History
Essential oils have been around thousands of years. Ancient writings, as far back as 4500 B.C., detail formulas for religious and medicinal uses. The ancient Egyptians masterfully applied these practices in their embalming methods. Massive evidence of this is seen in the uncovered tombs of ancient kings. There are over 200 references to incense, ointments and aromatics in the Bible. The Ebers Papyrus, a medical scroll dating back to 1500 B.C., contains over 800 herbal prescriptions and remedies. Other scrolls document high success rate treating 81 various diseases. History also shows the Romans purified their temples by diffusing essential oils and used aromatics to ward off disease in their steam baths. Throughout the Dark Ages, records reflect numerous monks and nuns successfully treating with essential oils. Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine nun during the 12th century, penned numerous works, including her 200+ chapter book, Physica, documenting plants and their healing properties.
The reintroduction of these powerful oils into modern medicine came during the late 19th century. During World War I, civilian and military hospitals commonly used aromatic essences. French physician, Dr. Monciere, extensively utilized essential oils for their antibacterial properties and wound-healing benefits, and developed several varieties of aromatic ointments. Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, PhD, began studying essential oils in 1907. In his book, Aromatherapy, published in 1937, Dr. Gattefosse reveals his personal story with the healing abilities of lavender oil after experiencing gas gangrene from a laboratory accident in which he was badly burned. His influence among fellow physicians resulted in saving the lives of many soldiers during WWII. Dr. Danial Penoel, and Pierre Franchomme, a French biochemist together wrote the first reference book in 1990, cataloging various medical properties from more than 270 essential oils and how to apply them in a clinical environment. The work was a result of both clinical and laboratory experience. Today, more research and clinical studies are being conducted using essential oils to combat many diseases that remain incurable. Dr. Gary Young and Young Living are at the heart of this research as we begin to uncover the healing powers from essential oils.
The reintroduction of these powerful oils into modern medicine came during the late 19th century. During World War I, civilian and military hospitals commonly used aromatic essences. French physician, Dr. Monciere, extensively utilized essential oils for their antibacterial properties and wound-healing benefits, and developed several varieties of aromatic ointments. Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, PhD, began studying essential oils in 1907. In his book, Aromatherapy, published in 1937, Dr. Gattefosse reveals his personal story with the healing abilities of lavender oil after experiencing gas gangrene from a laboratory accident in which he was badly burned. His influence among fellow physicians resulted in saving the lives of many soldiers during WWII. Dr. Danial Penoel, and Pierre Franchomme, a French biochemist together wrote the first reference book in 1990, cataloging various medical properties from more than 270 essential oils and how to apply them in a clinical environment. The work was a result of both clinical and laboratory experience. Today, more research and clinical studies are being conducted using essential oils to combat many diseases that remain incurable. Dr. Gary Young and Young Living are at the heart of this research as we begin to uncover the healing powers from essential oils.