The Natural Beat

Tess May 1st, 2007

VARIOUS CIVILISATIONS throughout history have employed the use of aromatic plants for religious, medicinal, cosmetic and magickal purposes. One of the earliest forms of aromatherapy was the use of aromatic plants as incense. The word perfume comes from the Latin word perfumum, which means ‘through smoke’. This would have originally referred to the use of incense. Incense was burned as a way to get rid of evil spirits, which many of the ancients considered to be the cause of disease. Associations became made between the healing of disease and the aromas of the plants used in the healing treatments, and this became the early foundation for what we now know today as aromatherapy.

The history of aromatherapy may even stretch back further than what we commonly know. It seems that during the Neolithic period (prior to 4000 B.C.), the Eastern people and some of the European people had discovered how to express oils from aromatic plants by pressing them. During this period of time, nomadic life was being discarded and people started to settle in one area and cultivate the land; they also started to build sacred monuments. The associations of the healing properties of plants and evil spirits that caused illness became linked with early religious beliefs, because the earliest healers became associated with a whole structure of religious belief in a community. Many were priests, who acted as instruments to the gods by receiving their powers of healing through them. Because ancient societies had no comprehensible explanations of how plants healed, associations were made with the supernatural and religion, and those attitudes have now been incorporated into modern attitudes towards Herbalism and aromatherapy.

In Egypt

The Ebers Papyrus, the world’s oldest surviving text (2000 B.C.), was a list of medicinal prescriptions in use after about 1800 B.C. This papyrus demonstrated the central role of the gods in Egyptian medicine and Egyptian society. Osiris was the god of vegetation; Isis had the power to renew life and transmitted the secrets of healing to mankind. Egyptians prayed to Isis for deliverance from disease. The god Thoth was responsible for formulating each healing prescription. Thoth’s representation is still the symbol of a physician today: in his left hand he holds the symbol of life and in his right a staff around which a serpent is coiling itself. Thoth, the god of knowledge, created medicine.

Egyptian herbalists carried both a basket containing herbal medicines and a magician’s staff. Before a treatment began, the herbalist would cast out the demons which possessed the patient.

The Egyptians also had braziers burning incense on street corners during public festivals.

The Egyptians knew how to extract oil by means of distillation. Most of the oils were produced by infusion of the plant in fatty oil which was then boiled. The perfume would then evaporate and become fixed in the fat. Wall carvings at the temple of Edfu, show a substance being taken from flowers.

In Greece

The Greeks believed also that the gods were the first herbalists and physicians. They believed the gods taught the art of healing to mankind.

The god Aesculapius was the greatest of them all - the son of Apollo and Coronis. He was slain by Zeus out of jealousy of Aesculapius’ success at healing the sick and raising the dead.

Aesculapius’ daughter was Hygieia, the goddess of health, and also where the word hygiene was derived. His other daughter was Panacea, whose name means ‘cure all’. They both helped Aesculapius to treat disease.

Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine (460-377 B.C.), was the first person to establish and set down a scientific system of medicine. The Hippocratic Oath is named after Hippocrates, and - until recently - all Doctors had to swear the Hippocratic Oath before they could practise. Its opening words were “I swear by Apollo, the Physician, by Aesculapius, by Hygieia and Panacea and by all the Gods and Goddesses that to the best of my power and judgement…” demonstrating the link between early beliefs of medical scientists and modern medical practise.

The early Greeks considered illness to be a divine curse and they prayed to the god Apollo, the god of medicine, for recovery.

The ancient Greeks attributed sweet smells to divine origin.

From Science to Folklore

After the fall of the Roman Empire, scientific research and writing of healing plants stopped. Monks became responsible for healing and caring for the sick as part of their duty as Christians. The Monasteries preserved knowledge by the scribe’s copying manuscripts by hand. The monks seemed to be keeping literature of herbal and medical practise alive; however, the knowledge was not shared with the masses. So, folklore became influential, and ritual and magick were turned to once again.

While in the west, the knowledge of healing plants was being suppressed, an Arabian alchemist by the name of Avicenna (10th century AD) was doing some important work in discovering and recording knowledge in regards to medicinal plants. Avicenna is credited as being the first person to discover the method of distillation, a process commonly used to extract the essential oil from aromatic plants. Essential oil of rose is thought to be the first oil ever extracted.

In the remainder of this article we will explore the history, myths and legends associated with the aromatic plants from which we obtain our beloved essential oils.

