Aromatic oils and plants have been used for thousands of years, as herbal preparations, embalming and preserving the dead, incense, perfume and to help prevent disease. The ancient Egyptian culture clearly documented their use of aromatic medicine in their hieroglyphic records and papyrus manuscripts dating back to the reign of Khufu around 2800 BC. They used aromatics for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and to embalm the dead. Evidence of the use of herbs in the way of aromatic barks, resins, perfumed oils, wines and vinegar's were found dating back to 4500 BC. Egyptian priests were doctors and alchemists and used aromatic substances for healing. Tutankhamen's tomb dated to 1350 BC, and opened in 1922 AD, contained pots which still had traces of frankincense, myrrh and styrax. These oils prevented the bodies from rotting so when the mummies were discovered many years later they were perfectly preserved. They were renowned for herbal preparations and ointments and were experts ...