The Chinese were also instrumental in developing what we know today as aromatherapy. During the Tang dynasties which lasted from the 7^th century AD until the Ming dynasty began in the 17^th century, those from the upper classes used scent in their baths, homes, and temples, and they also sweetened the air in their homes, and temples. They also wrote with fragrant ink on scented paper, used perfumed cosmetics, and carried sachets with them stashed in their clothing. Gigantic likenesses of Buddha were carved in camphorwood, and they even used fragrant sandalwood for the ribs in their fans. Party goers would throw more sachets at dances and ceremonies.

During these ancient times in China there were a number of works published about aromatherapy. In the 16^th century a famous publication talked about close to 2,000 different herbs and how to use them. There was a section devoted to essential oils. Some examples discussed using jasmine as an overall tonic, rose for digestive, liver, and blood problems, chamomile for headaches, dizziness and colds, and ginger for malaria and coughing.

As Islam spread throughout the world, so did more use of fragrance. Rose scented water is a major part of Moslem culture. It purified mosques, made gloves fragrant, and was used in foods such as sherbet and Turkish Delight.

As people worshipped in the mosques they were sprinkled with rose water, and their prayer beads contained gum arabic and rose petals, which released their pleasing aroma as those praying handled them.

The 12^th and 13^th centuries saw more study and wider uses for aromatherapy. In the 14^th century a major event took place; Black Death struck killing millions of people. Studies later confirmed that most perfume makers escaped its ravages.  By the 15^th century the plant base used to make essential oils had expanded. Some still in use are juniper, rose, sage, and rosemary. Also by that time more books were written on the subject and physicians were using herbal remedies more and more to treat illness and injury. As the years continued to pass, the differences between perfumes and using scents for medicinal purposes grew more distinct. Scented oils and herbs were used in medicine for thousands of years by now, but they were also considered a cosmetic enhancement. During the 16^th and 17^th centuries perfume makers created their own industry and the healers another. 

The famous European explorers Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus were both trying to increase the spice trade by discovering new resources and setting up direct trade routes and eliminating middlemen. Even though Columbus found a new continent and foods, he was still hoping to find cinnamon and cloves and never succeeded.