The myths behind these essential oils have been borrowed from the book The Directory of Essential Oils by Wanda Sellar. This book is my bible!! 
Bergamot (Citrus Boswellia): The name Bergamot is a small town in Italy where the tree was originally cultivated. Although legend has it that Christopher Columbus found it in the Canary Islands and introduced it to Spain and Italy. Records show that it was used in Florence in 1725, where it was popular in Italian folklore medicine.
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis): The name is derived from the Greek meaning ‘ground apple’ and the Latin ‘nobilis’ refers to noble flowers. According to Culpepper, the Egyptians dedicated this herb to the Sun since it cured fevers (heat). Other sources say it is a Moon herb because it has a cooling effect. The Egyptian priests certainly recognised its soothing properties where nervous complaints were concerned. It has come down in history as the plants’ physician as it cures other shrubs when planted nearby.
Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri): Frankincense was burnt at altars in Egypt as an offering to the gods and used as an aid to meditation. It was also used to fumigate the sick in an effort to banish evil spirits. The Hebres and Egyptians spent a fortune importing it from the Phoenican. Such was its value in those days - almost as much as gold - that it was offered as a gift to the infant Jesus. The Chinese found it helpful in treating scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph glands) as well as leprosy.
Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis): One of the most popular oils in aromatherapy and used in healing since time immemorial. Revered for its antiseptic qualities by the Romans who used to bathe in it and cleanse their wounds. The Latin ‘Lavare’ means ‘to wash’. Once said to cure mild forms of epilepsy. Lavender water was popular in Elizabethan and Stuart ages, favourite perfume of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. English Lavender was grown for a long time in Mitchum, Surrey (near Croydon), though is now cultivated extensively in Norfolk. Its wonderful skin healing properties were discovered quite accidentally by the French chemist Gattefoss early last century.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus): A favourite oil in India for hundreds of years and known locally as ‘choomana poolu’ which refers to the plant’s red grass stems. India was the main supplier until the Second World War after which production was taken over by the West Indies which now produces the finer quality oil.
Orange (Citrus Vulgaris): The Arabic ‘Narandj’ is the root word for Orange and it is possible that the Crusaders, along with many other spoils, brought the fruit to Europe. Certainly it was known in England around the 16th century. The Orange travelled to California on the boats carrying the early missionaries where an important industry now exists. It has long held to be a symbol of innocence and fertility. However, the Trojan Wars began innocently enough. It was a ‘golden apple’, said actually to be an Orange, that Paris awarded Venus in a beauty contest. Venus in turn gave Paris the lovely Helen but forgot to mention that the lady was already married.
Patchouli (Pogostemon Patchouli): The name ‘Patchouli’ is from Hindustan and has a long history of medicinal use in Malaysia, China, India and Japan. It was a renowned antibiotic against insect and snake bites. Dried Patchouli leaves were placed amongst the folds of Indian cashmere shawls in Victorian times to protect the merchandise from moths.
Rose (Rosa Damascena): Rose was probably the first plant used in distillation credited to Avicenna, the 10th century Arab physician. Popular plant in the East: Persian warriors adorned their shields with red roses and the conquering Turks introduced it to Bulgaria in the 17th century. Long a symbol of love and purity - the petals were scattered at wedding to ensure a happy marriage. Rose was probably an aid to meditation and prayer since the story goes that St. Dominic (1170-1221) was visited by the Virgin Mary in a mystical vision and received the first rosary - each bead was scented with roses. Rose Gallica (Red Rose), known as the ‘Apotecary’s Rose’ was used in healing balms for lung diseases and asthma in the Middle Ages. When scented food became the rage in Elizabethan times the aroma of Rose was a favourite. During the Second World War Vitamin C was in short supply and Rosehips were used instead.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis): Traces of Rosemary havae been found in Egyptian tombs and indeed the Greeks and Romans saw it as a symbol of regeneration as well. They held it to be a sacred plant, giving comfort to the living and peace to the dead. Rosemary sprigs adorned their gods and it was used as an incense to drive away evil spirits. The Moors, however, thought it would ward off pests and planted Rosemary bushes in their orchards. Its rejuvenating properties seem to have worked for Donna Isabella, the Queen of Hungary, who in her advanced years used it as a face wash. Apparently it restored her youthful looks! Since Rosemary has always been used to preserve meat there might be substance to this miracle. Its antiseptic properties were also recognised in French hospitals where it was burnt during epidemics.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia): The Australian Aborigines have long recognised the virtues of Tea Tree. When the rest of the world thought it was just a weed, they used the leaves to cure infected wounds. It was introduced into Europe around 1927 and its excellent antiseptic quality was quickly noted. English settlers followed the example set by the Aborigines and found the leaves useful when medical supplies were unobtainable. During World War Two, it was included in military aid kits in tropical areas, as well as in munition factories for skin injuries.