Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Frankincense, myrrh and rose, all still traditional favourites in an Arab household's fragrant armoury, have been therapeutic favourites for centuries. The Arabs might not have been the first to use aromatherapy but, collectively, they certainly played a starring role in its evolution.
Since the birth of Egyptian civilisation when priests used fragrances from plants, herbs, resins and flowers in their rituals and in their roles as perhaps the earliest 'psychiatrists' to treat depression, manias and neuroses.
Their use of aromatherapy or essential oils in the mummification process of the Pharaohs' bodies is legendary but others are less well known.
In 1817, the Ebers Papyrus, (1500BC) an important medical scroll, over 870-feet in length, was discovered. It revealed over 800 recipes for 'prescriptions' to treat various maladies.This included the first-ever recipe for a deodorant, showing the ancient Egyptians took personal hygiene very seriously.
The use of myrrh featured strongly in the Papyrus. It was considered sacred by the Egyptians who believed the myrrh tree was created from the tears of the god, Horus. Myrrh, or commiphora myrrha, can prevent bacterial growth and because of this was used in embalming. However, it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and has fungicidal, sedating and healing properties, amongst others. Traditionally used for mouth ulcers, throat infections and stubborn coughs it is still used by many Arab families today.
Legendary beauty Queen Cleopatra is said to have employed the use of aromatherapy to enhance her considerable charms and perhaps this was a factor in the high esteem in which perfumes were held in Egypt.
In fact, so costly were perfumes it is said that workers in the perfume factories of Alexandria were forced to remove their clothing before returning home because the valuable perfumes may have adhered to their garments!
One important Arab in the evolution of aromatherapy was Ibn Sina.
Born in Persia (980 to 1037AD) Ibn Sina, or Avicenna as he became known in the West (as a result of the Latin translation of his Arab name) was a great physician and philosopher.
He began studying medicine at the age of 13 and went on to write over 200 books. His book The Canon of Medicine is considered the single most important book in the history of medicine and was still in use in the medical Universities of Europe until the late 18th Century.
The first book he ever wrote was about the rose - the 'Queen of all Flowers' is said to have inspired him to perfect the technique of distillation and produce rose water or 'my ward'.
Distillation is still the method by which most essential oils are extracted.
Thus, a great milestone in the development of aromatherapy and perfumery was reached as a result of the brilliance of Ibn Sinna, who surely must also be credited with being the man responsible for producing the prototype of modern day perfumes and starting off what has become a multi-billion dinar industry today.
Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive in the world typically requiring 4,000 kilos of rose petals to produce just one kilo of pure rose oil. Turkey, Bulgaria, Morocco and China are traditional producers, but nowadays one of the most sought after rose crops is the organically grown Taif Rose from Saudi Arabia.
Rose is a wonderful soothing oil and is a traditional aphrodisiac for men and women, it is considered a tonic for the womb, can help period pains, regulate menstruation and fertility but is best avoided during pregnancy. It strengthens the heart, both physically, reducing palpitations and high blood pressure and emotionally by promoting feelings of love and joy. It can reduce stress, induce feelings of euphoria and lessen frigidity. In skin care it is excellent for mature, sensitive skin as its calming and regenerative powers can produce wonderful results.
Rose oils can range from the rich dark orange of a rose absolute through muddy greens to the colourless pure rose otto.
Frequently rose essential oil is sold already diluted in jojoba oil due to its high cost and this is perfect for using during a massage of the face or body and can be added to your bath.
Jojoba oil is a wonderful hair treatment as jojoba is not really an oil but a liquid wax which mimics the natural oil in our skin and hair, (sebum). This is extremely nourishing and balancing for the hair and scalp and as it is able to penetrate the hair shaft, unlike olive or coconut oil for example, it REALLY treats the hair and can help prevent hair loss, stimulate growth and balance an itchy, oily or sensitive scalp.
You can massage into your hair and scalp and leave for one hour or longer before using a non-detergent shampoo.
Frankincense from Oman is still collected from the rather disappointingly scrubby bush-like tree by hand. The resin can be found in local souqs and is still burnt in the bakhoura to ward away evil spirits and protect from the "eyoun" or evil eye.
It is my favourite oil for panic attacks as it will immediately slow down your respiratory rate and have a clearing effect on your respiratory system so it is also considered good for coughs or chest infections and for the urinary tract.
In skin care, it is a powerful anti-ageing oil as it regenerates the skin cells. Some people still chew the raw resin and it has been attributed with anti-cancer properties.
Blend it with some rose essential oil for a truly luxurious, heady experience that promises to melt away your cares and woes.
Next week
Betsy answers your questions about acne and hair loss.
BETSY SAYS RELAX ...
Instead of scoffing that chocolate cake or the kid's leftover macaroni and cheese when you are feeling stressed, turn instead to bananas, walnuts, blueberries, some avocado or even a slice or two of turkey or a tin of tuna. These foods may not be on your list of 'comfort' foods but they will boost your vitamin and mineral content, including the calming hormone, serotonin and leave you feeing better for longer than a sugary or mega-carb snack.
If you only do one thing this week
Read a book, or at least begin one. Many adults have lost the reading habit, reaching instead for the laptop or the TV remote control. Keep a good book at your bedside and try to get through a chapter a night. Readers are said to have higher IQs than non-readers and for many people it is the perfect 'sleeping pill' helping them to relax and drop off into a deep sleep.
