Wholesale
DON'T buy aromatherapy supply wholesale that are made of perfume oils. Some may lead you to believe that they are the same thing as essential oils when in truth, they are not. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
DO read as much as you can on aromatherapy and aromatherapy supply wholesale. Yes, it is true that the science and the art of aromatherapy is very easy to get started with but if you really want to learn more about it, especially as it pertains to aromatherapy supply wholesale, then doing a little research certainly can't hurt. In fact, you might even learn some important safety issues you haven't heard of yet.
DON'T buy aromatherapy supply wholesale essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated. The fumes coming from them may turn the rubber into gum which will in turn ruin the oil.
DO be selective of where you purchase your aromatherapy supply wholesale products. The quality of aromatherapy supply wholesale products varies with each vendor. What's more, some companies will falsely claim that their oils are pure when in fact they aren't.
DON'T purchase your aromatherapy supply wholesale from street fairs, craft shows, or other events where time is limited. Vendors usually think that people who buy from them during these events will have no recourse against them later so they may claim as much as they want with no proof to support such claims. You, on the other hand, will be powerless against them. This is not to say, however, that there are no reputable vendors attending such events. But as a beginner in aromatherapy supply wholesale, it is a necessary caution.
DO note the country of origin for the oil. It is a helpful fact. Most good aromatherapy supply wholesale vendors will readily supply the botanical names and country of origin for the oils that they sell.


