Aromatherapy: A Journey Through Time and Cultures
India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, holds the treasure trove of Ayurveda—a sophisticated and ancient system of healing. Rooted in texts like the Rig Veda (circa 4500 BCE) and Charaka Samhita, Ayurveda integrates the therapeutic use of aromatic plants, forming the early foundation of what we
now call aromatherapy.

Aromatic botanicals were revered not just for their medicinal qualities but also for their spiritual significance. Incense and scented flowers were inseparable from religious ceremonies, believed to purify the soul and elevate spiritual consciousness.

Aromatherapy in Ancient Indian Texts
The Ramayana offers a vivid example of aromatherapy’s healing power. In the Yuddha Kanda, Lakshmana, struck by Indrajit’s divine weapon, lay unconscious. The royal physician Sushena prescribed four miraculous herbs: Mruthasanjeevani, Vishalyakarani, Sandhanakarani, and Savarnyakarani. Unable to identify the plants, Hanuman carried the entire Dronagiri Hills back to the battlefield. The aroma of Mruthasanjeevani revived Lakshmana, while other herbs healed his wounds. This early narrative showcases the profound reliance on plant-based remedies for both physical and spiritual revival.

Similarly, Buddhist scriptures highlight the medicinal use of floral aromas during Buddha’s era. Jivaka, a famed physician, used aromatic therapies to treat Buddha for ailments like intestinal blockage and injuries. In one case, Buddha was advised to inhale the aroma of boiled cannabis leaves to alleviate bodily pain, underscoring aromatherapy’s integration into daily healing practices.

Aromatic Medicine Across Indian Dynasties
The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka’s recovery from injuries sustained in the Ujjain battle reflects the Buddhist tradition of herbal medicine. Scented baths, enriched with fragrant flowers, were pivotal in his treatment, blending relaxation and rejuvenation.

Later, during the Mughal era, the use of essential oils flourished, blending Persian influences with Indian traditions. Rose essential oil, famously discovered by Asmat Begum (mother of Empress Nur Jahan), became synonymous with luxury and spiritual refinement. Mughal queens were known to indulge in
aromatic baths with jasmine, rose, and champaka, not only for beauty but also for mental well-being. Akbar even developed perfumes for palace rituals and personal use, highlighting aromatherapy’s role in fostering harmony and relaxation.

Global Aromatherapy Connections

Egypt
The Egyptians, as early as 4500 BCE, were pioneers in using aromatic oils for embalming, medicine, and cosmetics. “Kyphi,” a renowned blend of 16 ingredients, was used as incense, perfume, and medicine. Aromatic gums like cedar and myrrh, found on mummies, underscore their advanced understanding of preservation and healing.

China
The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), written around 2600 BCE, includes the earliest documented uses of aromatics like ginger and cinnamon for healing. This text still influences Traditional Chinese Medicine practices today.

Greece and Rome
Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates (the “Father of Medicine”), extensively documented the medicinal uses of plants. Hypocrites famously said, “A perfumed bath and a scented massage every day is the way to good health.” Romans, inheriting Greek knowledge, popularized the use of oils in baths and massages, blending therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.

Persia
Avicenna, a Persian polymath, revolutionized aromatherapy by perfecting the distillation of essential oils around 1000 CE. His writings detailed the properties of over 800 plants, influencing both Eastern and Western medicine for centuries.

Aromatherapy in Modern Science
Modern aromatherapy owes much to French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, who coined the term “aromatherapy” in 1928. After accidentally burning his hand, he discovered lavender oil’s remarkable ability to heal without scarring. His research highlighted the antimicrobial and healing properties of essential oils, spurring their use in hospitals during the Spanish flu pandemic.

Research and Relevance Today

Scientific studies validate many traditional uses of aromatherapy:
• Lavender: Known for its calming and wound-healing properties, studies confirm its efficacy in reducing
anxiety and promoting sleep.
• Eucalyptus: Research shows its ability to alleviate respiratory issues and boost immune response.
• Frankincense: Long revered for spiritual rituals, modern studies reveal its anti-inflammatory and
cancer-inhibiting properties

From ancient rituals to cutting-edge research, aromatherapy bridges tradition and science. The timeless
connection between plants and healing continues to inspire wellness practices worldwide, blending the
wisdom of the past with innovations of the present.