Aromatic oils were burnt on altars to appease the gods and channel divine knowledge. Preparations of incense and perfume were used to elevate the human spirit to other dimensions of awareness. The Greeks and Romans were less adventurous, although the Greeks used psycho-aromatherapy. Wall pictures show flowers placed on the head to treat depression and fatigue. The Greeks ascribed a divine origin to all aromatic plants and there was a Greek temple of aromatherapy.
Records show treatment using aromatic oils together with massage, appearing as a constant strand.
Recent History From these early days, references to the use of aromatic oils continued to appear in text and pictures, both in medical and religious contexts. The Chinese used these together with their traditional herbal medicines and acupuncture. Aromatic oils were recognised and used in biblical times. In the Middle Ages, incense and aromas were used as disinfectants and to purify the air from poisons and diseases. This included the use of aromatic oils and flourished until the late 19th century when more scientific medicine slowly became available.