The word “aromatherapy” was coined at the beginning of the 20th century by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefoss,
who learned firsthand of the effectiveness of using lavender essential oils after suffering burns during a laboratory accident
and gave the name “aromatherapy” to this approach to plant-based healing.
The constituents of plant aromas have been used as fragrances and perfumes for several thousand years, dating far back to
ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Aroma Environment Association of Japan defines aromatherapy as follows
Aromatherapy is a natural holistic approach to therapy using essential oils.
Aromatherapy seeks:
1. To foster relaxation and refreshment,
2. To promote beauty and health,
3. To maintain and enhance physical and mental homeostasis, and
4. To alleviate physical and mental disorders and to restore normal health.