Aromatherapy has its origins in ancient Indian, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Roman, Arabian, Persian and other cultures that used essential oils. It was re-emerged in the early 20th century when French scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term "aromatherapy" in 1929 and published the first well-documented reference on aromatherapy. During World War II, aromatherapy was used by French surgeon Jean Valnet, and over the next 50 years he continued efforts to advance aromatherapy.
2. The Genesis
2
Oldest documented
reference in Indian Vedas
Oldest Known usage
by Egyptians
Chinese/Greeks/Romans/
Arabians/ Persians/
French/English/Americans all used it
Re-emergence in
early 20th century
3. Re-emergence of Aromatherapy
3
French scientist
Rene- Maurice Gattefosse
coined the term
'Aromatherapy' in 1929
Book "Aromatherapy –
essential oils plant hormones"
by Gattefosse became the first
well documented reference in
Aromatherapy.
4. Usage during World War -II
4
Usage by French Surgeon
Jean Valnet
Next 50 years belonged to his
continuous efforts.
5. Other's Worth Mentioning
5
Danièle Ryman
France
Marguerite Maury
Austria
Robert Tisserand
England
Madame Eve Taylor, Ms Shirley Price ,
Ms. Marium Zaveri, Madam Blossom
Kochhar, Dr. Anjana Agarwal and Su
Gibson
Let me introduce you with few basic concepts of aromatherapy.
I know some of you may be totally new to this, or some of you might have been fascinated the way spa marketers have used this term to attract you.
The oldest well documented usage of aromas and scents for healing and environment protection can be traced back to the period of Vedas (The most holy knowledge book of Indian subcontinent). This was around three thousand five hundred years from now.
Reference of Sandalwood, rose essences, various kinds of aromas from spices, leaves and barks have been made. The Indian medicine system 'Ayurveda' which has come of references in Vedas, strongly advocates the use of plant based essences.
The opening of King Tutenkhamen's tomb brought out the fact that how important aromatic substances were there in the egyptian periods. Use of myrrh and honey mixtures was particularly noticed. The usage of aromatic substances in chinese, greek, roman, arbaian, french, english and in american history has been referred in many stories. May it be the story of choice of perfumes by Cleopatra or use of neroli water by Napolean. The aromatherapy re-emerged in modern times in early 20th century.
The re-emergence of aromatherapy in early 20th century is commonly attrributed with french scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefose who coined the word 'Aromatherapy'. He is also known as the father of Aromatherapy. Mr. Gattefose had severely burned his finger which could not be cured with medicines available in his times. Being in the business of cosmetics, he had access to 'Lavender Essential Oil' which he tried to test on his burned finger. The magic cure without a subsequent scar encouraged him to study further and he wrote a book. The name of the book translated from French will read as "Aromatherapy - essential oils plant hormones" which was published in 1937.
French Surgeon Jean Valnet used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers during world-war II.
He popularised aromatherapy for another 50 years along with phytotherapy (A therapy based on plant extracts) It was due to Dr. Valnet's effort that aromatherapy is a regular part of modern medical practices in France.
Few other names should definitely be taken to draw inspiration from their work in the field of aromatherapy. Madame Marguerite read a 19th century book by Dr. Chabenes to learn the secrets of fragrances which she republished in 1964 as "Secrets of Life and Youth". Ms. Daniele Rayman worked with Marguerite in her earlier days and later became an authority on 'Aromatherapy'. She pioneered many commercial products available today. Mr. Robert Tisserand, and englishman wrote the very first aromatherapy book in english titled 'The Art of Aromatherapy'. There are many more names, which have come across my study of aromatherapy. I as a learner have been particular impressed with the works of Madame Eve Taylor and Shirley Price from UK, and Ms. Marium Zaveri and Madam Blossom Kochhar from India. I also wish to name Dr. Anjana Agarwal a disciple of Ms. Zaveri who gave me first insights into the world of Aromatherapy. I also don't want to forget naming Ms. Su Gibson whose aromatherapy course on Udemy inspired me to create another course to share a little more with my co-learners.
So its time to move further. Next we shall know about the "Origin and Development" of aromatherapy.
