Did You Know?
Early civilizations empirically discovered the therapeutic properties of plants long before modern science revealed their chemical healing properties.
The Egyptians and their embalming methods are well known to the modern world, providing a legacy of evidence documenting the powerful effects of plant extracts on human health .
Galen, the famous surgeon to Roman gladiators, used medicinal plants – especially myrrh – to heal their battle wounds. It is recorded that no gladiator died from wound injuries during Galen’s term of office.
Maybe less known, but nonetheless self-evident, is the experience of the Moluccas population of Ternate (Indonesia). After the Dutch settlers destroyed the clove trees on the island, epidemics became rife. It was later recognized that the strong antiseptic and bactericidal properties of clove had protected the indigenous population against infectious diseases. A century ago clove was used to disinfect operating theatres and the hands of surgeons, and is still used as an antiseptic in modern dentistry.
In the early 20th century the French chemist and researcher, René-Maurice Gattefossé, who is considered the father of modern aromatherapy, severely burnt his hand in a laboratory accident. The only available substance to ease his acute pain was a nearby container of distilled lavender essential oil into which he plunged his hand. A spectacular healing resulted with neither infection nor scars.
These are but a few examples which document the impressive healing power of plants, and essential oils in particular.
Essential oils are considered the quintessence of a plant’s healing potential. Knowing this helps us understand the extraordinary power of essential oils and obliges us to use and treat plants with respect and care. A successful formulation relies not only on the healing potential within each ingredient, but also requires skilful application of scientific principles to ensure optimal synergy of the ingredients. AromAfrica products are carefully formulated to maximize the synergy between pure essential oils, vegetal oils and the other ingredients.
Inspired by nature, enhanced by science