Basil / Ocimum basillicum

Basil originates from India. Its name is short for the Greek words basilikon pluton, which means ‘kingly herb’ or the Greek word basilicon, meaning ‘royal remedy’. The word ocimum is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘I feel’. It came to Europe via the Middle East, and the Egyptians passed on their knowledge of basil to the Europeans. It is also known as: Sweet basil, Common basil, Our herb, Witches herb, Albahaca, American Dittany, St Joseph’s Wort and Herb of Kings.

In India the Hindus believe that the Hindu Gods, Krishna and Vishnu gave basil (tulsi) its protective and inspirational properties. For this reason, many Hindus hold basil to be a sacred plant and it is often grown in the gardens of the devout. Basil is also sacred to the Brahman religion and worn to bring both spiritual and physical protection. Basil has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.

We know that basil was known to the ancient Egyptians: a sprig of basil was found during the excavation of a rubbish dump in the city of Memphis, dating back to the days of the Ptolemies or the Late Period.

In Europe, basil is a symbol of fertility, and in Italy it is known as a symbol of love because the leaves resemble hearts. Italian women would wear basil to charm and bewitch a man of their desire. Basil would also be added to food when it was thought that Venus’ enticing powers of love were failing to provide the desired results. In Crete, however, the herb is associated with evil and death. Medieval Europeans used basil to help relieve the pain of childbirth.

In Africa, the speakers of the Fang Tribe chew basil leaves to provide them with inspiration and assurance. Basil is one of the sacred herbs used in the Sabbat of Candlemas.

Black Pepper / Piper nigrum

The pepper plant is native to Malabar Coast of India. It is also known as ‘Piper’. Black pepper is one of the oldest known spices; the first recorded medicinal use of black pepper came from the seventh-century Tang Dynasty in China.

The Romans used black pepper as food flavouring, and it was massaged into Roman warriors before a battle to provide strength and stamina. It was also used to provide the same qualities to a man’s performance in the bedroom. Black pepper was also added into bath water during bathing rituals in Rome, especially before a hedonistic night of pleasure.

Black pepper is a reputed aphrodisiac, and references to its use as an aphrodisiac have been made throughout history. The use of black pepper in sexual matters was recorded in ancient Arabic sex manuals, referring to its erotic properties.

When Rome fell to the barbarians, the barbarians demanded horses, money and 300 pounds of black pepper. Black pepper was such a highly regarded luxury, the sea route to India and the Spice Islands were opened because of its high demand. At one point in time, wars were fought over black pepper, and it was traded ounce for ounce with gold. It was used to pay taxes and levies, rents and dowries. One pound of black pepper could buy a serf his freedom.

Chamomile / Chamaemelum nobilis / Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. There are two types of chamomile grown and used: German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). The name chamomile is derived from the Greek word khamaimelon, which means ‘earth apple’, or ‘ground apple’ due to the fresh herb’s scent being reminiscent of apples. The genus name, Matricaria, given to the German chamomile species means ‘matrix’ (womb), and it was this aspect for which the herb was used by the ancients: as a woman’s herb for relieving female conditions and aiding childbirth. Chamomile is also known as: Blood of Hestia, Chamomile from the Loins, Manzanilla, Camomyle, Maythen, Whig Plant, Melanthelaion, and Camomile.

The Egyptians used chamomile as a cure for a condition called ‘agu’, which is a form of malaria. The Egyptians dedicated chamomile to their sun gods since the flower reminded them of the sun. It was associated with the god Ra for its healing powers.

When the body of King Ramesses II was displayed in Paris, permission was obtained to take skin tissue for analysis. One of the findings was that the body and abdominal cavity of the king had been anointed with chamomile oil. It is believed that the chamomile oil was used in the mummification process of the King for its insect repelling qualities.

The Romans also dedicated chamomile to their gods. Chamomile was also used by India’s ancient Ayurvedic physicians. The Vikings added chamomile to hair shampoos to aid the lightening of blond hair.

Chamomile was taken to the Americas by the Pilgrim Fathers of both British and German descent. The herb is so popular to the Germans that they have given it the exaggerated label of alles zutraut, meaning ‘capable of anything’.

Chamomile was used by the ancient Egyptians and the Moors, and it was one of the Saxons’ nine sacred herbs, which they called ‘maythen’.

