Sweet Oily Habits

11/15/2020

History of Essential Oils

A major historical shift began in the 19th century when new developments in chemistry increased the sophistication and understanding of distillation methods. These advances led René Gattefossé (1881–1950), a French chemist and perfumist, to begin a more rigorous study of essential oils in research and practice. In fact, Gattefossé is credited as the first to coin the phrase “aromatherapy.” Medical doctors in France (and other areas around Europe) dispensed essential oils in their practice and to this day receive some training in medical school regarding their safety.

The modern view of aromatherapy is evolving at a rapid pace as more research is being done on essential oils and their constituents. As technology continues to advance, extraction methods are improving and the many benefits of plant derivatives are becoming better understood. Traditional methods have certainly provided an excellent historical framework; however, much research is still needed to fully understand the massive potential of essential oils in managing wellness.

11/08/2020

History of Essential Oils

Between 500 and 1300 AD, China was a leading world power with advances in science and technology that superseded any other civilization of the time. Traditional Chinese practices continue to be used to this day and still rely on the use of various plant materials for health and wellness. Legend takes us back to a man named Shennong, an emperor and teacher. Although legend tells us that Shennong understood the effects of plants due to having a transparent body that allowed him to ingest many different herbs and directly “see” how they affected his body, he also left behind texts describing his research on hundreds of different types of plants. Protocols based on his experiences and research have been passed down through generations to this day, and still exert influence on modern health care.

Although the scientific advances made by China were long isolated from the rest of the world, eventually a stable trade route opened up between Europe and Asia. Perfumes, herbs, and spices were commonly traded along this route. Europe quickly became an epicenter of perfumery with scents from sandalwood, chamomile, sage, thyme, lemon, and clove regularly used during personal care regimens.

11/01/2020

History of Essential Oils

The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). The Ayurvedic tradition was developed in India over the course of 5,000 years and is one of the oldest systems in the world. In fact, many of the Ayurvedic practices precede written text and were passed down by word of mouth. Today, the majority of the people in India follow the Ayurvedic tradition exclusively or combine it with Western practices.

The Ayurvedic practice stresses the use of the Earth’s elements to find balance in the body, and, in turn, good health. Ayurvedic physicians recommend individualized treatment plans that include the use of herbal mixtures. The original works describing this system and their protocols are still commonly used today. Although the methods vary widely, the Ayurvedic use of plant and aromatic compounds is currently taught in over 100 accredited universities in India. Emerging research is now being performed to validate many protocols rooted in this tradition.

10/25/2020

History of Essential Oils

In medieval Persia (now known as Iran), many were similarly harnessing the power of plants. The people in this region regularly used and traded resins and spices that were prized for perfumery as well as maintaining health. Avicenna (980–1037 AD), a Persian doctor, wrote extensively on health and wellness and is credited as the father of aromatherapy as we now know it. He also left a lasting mark in the field of chemistry for his experimentation with distillation. He attempted various distillation methods using flowers and was eventually able to isolate the scent of the rose as well as produce rose water.

10/18/2020

History of Essential Oils

In ancient Rome, aromatics were equally important in culture and health. The Romans were known for their scented baths, perfumery, and massages using plant extracts. The scientific literature discovered from this time period shows that plant extracts and aromatic compounds were widely used for their health benefits. Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD), Dioscorides (40–90 AD), and Galen (130–200 AD), well-known Roman scientists and physicians, all mentioned plant oils in their written works. Galen, an especially talented surgeon who relied extensively upon the teachings and methods of the Greek physician Hippocrates, used plant extracts during his work on the medical team at the Coliseum. There he performed surgeries on injured gladiators. Although many of his written works were tragically destroyed in a fire, his research influenced medicinal practices throughout Europe.

10/11/2020

History of Essential Oils

Around 2000 BCE, the first civilizations in Europe were emerging in Greece, and with their development came an interest in perfumery and other plant-based treatments. The learned Greeks soon found themselves in Egypt to study medicine. Men like Homer (lived around 850 BCE), Hippocrates (460–370 BCE), Herodotus (484–425 BCE), and Plutarch (46–120 AD) took the traditions of the Egyptians and began to learn more about aromatics and plants. Their research permeated throughout Greek culture, influencing the practices of the time. The Greeks also worked on increasing the sophistication of extraction methods. There is written documentation of solvent extractions that used wine and fat mediums to pull the volatile compounds from plants.

10/09/2020

https://youtu.be/wmvuQ7cplGo

The Arborvitae tree is a hardy, evergreen tree also known as the Western Redcedar. As a species of Thuja, however, Arborvitae actually comes from the cypress family, not the cedar family. Arborvitae trees can grow up to 230 feet (70 m) tall. Some trees can live well over a thousand years, with the oldest having survived for 1460 years. Arborvitae repel insects, including termites.

Native Americans have used Arborvitae trees for generations. Historically, the wood was used for building vessels, totem poles, and homes. The roots and bark could be used to make other items like baskets, rope, and twine. The Western Redcedar was ideal for these kinds of projects due to its chemical makeup and ability to repels insects, minimizing damage and maximizing preservation.

The essential oil is produced through steam distillation of the wood. The sawdust and residual materials of the wood from lumber processing are used to produce the oil, which ensures that no trees are cut unnecessarily for only oil production purposes.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Sourcing

The timber industry has been sourcing Arborvitae for decades. The Arborvitae timber industry is highly managed and sustainable, but unfortunately, in the past, the leftover waste product, i.e. sawdust, was burned. Now, however, through partnering with the industry, that sawdust is distilled into our Arborvitae essential oil. We are able to use this residual material for a beautiful purpose—sustainably, responsibly providing you with this essential oil for many years to come.

Giant Arborvitae is also known as "The Tree of Life". The essential oil distilled from its woody fibers is sustainably sourced, and very high in esters. The ...