Aromatherapy in Islamic History

An illustration of aromatherapy oil.

Reviewing its history, the concept of aromatherapy has developed for quite a long time in Islamic civilization. Islamic scientists developed a method of treatment with aromatherapy in the 7th century AD.

Through the hands of Muslim chemists and doctors in the era of the caliphate, the technology for making essential oils and treatment with aromatherapy developed rapidly. It is known that the Prophet Muhammad SAW also had an adoration for aroma.

As reported from various sources, around the 7th century AD, Arab chemists tried to find the "quintessence" of plants. Then, in the 9th century AD, the famous Muslim chemist, Yaqub al-Kindi in his book entitled "Perfume Chemistry and Distillation" was able to create various types of essential oils. In addition, there is another Muslim chemist named Jabir Ibn Hayyan who can create technology for refining essential oils from various plants and flowers.

As time went on, the Western Historian of Science named Marlene Ericksen recognized Islamic civilization as a pioneer of modern aromatherapy. According to her, steam distillation was first discovered by the youngest Muslim doctor named Ibn Sina (Avicenna).

Islam as the Pioneer of Modern Aromatherapy

Ibn Sina is known as the first person to make a distillation means for essential oils. He created a circular pipe system that could produce plant water vapour and hot steam to cool it more effectively so that the concentration of essential oils could be extracted.

It doesn't stop there. Around the 13th century AD, a Muslim doctor named al-Samarqandi also developed a treatment with fragrances. In one of the treatises he wrote, he discussed various aromatherapy in the form of aromatic baths, aromatherapy powders, and hot steam with fragrances from various flowers. Al-Samarqandi is known for practising aromatherapy to treat ear and sinus infections.

In this modern era, aromatherapy has developed a lot with a variety of aromas on offer. Each scent that comes from different types of plants has different benefits. Millennials are also fond of aromatherapy as a stress reliever and various mental stresses they experience. Its uses also vary, ranging from aromatherapy candles, diffusers and many others.

*Reference: https://kumparan.com/hijab-lifestyle/aromaterapi-dalam-sejarah-islam-yang-telah-dinikmati-selama-ribuan-tahun-1wrGBJ2YIT2