HISTORY

Historical background

Human discovered the properties of plants from a very early age. The use of aromatic and essential oils has been found in various cultures over the centuries, as knowledge of the power of healing herbs came from the East and the Mediterranean culture.

The history of aromatherapy dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by distilleries, utensils and other aromatic utensils that have come to light from time to time in excavations.

Aromatic substances were considered the most sacred and expensive goods. Priests used frankincense, plants, flowers, balsamic wood and resins in religious ceremonies, as the widespread use of aromatic elements was performed for sacrifices to the gods.

Where we can find essential oils

The essential oils give the characteristic aroma and flavor to herbs and spices, the aroma to flowers and fruits. They are secreted by special glands and cells located in various parts of the plant. An essential oil is made up of many organic compounds. The proportion of the specific components of each essential oil gives it its properties. Chemically, they have nothing to do with real oils (glycerides). They are formed in specialized cells or cell formations or in the intercellular space in various parts of aromatic plants. They can be found:

• On the petals (jasmine, lavender, rose, chamomile)
• In the leaves (eucalyptus, geranium, thyme, mint)
• In woody tissue (sandalwood)
• On the fruit (juniper, lemon, bergamot)
• In the seeds (anise, fennel)
• At the roots (angelica, vetiver, iris)
• In rhizomes (ginger)
• In pectin (benzoin, myrrh, pine)
• In the bark (cinnamon)
• In fruit peels (orange oil, orange oil)
• Throughout the plant (mint, oregano)

They can be found in one or more parts of a plant and are essential for its survival. They affect its growth and reproduction, attract insects for pollination, prevent it from being eaten by herbivores and protect it from disease.