Did you know that aromatherapy is a relatively new term when compared to how long the actual practice of using aromatherapy oils has been around? It is true. The word “aromatherapy” was not coined until the 1920’s. It has long been thought that aromatherapy essential oils could be used to heal the body and spirit.
Ancient cultures across the globe have all used massage techniques and aromatic flowers or herbs to help people. Tinctures and teas made from certain plants and herbs were considered invaluable medicines in their time. It is funny how the word came about from sheer coincidence.
During the 1920’s, a French chemist by the name of Rene Maurice Gattefosse was researching essential oils. He was trying to discover the properties of these oils and their use in healing. Quite by accident, Gattefosse burned his arm by catching it aflame. He quickly submerged his hand in a nearby vat of liquid, which just so happened to be lavender oil.
What did he discover? He discovered that the burn was soothed quickly and later realized that the healing time of the burn had been dramatically decreased. He began labeling this essential oil with the term “aromatherapy” due to its […]

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