The term Aromatherapy is derived from two words. ‘Aroma’ meaning fragrance, and ‘therapy’ meaning treatment. The history of the utilization of fragrance in treatment, stretches far back into antiquity. Historical written evidence of Aromatherapy as an art and practice has been traced back to approximately 6000 years ago, where it is noted in Egyptian papyri (Kevala, 2001), Ancient Chinese Herbal texts (Ohlerking, 2000) and Sanskrit writings of the Ayurveda (Vanhove, 1999). However it is likely that the roots of Aromatherapy, or the utilization of fragrance and plant extracts by people, began many tens of thousands of years before.

It is probable that as far back as 18, 000 BC, such as seen depicted on the walls of the Lascaux Caves of France, flowers, plants and their essences had been widely used for healing, relaxation and energizing (Ohlerking, 2000). White and Day (1994, p. 5) suggest that there is evidence that Australian Aborigines used natural remedies as much as 40, 000 years ago, and that there is no reason to suppose that other cultures did not experiment in a similar fashion.

From ancient times in many cultures, aromatics where prepared to honor deity, send prayers on to heaven, pass the dead over, cleanse, bring love, or draw good fortune. Scents were commonly used in medicine, embalming, cosmetic purposes, and food preservation, in cooking and religious practices (Cunningham, 1997, p.10). During the Black Plague, in England, herbs were burnt to purify the air, combat bacterial disease and help remove the pungent odour of dead bodies. Traditional Australian Aborigines continue to utilize Eucalyptus branches and leaves to cleanse, heal and in ritual (Worms, 1986, p. 163).

A medical papyrus, dating back to 1555 BC documents how the Ancient Egyptians used a method known as infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants. By the 4th Century AD these primitive distilling apparatus had been described by Greek scholars (White & Day, 1994, p.6). The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils. Most notably Hypocrites, the “father of medicine”, who was the first to formally study the specific effects of essential oils.

The Greek knowledge of essential oils (known to them as fatty aromatics or perfumed oils) then spread to the Romans and was quickly integrated into their use of bathing and massage. Upon opening the trade routes, the Romans started importing new aromatic products from East India and Arabia.

The writings of Dschabir Gerber, in the 9th Century AD. describe dry distillation, water distillation and the existence of aromatic or floral waters. However, it was the Arabs who in the 10th Century AD. perfected the alcohol distillation process, which later spread westwards. By the 12th Century AD the ‘perfumes of Arabia’ (essential oils) and secrets of distillation had been brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. The Europeans then began to experiment with native plants such as Lavender, as the aromatic trees of the East were not readily available (White & Day, 1994).

During the Renaissance, dirt cottage floors were commonly spread with fragrant leaves, and French hospitals were fumigated with burnt lavender and rosemary. In the 19th Century AD scientists in Great Britain and Europe began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans.

During the turn of the Century, French Chemist, Dr. Gattefosse, began research into the healing properties of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory and being surprised as to the extraordinary healing properties of Lavender oil. In 1937 Gattefosse published a book on the anti-microbial effects of particular essential oils, and coined the phrase ‘Aromatherapie’ from which comes the modern term Aromatherapy.

During World War I, Gattefosse, conducted experiments on wounded soldiers with essential oils, (particularly lemon, clove and chamomile) to determine those which had disinfectant and/or healing properties. Later during World War II, doctors again used oils to prevent gangrene and to assist healing.

Dr Jean Valnet, later discovered Gattefosse’s research and continued to experiment with essential oils. Madame Margaret Maury, a French biochemist, developed the method of massage for applying these oils to the skin at about this time. The combined works of Valnet, Maury, and a colleague Arcier, has become the basis of techniques and created a form of Aromatherapy that is currently used today, throughout the world.

Those who have an interest or knowledge of Aromatherapy, know that essential oils can and do, effect people on many levels. Aromatherapy can be beneficial for promoting health, well being, relieving stress, regeneration and rejuvenation of the body. Essential Oils have been commonly associated with the ability to effect mood and calm intense emotions. Today, scientific research has been able to substantiate with laboratory technology and scientific method, that which our ancestors intuitively knew to be the inherent health promoting and healing properties of plants, aroma and essential oils.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using aroma to promote holistic health and wellbeing through the select preparation and blending of :

Pure Essential Oils

Individually blended massage oils

Carefully blended healing creams

Natural skin and hair care products

Bath Salts