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The first use of aromatherapy by homo sapiens has been traced to the Neolithic Period (7000- 4000 BC) when Stone Age people made scented oils by combining olive and sesame seed oils with fragrant plants. Since then scented oils have been used by people all over the world throughout history.

Egyptians used aromatherapy 5000 years ago. They used fragrant oils for massage, bathing and medicine; they burned incense in religious ceremonies and used aromatic cedar oil to embalm their dead. Cleopatra used aromatherapy to make custom-blended perfumes that were the secrets to her seduction abilities.

Ancient Chinese civilizations also used forms of aromatics. Shen Nung’s herbal book containing detailed information on more than 300 plants and their uses dates back to approximately 2700 BC. The use of aromatics in China is linked to other ancient therapies such as massage and acupressure.

Aromatherapy has also been used for many centuries in India. The traditional medical system of India, Ayurveda, uses fresh and dried herbs and aromatic massage as important aspects of treatment.

The Greeks acquired knowledge of aromatherapy from the Egyptians then used it to further their own discoveries. They found that the fragrance of some flowers were relaxing while others were stimulating. They used olive oil as a base oil to absorb the aroma from herbs or flowers. The perfumed oils were used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.