The Birth of Modern Aromatherapy

The birth of modern aromatherapy can be attributed to the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse.  It was Gattefosse who used the word 'aromatherapy' in 1937 with the publication of his book ' Aromatherapie.'

It is said that after burning his hand in an experiment he put it in the nearest liquid which happened to contain Lavender essential oil.  He went on to use essential oils on the wounds of soldiers who were injured in WW1.

Other chemists were also investigating the use of essential oils.  In Australia, Penfold and others were researching the benefits of Tea tree essential oil.  In Italy, doctors Giovanni Gatti and Renato Cayola discovered the psychotherapeutic effects of essential oil such as Jasmine and Lemon essential oil.

Madame Marguerite Maury (1895-1964) introduced aromatherapy into Britain in the late 1950s.  She applied the essential oils diluted in carrier oils, using massage techniques.