History of Perfume and Fragrances

Several years back, my late sister gave me Opium as a gift. Used to like to go to department stores and sample the fragrances that were too expensive for me to buy. Never buy for me, but always love receiving perfume and cologne gifts. Liz Taylor, J-Lo, Brittany Spears, and Mariah Carey have a line of fragrances worth trying. But there are so many fragrances on the market, it's hard to narrow down a favorite scent.

"The history of perfume is very interesting. We can trace it back to ancient Egypt, but it may go further back than that. ..."

History of Perfume (archived copy)

Did you know the famous philosopher Socrates did not approve of perfumes? He thought the smells blurred the lines between slaves and freed men.

History of Perfume ~ Part 2

Balsam: For Priests, Kings and Everyday People

Balsam or balm has been very important since ancient times. 

Here are a few interesting facts.

- Balsam was an ingredient in the anointing oil of the Jewish priests.

- The Queen of Sheba brought balsam as a gift to King Solomon.

- Ishmaelites were traders who sold slaves, spices, myrrh and balm (or balsam).

- Common names for the balsam tree are the balm of Gilead, balsam of Gilead, and balsam of Mecca.

- The Greek term balsamon means “fragrant oil”.

- Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Turks all prized the balm of Gilead. But the fact is, it was precious and highly valued by everyone because of its healing qualities.

• Image credit: ‘The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’...by Edward Poynter via Wikimedia Commons

DID YOU KNOW?

"Balm of Gilead, known also as the Judaean balsam, grew only around the Dead Sea Basin in antiquity and achieved fame by its highly reputed aroma and medical properties but has been extinct in this area for many centuries. The resin of this crop was sold, by weight, at a price twice that of gold, the highest price ever paid for an agricultural commodity. This crop was an important source of income for the many rulers of ancient Judea; the farmers' guild that produced the balm of Gilead survived over 1,000 years."  (Source)

"Balsam was counted among the renowned perfume and incense plants, like myrrh and frankincense, that grew in restricted habitats. The plant grew wild in Arabia. Its great importance stemmed from its rarity; only in Judea and in the oases of Jericho and Ein Gedi did it grow as a cultivated plant, as noted by Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE): 'But every other scent ranks below balsamum. The only country to which this plant has been vouchsafed is Judaea.' " (Source)

Want to know more?  Here are a few additional references.

• Medicinal Herb Info: Balm
• Essential Oils: Balsam Fir
• History of Perfumery
• Medicinal Uses of Balm of Gilead