The word "Aromatherapy" comes from two words: "Aroma", meaning fragrance, and "Therapy", meaning treatment. It is a healing art based in nature, and it effects the whole person--mind, body, and spirit. Complete, or holistic healing, is ever-increasingly utilized in today's society. Aromatherapy is a fast growing therapy in holistic medicine.

As far back as 18,000 B.C., flowers, plants, and their essences had been used for healing, relaxation and energizing. Aromatherapy was used by the most ancient civilizations: Egypt, China, and India, and is reputed to be at least 6000 years old.

One medical papyri, dating back to 1555 BC from Egypt, contains remedies for all kinds of illnesses. The methods of application are very similar to the methods used in herbal medicine and Aromatherapy today. The Egyptians used a method known as infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants. Incense was probably one of the earliest ways of using aroma.

Ancient Egyptians used substance and scents of specific plants for religious rituals, as certain smells could raise higher consciousness or promote a state of tranquility. Frankincense was burned at dawn as an offering to the sun and myrrh was offered to the moon. The Egyptians were experts at embalming and used aromatics in the mummification process.

Egyptians understood the principles of aromatherapy and incorporated it into their cooking as well. Specific herbs helped the digestive process, protected against infection, or built the immune system. After bathing, the Egyptians used to be massaged with fragrant oils.

The ancient Chinese were using aromatics at the same time as the Egyptians. The Chinese used aromatic herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense to show respect to God. One book dates to about 2700 B.C.. Shen Nung's Herbal book is the oldest surviving medical book in China. It contains information on more than 300 plants.

Traditional Indian medicine known as ayurveda has been practiced for more than 3000 years. One of its main aspects incorporates aromatic massage.

The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils. They used them for medicines and cosmetics. Aromatherapy came of age when they took medicine into a new light 2000 years ago.

Hypocrites, who was commonly known as the "Father of Medicine," was the first to study essential oils' effects. He believed that a daily aromatic bath and scented massage would promote good health. Theophrastus, a physician, wrote of the healing properties of "aromatic" plants. For at least 1200 years a book about herbal medicine written by a Greek physician named Predacious Dioscorides was the Western world's standard medical reference. Many of the remedies he mentions are still in used in Aromatherapy today.

The Romans borrowed much of their medical knowledge from the Greeks. Rome became the bathing capital of the world after using and improving the abilities of aromatics. After bathing they would be oiled and massaged. When they opened the trade routes, the Romans started importing new aromatic products from East India and Arabia.

During the crusades the knowledge of aromatic oils and perfumes continued to spread from India, Arabia, and the Far East . Crusaders quickly learned of these valuable medicines and brought them back to Europe. A physician named Avicenna, who died in A.D.1037, first used the process known as distillation to distill essence of rose. Around the same time, the Arabs discovered how to distill alcohol. It was then possible to produce perfumes without heavy oily base.

At the beginning of the Renaissance, and with the expeditions of the great explorers, there was a rise in bringing home new aromas. Oils were once again sought after, and herbs were back in demand. In Europe wigs were scented with oils, and nosegays were carried to help mask the stench of their unsanitary streets and bodies. In France, hospitals were fumigated with burned lavender and rosemary.

When the conquistadors invaded South America, they discovered more medicinal plants and aromatic oils. The Aztecs were well known for their plant remedies. The Spanish were amazed at the wealth of medicinal plants found in Montezuma's gardens. The North American Indians used aromatic oils and produced their own herbal remedies, too.

In the 19th century scientists in Great Britain and Europe began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans. The 20th century has brought a new enlightenment to this ancient art.

During the turn of the century, French chemist and author, Dr. GATT fosse, brought about a renewed interest. He began his research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory. He immersed his hand in lavender oil. Dr. GATT fosse was impressed by how few blisters appeared and how quickly the burn healed. In 1937 he published a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils. He coined the word Aromatherapy.

He conducted experiments with essential oils on wounded soldiers during World War I.. Lemon, clove and chamomile were used as disinfectants. The applications were carried on in the Second World War, where doctors used oils to prevent gangrene and speed healing. GATT fosse went on to set up a business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics.

Jean Valnet, a French medical doctor, discovered GATT fosse's research. He began experimenting with essential oils. A French biochemist named Margaret Maury, developed the method of massage for applying these oils to the skin around the same time. Micheline Arcier studied and worked with Margaret Maury and Jean Valnet. Their combined techniques created a form of Aromatherapy we use today all over the world.

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