The use of essential oils dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations recognizing the power of plants and their aromatic compounds for healing and spiritual purposes. The first recorded use of essential oils was in ancient Egypt, where they were incorporated into perfumes, cosmetics, and mummification rituals. The Egyptians understood the therapeutic properties of plants like frankincense and myrrh, using them for both medicinal and religious purposes.

In ancient Greece and Rome, essential oils were used in baths, massages, and as remedies for various ailments. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, believed in the healing properties of aromatic plants and recommended them to treat everything from wounds to infections.

The practice of essential oils continued to evolve, with the Middle Ages seeing their use in Europe for medicinal purposes, particularly during outbreaks of the plague. By the 20th century, essential oils gained worldwide recognition with the emergence of aromatherapy, thanks to the pioneering work of René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist who discovered the healing properties of lavender oil.

Today, essential oils are used globally for their therapeutic, cosmetic, and aromatic benefits, continuing a rich legacy that blends science and nature.