History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been around in some form for
thousands of years. India, China and Egypt all
document their use in ancient times. The early
Grecians and Romans, followed by the Europeans,
also used essential oils. But, it wasn’t until 1928
that a French chemist Rene’ Gattefosse’ coined the
term “aromatherapie”. His research began, as the
result of an accidental burn
to his hand at a perfumery.
To cool his burned hand he
plunged it into the nearest
bowl of liquid, which was
lavender oil. His hand
healed very quickly with
virtually no scarring.
He then began researching the healing properties of other essential oils,
considering their chemistry as well as their smell. The principle healing chemicals of many essential oils have more recently been extracted for use in allopathic medicine.
