The word "aromatherapy" comes from two words: "aroma", meaning fragrance or scent, and "therapy", meaning treatment. It affects the whole person, mind-body, and spirit in a holistic healing environment.
As far back as 1800 B.C. flowers, plants, and their essences had been used for healing, relaxation, and energizing. Aromatherapy was used by ancient civilizations including Egypt, China, and India, and is reputed to be at least 6,000 years old. It wasn't until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on bacterial infections in humans.
A French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, one day, while conducting an experiment, had a small explosion in his lab, and his hand caught on fire. He immediately plunged his hand into a vat of lavender oil. He was amazed at how quickly his hand healed, with no infection or scaring. Thus, this began his research into the healing powers of essential oils.
In 1937 he published a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales, about the anti -microbial effects of the oils and coined the word "Aromatherapy". He went on to set up a business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics.
The term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century yet the foundations of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly one thousand years.
The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being, harmony, and balance.
From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, and aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life.
Today's heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant, and spiritual use.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnosis, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