Cedarwood / Cedrus Atlantica / Juniperus virginiana

Cedar comes from the Semitic word signifying ‘power’ or ’strength’. Cedarwood is also known as ‘the tree of life or the ‘tree of the gods’, and is a renowned symbol of faith and strength. Cedarwood has been revered for its meditative and relaxing qualities since ancient times. Cedarwood’s ceremonial use has been recorded as far as 2000 years ago.

Cedarwood was sacred incense to the ancients, and the wood was used to build palaces and temples. Cedarwood was used to build the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Cedarwood is mentioned several times in the Bible in relation to fertility. Incense of cedarwood is used in religious ceremonies.

A clay tablet from 1800 B.C. Babylon mentions the trade of cedarwood essential oil. Cedarwood was used by the Egyptians for its preservative properties in the mummification process and cosmetics. The Egyptians believed that cedarwood extended the life. A Byzantine legend is of cedarwood being one of the three symbolic trees that grow at the gates of the ’symbolic garden’, alongside the cypress and the pine, all said to teach us moderation.

Cypress / Cupressus sempervirens

A native to the Mediterranean, the cypress tree has been in existence since the Pliocene (Tertiary) era. Cupressus sempervirens is Cypress’ botanical name. The word sempervirens means ‘ever lasting’. Cypress has long been associated with death, and is also known as the ‘Tree of Death’. The Cypress tree represents the sacred flame of life, the unchangeable, eternal essence. It is associated with the immortality of the soul. Cypress trees are planted in cemeteries throughout the Mediterranean, they are the companions to the survivors of the dead, hovering over existence and death and remaining the last loyal companions of the dead.

The Egyptians associated cypress with death, and also connected cypress to the Egyptian beliefs of the afterlife. They also used cypress for its preservative properties, and in mummification and ascensions processes.

The cypress tree was sacred to the Roman God Pluto, the ruler of the underworld. In Rome, it is also said that Cupid, the god of love, shot arrows made of cypress. The Greek god Jupiter had a sceptre made from cypress. The Greek god Aesculapius’ temple was said to be encircled with cypress trees. A Byzantine legend is of cypress being one of the three symbolic trees that grow at the gates of the ’symbolic garden’, alongside the cedarwood tree and the pine, all said to teach us moderation. The Tibetans use cypress as a purification incense. In Shintoism, the priests sceptre, called a shaku, was made from cypress wood.

Cypress was mentioned in an Assyrian text that is over 3,500 years old.

Frankincense / Boswellia carteri

Frankincense is also known as Olibanum, which was its original name before it was renamed Frankincense in the 10th century. The name Olibanum derives from ‘oil of Lebanon’ as frankincense is native to the Middle East. The name Frankincense was derived from a mediaeval French word meaning ‘luxuriant incense’. Frankincense’ s earliest known use was dated back over 5000 years ago, as incense. Its fragrance is thought to ascend and perfume the heavens.

Frankincense was highly prized by the ancients, and was the substance most likely to be burned as holy incense. It has been used since antiquity in India, the Middle East, Africa, and China and in the West by the Catholic Church as an incense and ceremonial oil. The Egyptians used frankincense in their temple ceremonies and rituals, as kohl for their eyes and as a rejuvenator of the skin. Frankincense was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, an ancient Egyptian King.

Jasmine / Jasminum officinale

Jasmine is native to the Himalayas and Asia. Jasmine is considered to be a sacred flower to the peoples of these areas. The Hindus strung jasmine flowers together to form garlands and presented then to their most honoured guests. Jasmine is the sacred flower of the Hindu love god, Kama. A fragrant emblem of love, jasmine flowers are often entwined into bridal flowers at Indian weddings. This custom is said to promise the bridle couple a deep and lasting affection for eternity. In India, Jasmine is known as ‘moonlight of the grove’ due to its ghostly pale flowers. It is also known by the names of Jessamine, Yasmin and the King of Flowers. Jasmine oil is known as ‘the King of oils’.

An ancient Indian myth of a princess who fell in love with the sun god Surya-Deva attempts to explain why the jasmine flower will only open its petals at night. According to the myth, the sun god rejected the princess’ love and she was so heartbroken that she killed herself. Her ashes were scattered to the ground, and from the ashes the beautiful jasmine grew. Since the sun god was responsible for her death, the jasmine flower would only open and release her perfume at night.

Throughout history, jasmine has been revered for its aphrodisiac qualities, and known as a plant of love with a great influence on both males and females.

Juniper / Juniperus communis