Simply Ask Aromatherapy
Simply Ask Aromatherapy
History of Essential Oils - Rome
History of Essential Oils - Rome
The Romans gained their knowledge from the Greeks. They used essential oils by diffusing them in their temples and political buildings. They were fond of soaking in oil-scented baths, then receiving a fragrant oil massage. They were great believers in hygiene to promote health and also place great stock in aromatherapy and the power of fragrances.
Galen, under Roman employ, used plants frequently in the treatment of Roman Gladiators. It is said not a single gladiator died of battle wounds while under the care of Galen. Because of this reputation, he was appointed as personal physician to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He wrote books on the theory of plant medicine and divided plants into various medicinal categories known as "Galenic". He developed remedies for various ailments, and during the process invented the original cold cream, the prototype for all the ointments in use today.
As the Roman Empire expanded, the use of these creams, healing poultices, and other medicinal remedies spread throughout their area of influence. The outlying colonies incorporated this new knowledge with their own use of native plants.
There is no doubt that the hedonistic and inspired Romans took the use of scents to new heights. In Nero’s palace, silver spice-filled pipes perfumed the guests as they were entertained. Perfumed earthenware cups were especially popular and over 1,000 fragrant watering spots were scattered around the city. Of course, the Roman bath, incorporating massage and oiling, is legendary to this day. By the first century, Rome became the world capital of bathing. About one thousand bathhouses were located throughout the city, with some of the larger ones accommodating up to two thousand bathers at a time. People came to bathe, socialize, and afterward, receive a massage with fragrance oils and unguents.
The Romans gained their knowledge from the Greeks. They used essential oils by diffusing them in their temples and political buildings. They were fond of soaking in oil-scented baths, then receiving a fragrant oil massage. They were great believers in hygiene to promote health and also place great stock in aromatherapy and the power of fragrances.
Galen, under Roman employ, used plants frequently in the treatment of Roman Gladiators. It is said not a single gladiator died of battle wounds while under the care of Galen. Because of this reputation, he was appointed as personal physician to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He wrote books on the theory of plant medicine and divided plants into various medicinal categories known as "Galenic". He developed remedies for various ailments, and during the process invented the original cold cream, the prototype for all the ointments in use today.
As the Roman Empire expanded, the use of these creams, healing poultices, and other medicinal remedies spread throughout their area of influence. The outlying colonies incorporated this new knowledge with their own use of native plants.
There is no doubt that the hedonistic and inspired Romans took the use of scents to new heights. In Nero’s palace, silver spice-filled pipes perfumed the guests as they were entertained. Perfumed earthenware cups were especially popular and over 1,000 fragrant watering spots were scattered around the city. Of course, the Roman bath, incorporating massage and oiling, is legendary to this day. By the first century, Rome became the world capital of bathing. About one thousand bathhouses were located throughout the city, with some of the larger ones accommodating up to two thousand bathers at a time. People came to bathe, socialize, and afterward, receive a massage with fragrance oils and unguents.
Roman Bath
Roman Bath
Aromatics were to become so popular, that a special edict was declared in 30A.D. that forbade the personal use of exotic scents as the supplies for use on ritual altars were growing scarce. Later, when the seat of learning moved east from Rome to Constantinople, perfumed arts maintained their popularity. The increase of trade routes to Arabia and India brought new varieties of plants and oils.
The royal Roman celebration banquets were lavish and were of aromatic extravagance. First at the arrival of the guests, hands and feet washed with scented waters. Rose crowns were put on each person's head and garlands around their necks. Wine was flavored of rose fragrance as well and drunk by helping their livers digesting before, during and after the feasts. But it was helping them to eat more also. The wealthy were burning incense daily in their homes and during celebrations, funerals, and religious services. Physicians treated illnesses with fragrant oils ant ointments. Athletes and soldiers anointed themselves to gain courage and strength. Being crowned with aromatic garlands honored victorious heroes.
Aromatics were to become so popular, that a special edict was declared in 30A.D. that forbade the personal use of exotic scents as the supplies for use on ritual altars were growing scarce. Later, when the seat of learning moved east from Rome to Constantinople, perfumed arts maintained their popularity. The increase of trade routes to Arabia and India brought new varieties of plants and oils.
The royal Roman celebration banquets were lavish and were of aromatic extravagance. First at the arrival of the guests, hands and feet washed with scented waters. Rose crowns were put on each person's head and garlands around their necks. Wine was flavored of rose fragrance as well and drunk by helping their livers digesting before, during and after the feasts. But it was helping them to eat more also. The wealthy were burning incense daily in their homes and during celebrations, funerals, and religious services. Physicians treated illnesses with fragrant oils ant ointments. Athletes and soldiers anointed themselves to gain courage and strength. Being crowned with aromatic garlands honored victorious heroes.