Essential Oils - Part 1
The History of Therapeutic Essential Oils
Mankind's First Medicine
Records dating back 4,500 B.C. describe the use of balsamic substances and aromatic properties for religious rituals and medical applications. There are more than 200 references to essential oils in the Old and New Testaments, and more than 1,035 references to the plants that produce them. These ancient references provide a glimpse into how people used essential oils for the treatment of illnesses, other physical and spiritual needs, and religious rituals.
The 12th-Century mystic, Benedictine Sister Hildegarde of Bingen, used essential oils extensively. She was the founder of her own convent, and authored numerous works on plants and their healing properties. Her book Physica contains more than 200 chapters on plants. She gave us a gift of invaluable references on the healing properties and uses of plants, of which there are so many.
The ancient Egyptians were masters in the use of essential oils. They used them to embalm and for clearing “evil deities,” which today would represent negative emotions and neuroses. While Gary Young, the founder of Young Living Essential Oils, studied at the University of Cairo, he was told of Egyptian traditions during the time that Jesus was there. Egyptian legend tells how Jesus was given refuge and later instructed by temple priests of Edfu. He was given 5 alabaster jars of essential oils, and many believe that Jesus took these essential oils back to his homeland when he began his ministry.
When King Tut's tomb was revealed in 1992, 50 alabaster jars—designed to hold 350 liters of oil—were discovered. Tomb robbers stole nearly all the precious oils from the heavy jars and left vast amounts of gold behind, because people valued essential oils more than gold. A few of the jars that were left behind still contained oils. Oils beneath the wax seal were still preserved and intact after 2000!
After Napoleon conquered Jerusalem, he returned to France with treasures of essential oils and the solidified essence of roses.
The Ebers Papyrus—a medical scroll more than 870 feet in length that dates back to 1500 BC—was discovered in 1817. The scroll includes more than 800 remedies with myrrh and honey. These, and other scrolls, describe a high success rate with many diseases through the use of essential oils.
The re-introduction of essential oils in modern medicine already began in the early 20th century. Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattfosse, Phd, a French cosmetic chemist, was literally aflame after a lab explosion in July 1910. He wrote, “Both my hands were covered with rapid-developing gas gangrene. With just one rinse of lavender essential oil, the essence stopped the gasification of the tissue." Dr. Gattfosse coined the use of essential oils with the term we all use today—aromatherapy. Dr. Gattfosse shared his research with Dr. Jean Valnet, a French M.D.
During WWII, Dr. Valnet exhausted his supply of antibiotics and began using essential oils. To his surprise, they caused a powerful response in their ability to combat and counteract any battlefield injuries. Two of his students, Dr. Belaichu and Dr. Lapraz, delved deeper into his work when they clinically investigated the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties in essential oils. It is due in large measure to these medical doctors that the healing powers of essential oils has again gained prominence and acceptance.
Research at Weber State University, as well as other documented research, indicates that most viruses, fungi, and bacteria cannot live in the presence of various essential oils—especially those high in phenols, carvocrol, thymol, and terpenes.
Logically, this is a modern explanation of how Moses was able to avert disaster for the Jewish people from the plagues that decimated Egypt. It may also explain how a band of thieves in 15th-Century England used essential oils to protect themselves from the plague while they robbed the corpses.
A vast body of testimonial evidence suggests that those who choose to use essential oils are less likely to contract an infectious disease. If they do get sick, they tend to recover faster than those who use antibiotics.
What are Essential Oils? - Part 2
How To Use Essential Oils Safely - Part 3
Therapeutic Essential Oil Products - Part 4
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