Heard of aromatherapy and want to know more about what it is? You’ve come to the right place.  Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils extracted from plants to promote both health and wellbeing. It’s a holistic healing practice in which natural oils and their aromas are used to support the body, mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy can support a lot of issues, including sleep, mood, and concentration . So where did Aromatherapy start?

When did it start and where does it come from?

The word ‘aromatherapy’ was first used by a French chemist, Gattefosse, in the 1930s. He studied plants in a scientific environment and began to understand their effectiveness in treating and supporting certain health conditions. 

In 1977, Robert Tisserand wrote The Art of Aromatherapy to bring awareness to Gattefosse’s research and the power of the plants. Despite the word being relatively new, aromatherapy isn’t a new concept. For centuries plants have been used by humans to support their health and wellbeing.

Aromatherapy through the ages 

There is evidence to suggest that ancient civilizations used plants in their everyday life as a form of medicine. For example: 

• Texts on the Ancient Indian science of Ayurveda mention Sandalwood and Patchouli
• The Romans extensively used plants to support their health, such as Lavender
• The Greek physician and father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, wrote about using herbs and plants as medicine 
• In ancient Egypt, plants were used for daily health, around the home, and in balms and tinctures. 

Coming forward to the Middle Ages, plants were used by the physicians of the time to protect people against plagues and other illnesses. Skip to today, and aromatherapy is readily available and accessible to everyone.

4 ways to use aromatherapy

There are different applications and ways to use essential oils exist that also fall under the umbrella of aromatherapy. For example, ready-made essential oil blends can be used in a variety of easy ways to boost your well-being. 

Including:

1. Roller balls – a quick way to use aromatherapy on the go
2. Essential oil diffusers – surround yourself with scent at home or in the office
3. Bath & Body products– to start or finish your day with an aromatic boost 
4. Massage oils – to soothe achy muscles or help you sleep

The future of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy brings the perfect blend of ancient wisdom and modern research.If you are new to Aromatherapy, or even a well-seasoned user, make sure to check out our other blogs about Aromatherapy. 

Inspired by a blog written by @fromtheseedaroma for Tisserand Aromatherapy