Though essential oils have recently gained popularity, they aren’t new to the world of healing. The essential oils you see and use today have long been the best way to treat a number of ailments and conditions. Ancient cave paintings show just how long these essential oils have been used, and they quickly spread across the globe. Though we have come to rely on modern medicine, essential oils still have a place in our society because of their unique healing powers.
Until recently, some essential oils were hard to find. Not only that, but people would be responsible for making their own essential oils. Now, you can buy these oils almost anywhere, from your local shopping center to https://madewithoils.com/. It’s no wonder these oils have survived so long, and it’s clear they’re here to stay! Have you ever wondered the history behind your favorite essential oils? Where did they get their name or how did they come into use today? Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history behind your favorite essential oils!
Peppermint
Not only does peppermint smell great, but it’s one of the most common oils of today. It’s cooling scent and sensation is caused by its menthol properties, and it’s used to treat things like headaches and gastrointestinal conditions. Peppermint was first notably used by Greeks and Romans as decoration. It adorned both people and tables during celebratory times, and only from there did it become an aspect of cooking. Peppermint was used to flavor things like sauces and wines, and it wasn’t used in medical treatments until it was cultivated in Europe in the 18th century.
In medicine, peppermint was traditionally used as a tonic. It was added to tea and other mixtures to relieve stomach pains and even to treat cholera! Today, it’s still used to treat stomach ailments, as well as to heal coughs. And peppermint still looks great as table decoration!
Frankincense
Frankincense was one of the gifts brought to Jesus in the bible, and it’s still used today for it’s powerful healing properties! Frankincense has been around for over 5,000 years in areas around Africa, Europe, and Asia. In Egypt, Frankincense was used as a perfume in the times before daily bathing. It was also used in religious ceremonies including barrials and sacrifices!
In the Middle Ages, priests used Frankincense for its medical properties. It was believed to be a treatment for things like hemlock poisoning, leprosy, and even the plague! While this might have been far reaching at the time, Frankincense does have antibacterial properties which makes it a powerful agent for healing wounds, burns, and infections. Who knew this supposed plague cure would still be in wide use today?
Rosemary
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Rosemary is a popular herb and essential oil today. You see it as garnish on food and as a powerful essential oil for healing. This herb has been used throughout human history for healing all kinds of things, both big and small! Traditionally, Rosemary has been a symbol of remembrance. For this reason it was placed on tombs and coffins in ancient Egypt. This practice spread across the world, and rosemary is still used in burial ceremonies today.
Rosemary has long been considered a strong herb for casting out negativity. It was placed under pillows in the Middle Ages to rid people of nightmares, and it was used to expel the black plague from homes. Today, rosemary is used to treat skin disorders and to heal neurological conditions. It’s even being studied as a treatment for alzheimer’s patients
Powerful Treatments of the Past
While we often think of modern medicine as being above anything humans had in the past, it seems like these cultures were onto something when it came to the herbs above. The symbolism and use of these herbs above has given them a permanent place in our culture today, and they’re still effective at treating a surprising number of conditions! With more research, who knows where these essential oils will take us tomorrow!
How do you use essential oils?
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