The History of Aromatherapy

Did you know that the History of Aromatherapy begins over 3500 years BC? Aromatics in ancient times were used for religious purposes, perfumes, and medicines. The actual term "aromatherapy" was invented in 1935 by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse after a skin burn incident and the treatment was attributed to Lavender Oil.

The use of Plant extracts were predominant in Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, China and Ancient Egypt. It was after the year 1831, France, a crew of perfume-makers and a venerated centre of distillation, that the study of essential oils was acknowledged. Within a few days, some of the foremost scientists of that time, such as Louis Pasteur, took an interest to it. From as early as 1887, Charles Chamberland, disciple and assistant to Pasteur, began accurately and scientifically measuring the antiseptic effects oregano, clove and cinnamon essential oils on anthrax.

Soon, in 1910, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a chemical engineer from Lyon, discovered the therapeutic properties of pure lavender after a shocking blast in his lab, which left him with critical burns. He effectively treated these burns with the use of lavender essential oils. Won over by that “miracle", he founded the French Society of Aromatic Products and published about 20-25 works that are considered as references today. These works would give aromatherapy its reputation and its very name, as it was Gattefossé who coined the term “aromatherapy”, in 1935.

In 1929, Sévelinge, a pharmacist from Lyon, demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of some essential oils. Then, in the 1950s, a military doctor used them to operate on injured soldiers in Asia. Aromatherapy was on the map and getting the attention it deserved.

In the modern era, aromatherapy is more frequently the focus of scientific studies. It is a full-fledged branch of medicine with worldwide acknowledgement. Over 17,000 articles on aromatherapy have appeared in international high-level scientific publications. At Puressentiel, we make it a point to offer the best formulations of aromatherapy for your daily concerns. With a variety of Air Sprays that exhibit instant relief from Insomnia, blocked nasal passage and the antibacterial air purifying spray. Be sure to get hooked on!

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