Simply Ask Aromatherapy

Simply Ask Aromatherapy

History of Essential Oils - China

History of Essential Oils - China

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

By the time the ancient Egyptians were using the oils, the ancient Chinese were also aware of their benefits.

In China Shen Nong, the Yan Emperor, sometimes known as the Emperor of the Five Grains, in “The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic” was said that have listed 365 plants used medicinally. This work is considered to be the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeia, dating back to 2737 BC.

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

By the time the ancient Egyptians were using the oils, the ancient Chinese were also aware of their benefits.

In China Shen Nong, the Yan Emperor, sometimes known as the Emperor of the Five Grains, in “The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic” was said that have listed 365 plants used medicinally. This work is considered to be the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeia, dating back to 2737 BC.

Sheng Nong

Sheng Nong

Later the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, 2698 BC to 2599 BC included a section on herbal medicine in his texts on disease "The Yellow Emperors Classic on Internal Medicine"  with references to essential oils. The first text, the Huangdi Neijing Suwen or Suwen, Plain Questions, covers the theoretical foundation of chinese medicine, diagnosis methods and treatment methods. The second and generally less referred-to text, Huangdi Neijing Lingshu, Spiritual Pivot, deals with acupuncture in great detail.

Later the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, 2698 BC to 2599 BC included a section on herbal medicine in his texts on disease "The Yellow Emperors Classic on Internal Medicine"  with references to essential oils. The first text, the Huangdi Neijing Suwen or Suwen, Plain Questions, covers the theoretical foundation of chinese medicine, diagnosis methods and treatment methods. The second and generally less referred-to text, Huangdi Neijing Lingshu, Spiritual Pivot, deals with acupuncture in great detail.

Huang Di

Huang Di

In 1529 Pen Ts'ao on Marteria of Li Shih Chen, a list of 23 oils is described, including essence of rose: liver, stomach and anti-depressor Jasmine: General tonic for most body parts. Camomile: dizziness, headaches and colds. Ginger: malaria, coughs and throat mucous. With such references, it demonstrate that what some will call the new age therapy is in fact one of the oldest therapies known to man.

In 1529 Pen Ts'ao on Marteria of Li Shih Chen, a list of 23 oils is described, including essence of rose: liver, stomach and anti-depressor Jasmine: General tonic for most body parts. Camomile: dizziness, headaches and colds. Ginger: malaria, coughs and throat mucous. With such references, it demonstrate that what some will call the new age therapy is in fact one of the oldest therapies known to man.