Owls and Orchids

by OCLC’s Herbal and Essential Oil blogger, Gwenn

Essential Oils (EOs) have become an increasingly popular topic in the world of holistic healing. Although their use dates back to antiquity, there is currently a significant revival of interest and research into the global varieties of essential oils (EOs). Historically, ancient Egypt is credited with being the first to use essential oils as perfumes and medicines. There is clear evidence of this found in the excavated tombs. The oils themselves were preserved in alabaster jars.  Many “recipes” / formulas were preserved in hieroglyphics.  Evidence points to the inclusion of EOs  in courtship and dating, marriage ceremonies, funerary services, religious rituals, and healing medicines.  However, the use of essential oils was not exclusive to the ancient Egyptians. There is also substantial evidence that ancient China, Greece, Rome, Arabia, and Israel also placed significant value on the use of EOs.  The rising popularity of…