Here is a brief history of the use of essential oils dating back to over 4500 BCE. You can learn more about essential oils at Young Living. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

1. History Of Essential Oils

2. Evidence has shown that ancient Egyptians used
aromatic oils as early as 4500 BCE. These oils were
used by the pharaohs and royalty for special
ceremonies. Oils were viewed as being necessary to
be at one with the gods.

3. The use of aromatic oils in China goes as far back as
2700 or 2600 BCE. Huang Ti, also known as the
Yellow Emperor, created a book called, “The Yellow
Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine” where he
outlines several uses of aromatic oils, which is still
used by practitioners of eastern medicine today.

4. The use of essential oils in holistic Indian medicine
goes back to around 1000 BCE. Literature based on
these Indian medicines list over 700 substances and
oils that can be used for healing practices.

5. Uses of essential oils is well documented in ancient Greece. Soldiers would carry different
essential oils with them so after battles they could recover faster and prevent infections. The
Greek physician Hypocrites, who is commonly known as “The Father of Medicine”, kept
extensive documentation on different plants used for medical practices.

6. The Roman Empire was a frequent purveyor of Egyptian knowledge, and
continued the ancient practice of essential oils. The Romans introduced
oils into other aspects of life including perfume, massages, and part of the
burial ritual.

7. Ali-lbn Sana was a physician who lived in Persia
growing up. As a child prodigy he became a well
known and renowned physician who started using and
distilling essential oils. His methods are still in use
today.

8. Oils were used extensively throughout Europe from
trade with the Middle East. They were used in medical
procedures, ceremonies, and rituals, sometimes to
ward off evil spirits. Nicholas Culpeper wrote a book in
1653 called, “The Complete Herbal” which is still used
in essential oil circles.

9. Essential oils acceptance and practices
continued to grow as use of them
became more widespread. French
Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse
penned a book called “Aromatherapie” in
1928 which he details the impact of
essential oils in medical healing and
medicinal practices. This book was
influential in advancing medicinal
practices in France and surrounding
communities.

10. A return to holistic
medicine has allowed
people to remember the
powerful impact of
essential oils. Historical
research has shown the
effectiveness in treating
ailments and relieving
discomfort for millions of
people.
Ancient methods of distilling essential oils from plants
have been updated to more modern techniques which
all for purer forms of oil to be distilled. These purer
forms of oils have greater impact on the body for
healing and recovery.