ancient Egypt

Posted on October 12, 2023October 17, 2023 by Tony Bierman — 2 Comments

Cedarwood: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Aromatherapy

Cedarwood has a long-standing history in various cultures as a natural aromatic. Originating from trees of the genus Cedrus, this fragrant wood has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Sumerians.

History

In ancient Egypt, cedarwood was highly prized, both for its aromatic qualities and its preservative properties. It played a role in mummification processes and was also used in cosmetics and perfumery. Cedarwood was mentioned in the Bible as a material used in the construction of temples and palaces, symbolizing durability and strength.

Culture

Across different cultures, cedarwood has been seen as a symbol of protection and wisdom. Native American cultures have used it in purification ceremonies, while in Tibetan culture, it’s a traditional ingredient in incense used in temples and homes. In the Middle East, cedarwood has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, leveraging its supposed antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Use as a Natural Aromatic

Today, cedarwood oil is extracted through steam distillation and finds applications in a variety of fields:

Perfumery: Its sweet, woody aroma is used as a base note in a variety of fragrances.
Aromatherapy: Due to its calming and grounding effects, cedarwood oil is often used in aromatherapy to help with relaxation and stress relief.
Household: The wood itself, and sometimes the oil, is used in sachets or blocks to scent and protect clothing from moths.
Cosmetics and Skincare: Its purported anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties have led to its inclusion in creams, lotions, and other skincare products.
Holistic Medicine: While scientific evidence is limited, some claim it can aid in sleep, alleviate minor aches and pains, and even improve focus.
Industrial Use: Cedarwood is sometimes used in small amounts in commercial products to give a ‘woody’ scent and also to act as a natural preservative.

Find home fragrances: Cedarwood

Posted on October 2, 2023October 8, 2023 by Tony Bierman — 5 Comments

A History of Cloves

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and have been used as a spice and medicinal herb for thousands of years. From a local spice and medicinal herb in Indonesia and Asia, cloves have spread worldwide, known for their distinct flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Here’s a brief history of cloves:

Ancient Times

2000 BC: The earliest record of clove use can be traced back to ancient China. Chinese officials would chew cloves to freshen their breath before speaking to the emperor.
Ancient Egypt: Cloves were used in Egypt for their medicinal properties and also for embalming, given their strong aromatic nature.

Middle Ages

4th Century AD: Cloves began to be traded internationally, making their way to Europe and other parts of Asia via the Silk Road and other trade routes.
Medieval Europe: Cloves were a prized spice for flavoring food. They were also used in medicine for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Age of Exploration

15th – 17th Centuries: The Europeans, especially the Portuguese and Dutch, sought to control the clove trade. The spice was valued highly and was one of the reasons that led to the age of exploration.
Dutch Monopoly: In the 17th century, the Dutch established a monopoly on the clove trade, going to the extreme of controlling and limiting the cultivation of cloves to one island, to keep prices high.

Colonial Period

British and French: Both nations challenged the Dutch monopoly, leading to the cultivation of cloves in other parts of the world, like Zanzibar, which eventually became the world’s largest producer of cloves.

Modern Times

Today: Cloves are grown in various countries around the world, including Indonesia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. They are used in cuisines globally, in the production of clove oil, and in traditional medicine.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Use: They have been used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Clove oil, in particular, is known for its benefits in dental care.
Culinary Use: Cloves are a popular spice used in a variety of dishes around the world, including meats, curries, marinades, and hot beverages.

History of Frankincense & Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are two of the most iconic fragrances in history, with a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. These two resins were highly valued in ancient times for their aromatic, medicinal, and religious properties, and were used in a variety of different cultures throughout the world.

Frankincense is a resin that comes from the Boswellia tree, which is native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree, allowing the sap to ooze out and harden into small, tear-shaped droplets. The resin has a distinctive, spicy aroma and has been used for centuries in perfumes, incense, and medicines.

The use of frankincense dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Rome. In Egypt, frankincense was used in the embalming process and was believed to have healing properties. In Rome, it was used in religious ceremonies and was burned as incense in the temples.

Frankincense was also highly valued in the Middle East, where it was traded along the famous “Frankincense Road” that linked the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean world. The trade in frankincense was a major source of wealth for the people of the region, and it played a significant role in the economies of ancient Arabia and Yemen.

Myrrh, another resin with a long and fascinating history, comes from the Commiphora tree, which is also native to northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Like frankincense, myrrh is harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree, and allowing the sap to flow out and harden into small droplets.

Myrrh has a sweet, earthy fragrance and was also highly valued in ancient times for its medicinal and religious properties. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was used in the embalming process and was believed to have powerful healing properties. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was used as a medicine and was believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Myrrh was also used in religious ceremonies in ancient times, particularly in Judaism and Christianity. In the Bible, myrrh is mentioned as one of the gifts brought by the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and it was used to anoint the bodies of the dead in ancient Israel.

The use of frankincense and myrrh declined in the Middle Ages as the trade routes that brought them to Europe were disrupted by wars and political turmoil. However, their use was revived during the Renaissance, when they became popular as ingredients in perfumes and medicines.

Today, frankincense and myrrh are still used in a variety of different ways. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products, and are still used in some religious ceremonies. They are also still valued for their medicinal properties, and are used in traditional medicines in some parts of the world.

In conclusion, the history of frankincense and myrrh is a long and fascinating one, spanning thousands of years and many different cultures. These two resins have played an important role in the religious, cultural, and economic life of the Middle East and Africa, and their fragrant and medicinal properties continue to be valued to this day.

Frankincense & Myrrh Wax Melts by Candlecopia®, 2 Pack

An ancient fragrance both deeply meditative and emotionally balancing. Each 3.2 ounce wax tart contains 6 cubes. For best results, melt 2 cubes at a time. Go ahead, mix and match fragrance cubes for your own unique scents!

We make Candlecopia products by hand with care in the United States. Our products will fully melt and will throw fragrance for many hours. Candlecopia is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business and a woman-owned small business. Please try this product and leave your feedback.

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