Although the term “aromatherapy” was coined in the 1930’s, the use of aromatics is as old as civilization itself.  The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used essential oils for fragrant bathing, massages and for healing.  The use of aromatic plants in India is documented in Ayurvedic texts of the 4th century BC.  Middle Eastern peoples perfected the art of distillation and used aromatherapy perfumes extensively.  Aromatics were used medicinally during the Middle Ages, however they were replaced in part, by the rise of modern medicine in the 1500s.  In 1852 salicylic acid (aspirin) was produced chemically, which has virtually replaced the use of Willow (Salix alba) for the relief of aches, pains and fever.  In the 19th century it was recognized that many diseases were caused by micro-organisms and in France in the late 1990s it was discovered that some essential oils were antimicrobial.  Today France continues to produce and use significant numbers of aromatherapy preparations to medically treat disease.

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Aromatherapy can be used as a primary means of healing or it is more frequently recommended as a holistic and complementary treatment modality to assist the body to balance and heal itself.  It represent another means to return to nature to seek health living.  Valerie Cooksley, RN, Co-founder of The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy www.aroma-rn.com, provides this definition of aromatherapy: “The skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well being.”  There are now numerous scientific studies which validate the physical and emotional health properties of essential oils www.naha.org.

Essential oils are obtained from the blossoms, leaves, stems, roots, bark and fruits of flowers and plants.  Aromatherapy preparations are recommended for relaxation, reduce stress and contribute to a high degree of well-being.  Other preparations can relive pain and improve functions of body systems.