 • In ancient times there was a perfume made from Rose and Sandalwood called Aytar.
• In Australia Aboriginals still burn Eucalyptus as a part of ritual of purification and fumigation against illnesses.
• Native Americans also preserve the ancient tradition to burn certain plants with aromatic merits such as Sage or Cedarwood to produce a purifying smoke called “smudging”.
• The oldest medical text describing practice which based itself on aromatics is represented by two clay tablets from the Sumerian period (3500 BC).
• The Maya of Mexico burned balls of Copal incense to worship their gods.
• Balls of incense were present in Tutankhamen's tomb when opened.
• Incense is still widely used for an offering and purification ritual in Tibet and Nepal.
• Japanese “Art of Incense” ceremony (“Kodo Ceremony”) began in the 15th cent.
• The Sufis associate the experience of the divine with the rose.
• The first rosary was made from compressed rose leaves.
• The only place of our body where the central nervous system has a direct contact with the external environment is the olfactory cells in the nose.
• Contemporary healers consider an essential oil to have a particular connection to the subtle energy or individual 'aura', thus having a revitalizing and harmonizing effect.
• Patchouli, Myrrh, Vetiver, Frankincense and Elemi are associated with the base chakra.
• Rose, Inula, Bergamot, Melissa and Jasmine are associated with the heart chakra.
• Asians are considered to be the first people to use the art of perfumery and value the power of fragrance.
• In Britain flowers are symbolic:
- the white lily means purity, innocence and virginity;
- the bluebell symbolizes loyalty, assurance and truth;
- the mimosa is associated with sensitivity and delicacy;
- a single red rose means “I love you”;
- a bouquet of mint says “You should find a spouse of your age and background!”
• In India the Basil plant or tulsi is believed to be holy, that’s why its roots are shaped into sacred beads and rosaries.
• In Tibet people wear dry incense as a talisman to protect them from evil spirits.
• In Mexico a newborn has a clove of garlic hung around the neck to protect him from evil
• Rosemary, Mugwort and St. John's wort have been considered to be magic plants and possess clairvoyant powers, thus being used as charms against evil.
• For a long time it was a customary practice in Scandinavia to carry a lump of crude camphor as a protective measure during the periods of infectious disease.
• Little or no preparation is necessary to use aromatherapy for personal benefit.
• France is the country where most of the advanced work on Aromatherapy was done. French physicians complete medical schools, and then have a chance to continue their professional studying in order to be qualified and allowed to use aromatherapy medical prescriptions in their future medical practices.
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