Essential Oils in the Ancient World ~ Part I

Essential oils are gaining worldwide recognition for their versatility, but their use is not necessarily new. The use of botanicals as healing agents is a long-standing practice throughout human history. In fact, essential oils and other botanicals have been used in wellness practices as early as 3500 B.C. That’s prehistoric!

This week, we're exploring the use* of essential oils in ancient Egypt, their increased exposure, and how Young Living’s Seed to Seal^® process is the evolutionary pinnacle of thousands of years of essential oil production and use. First up, let’s explore a culture where some of the first recorded uses of essential oil precursors began: Egypt.

Ancient Oils in Ancient Egypt

The fertile soil around the Nile River became a source of life throughout Africa. The kingdom of Egypt grew around the delta of the Nile, and its name became synonymous with power, wealth, and technological advancement. 

The abundance of food in Egypt, owed to the richness of the land, allowed for the development of a rich culture, which included some of the earliest advances in writing, agriculture, urbanization, and central government. In addition, this progressive culture was the perfect stage for innovation in herbal medicine.

One of the first recognized compilations by ancient healers is called the Ebers Papyrus. Although it dates from approximately 1500 B.C., it is believed to have been copied from earlier texts. The scroll contains recipes, ceremonies, and other information that Egyptians deemed worthy of preservation.

But, of course, the most famous Egyptian use of aromatic botanicals is in mummification. In preparing the bodies of the deceased for burial, embalmers used various botanicals such as cinnamon, resins such as frankincense and myrrh, and an early form of cedar or juniper essential oil.

With such cutting-edge advances, Egypt’s international renown drew researchers from neighboring countries, leading to expanded use of botanicals in everyday life. Stay tuned for our next post, as we discuss how Egypt’s influence precipitated the spread of essential oil wisdom throughout the ancient world.

*Information regarding traditional use is for informational purposes only and is not based on modern science, nor should this information be construed as expected results from use.