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Among the top trades of the ancient world were foods, textiles, and last but not least oils. Ancient Egypt was the first civilization to have records mentioning oils in aromatic uses. They were mentioned on papyrus that was in reference to religious practices. These scrolls are said to speak of “fine oils and choice perfumes, and the incense of temples,  whereby every God is gladdened”. When King Tut’s tomb had been opened there was recovery of an urn said to hold a perfumed unguent, still fragrant. When analyzed it was noted to have a base of animal fat, spikenard, frankincense, and cassia. Spikenard was packaged in carved alabaster boxes and worn as a symbol of stature for many royals in ancient civilizations. The reason being that spikenard was found in the Himalayans. Wearing that in Egypt as a King incurred a reputation for a vast trading empire. Oils and incense were gradually relinquished from strictly mystical practices by the priests and royalty therefore allowing all Egyptians use of them. Which they did from birth to death. Even putting them in their tombs and using them in embalming. At the same time the Chinese were also reaping benefits of natural healing.

 It was trading between Crete and Egypt that spurned Greece to the uses of oils in perfumes. Despite a ban in the 6^th century against bathing, men and women both used perfumes to a great extent. Roman bath houses were famous. They would apply perfumes before and after a bath, up to three times a day. To aid in this task was a particular room called the unctuarium, which held many essences in bottles, unguents, and fragrant oils. Animals were perfumed, as well as furniture fabric, candles, and draperies. When holding large feasts they were known to douse birds in fragrant perfumes so when released over the guests, a cloud of perfume would emit from their wings. The Greek Theophrastus of Athens was one of the first people to observe and research the effects of scent on ones mood, as well as the perception of odors and taste.

Arabs provide the key to the past and the present of the oil/perfume industry. Distillery was perfected by a man whose name was Avicenna. He was an Arabian doctor who was also known as a chemist. The procedure is still used today. Before then, liquid perfumes were a crude mixture of oil and crushed herbs or flowers.

The French have grown famous for their accomplishments in perfumes. The plague was said to not have touched a supplier of oils. Oddly enough the boat carrying the rats that brought the plague were also carrying their best defense against it… essential oils. During the reign of Catherine De Medici after she moved from Italy, perfume use grew. She brought her own perfumer. Rene le Florentin. So coveted was his works with her, his laboratory had a secret passage to her chambers so no formula could be stolen en route.

A chemist Dr. Gattefosse had burned his hand while working. The nearest available cool liquid was essential oil of lavender which he doused his hand in. Noticing an immediate relief from pain, he continued to use it and note its healing qualities. He also announced that other oils had healing qualities as well. One man he shared this with was Dr. Valnet. During WWII he served as a medical physician. When supplies ran low while he was treating war victims, he decided to use oils. To his surprise he had saved many men who otherwise would have perished without antibiotics.

Today there are dedicated people continuing to strive to bring quality and consistency of health and beauty products to consumers.  Whether through a mistake or hard enduring research we find there are more uses for oils in our daily lives. As aromatherapy, as medicines, as skin treatments, we have already found out how to heal our bodies and minds in ways that science is still trying perfect today.